Colon Therapy: Benefits of Colon Cleansing and Detoxification

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What is Colon Therapy?

Also known as colon cleansing, colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, and detoxification therapy, colon therapy refers to the cleansing of the major part of the large intestine through the use of water, enzymes, herbal remedies, and substances such as coffee. A way to detoxify the body, colon therapy aims to remove accumulated waste from the colon and increase the efficiency of the body’s natural healing abilities. In addition to being administered as a treatment for illness, colon cleansing is also promoted as a preventive health measure and as part of a regular internal hygiene regimen.

Colon Cleansing Effectiveness

According to experts from the Mayo Clinic, not all health professionals recommend colon cleansing since they maintain that the body’s bowel system and digestive system eliminate waste and bacteria naturally. On the other hand, proponents believe that colonic irrigation improves health by promoting healthy intestinal bacteria, removing toxins, enhancing the immune system, and boosting energy. They also claim that gastrointestinal tract toxins can cause a variety of health problems which can be prevented by clearing the colon of toxic waste encrusted on the colon walls.

Benefits of Colon Therapy

Conditions which may be helped by cleansing the colon include:

Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Diverticulitus
Krohn’s Disease
Colon/Rectal Cancer
Arthritis
Gall Stones/Kidney Stones
Hypertension
Psoriasis
Obesity

Some of the goals of colon therapy include:

Boosting the immune system
Increasing vitality
Weight loss
Enhanced mental outlook
Decreased incontinence
Reduced risk of colon cancer

How Colonic Irrigation Works

There are two types of colon-cleansing methods:

1) Over-the-counter powdered or liquid supplements to help the colon expel its contents

Ingested by mouth or taken through the rectum, these products include:

Herbal Teas
Laxatives
Enemas
Enzymes
Magnesium

2) Colon Irrigation

Administered by colonic hygienists or colon hydrotherapists, plastic tubes are inserted through the rectum into the colon. A machine or low-pressure pump sends several gallons of water into the large intestine, while waste and fluids are carried out via another tube. To help remove waste material, the therapist might also massage the abdomen. The entire procedure may be repeated several times. As part of the treatment program, herbs, enzymes, probiotics, coffee, and varying water pressures/temperatures may also be used.

International Association of Colon Therapists

For safety, make sure your colon-cleansing practitioner has received adequate training, such as certification from the International Association of Colon Therapists (IPCH). IPCH registered therapists receive in-depth training in internal cleansing and detoxification and are specifically trained in colonic hydrotherapy.

Enhancing Your Colon Health

There are several dietary steps you can take to improve your colon and overall health and to prevent conditions such as constipation, diverticulitus, and colon cancer. You can:

Drink plenty of fluids (not including alcohol)
Ingest 20-35 grams of fiber daily
Add insoluble fiber found in cereal and whole grains
Add soluble fiber found in fruit, vegetables, bran, and oatmeal
Limit red meat
Decrease consumption of processed foods, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners
Avoid tobacco
Decrease stress
Get screened for colon cancer by the age of 50 or earlier