Cleaning the Colon
Colonics are used to flush excess waste products from the colon, also known as the large intestine. The procedure is used to maintain digestive health and is particularly popular with people who have certain ongoing problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation. Colonics are not performed by medical doctors, but by independent practitioners who specialize in using alternative medicine and natural remedies to treat common disorders. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that colonics improve both general and digestive health by removing impurities in the body.
The Procedure
When you meet with a practitioner, he will ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history and digestive problems. You will be able to discuss any concerns with the practitioner, who will explain the colonic process to you in detail.
Before the colonic is started, you will lie on a padded table and a flexible tube will be inserted into your anus. The tubing is connected to a special hydrotherapy machine which will slowly release filtered water into your rectum. When the warm water is introduced into the rectum, the muscles will contract, much the same as they do during a bowel movement. This movement will force out pieces of feces, which will be flushed out of your body through the now empty tube. The process will be repeated several times over the course of about an hour. There may be some cramping and discomfort during the procedure, but this usually passes when the procedure ends.
Your practitioner may suggest that you eat lightly and drink more fluids than normal for about a day before you have the colonic. Some people report feeling a little light-headed after the procedure, and you may want to rest for the remainder of the day. Practitioners suggest that you avoid eating raw vegetables for several days after the procedure.
The Medical Community's Perspective
While alternative medicine practitioners find colonics helpful for treating conditions ranging from constipation to sinus problems, most medical doctors believe that colonics provide no medical benefits. Doctors believe that the colon naturally eliminates waste materials on its own and feel that a colonic could be harmful, as it might throw off the body's electrolyte balance and cause salt depletion and dehydration. If you are considering having a colonic, you may want to consult your doctor and ask if the procedure will be safe, considering your health history.
You should avoid having a colonic if you have ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, vascular disease, Crohn's disease, cancer, severe anemia, hernia, severe hemorrhoids, recent surgery, congestive heart failure or heart disease. The colonic process can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women and should be avoided during pregnancy.
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