Colonic irrigation, also sometimes known as colonic hydrotherapy, is a procedure for removing waste and toxins from the bowel. Some of the waste products that colonic irrigation can remove include:
- impacted faeces (dried-up stools),
- dead tissue, and
- parasites and worms.
Complementary therapy
Colonic irrigation is a complementary therapy, and there is currently no medical or scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness. However, it is usually a very safe procedure, and some people believe that it can help with conditions such as:
- bloating,
- flatulence (wind),
- diarrhoea,
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
- fatigue,
- allergies,
- indigestion,
- constipation,
- multiple sclerosis (MS), and
- back pain.
The colonic irrigation procedure
You won't need to make any special preparations prior to having colonic irrigation. However, eating a large meal, or having lots to drink shortly before the procedure, isn't advisable.
Before the procedure, you will talk to your therapist who will ask you questions about your lifestyle and medical history.
During the procedure, you will lie on your side, while warm water is passed into your bowel through a tube that is inserted into your rectum (back passage). This water circulates through your colon in order to encourage your bowel to empty itself. Waste products are then passed out of your body through the tube.
After about 10 minutes, you lie on your back while the therapist gently massages your abdomen to help the process along. The whole procedure will usually take about 40-45 minutes.
After the procedure
After your colonic irrigation procedure, you may be given some probiotics, which contain beneficial bacteria that help to keep your digestive system healthy. The probiotics may either be inserted into your rectum, or taken as tablets.
Colonic irrigation is not available on the NHS, so you will need to pay to have the procedure carried out privately. It usually costs between £40-75 for one treatment.
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