Colon hydrotherapy, also called colonic irrigation, is often referred to as “a colonic”. While modern equipment provides simplicity and improved safety, water has been used to clean out and retonify the large intestine for thousands of years—described in the earliest known medical writings, ancient Egyptian documents known as the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 B.C.) and the Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 1600 B.C.).

The procedure is simple and natural; basically, water in and fecal matter out. A gentle infusion of filtered and purified warm water into the large intestine softens and loosens stool so that natural colonic function can eliminate it. Think of it as water aerobics and a bath for the large intestine: water entering the colon gently stretches the walls and stimulates nerve receptors that trigger it to release the water and loosened stool.

Colonic systems are usually classified as open or closed, and the water delivery for those systems can be gravity flow or pressure flow.

In an open system, the tube (tip) is about the diameter of a pencil and is inserted no more than 2 inches. Water flow is delivered from a gravity tank. The client lies on a special table and a basin under the buttocks collects eliminated water and waste. The client must consciously retain the water to “fill” the large intestine and then allow the release of stool and water into the basin, where it is flushed away quickly.

Closed systems utilize a tube called a speculum that holds the anal canal open throughout the treatment for water delivery and waste release. The client lies on their side on a comfortable table, the speculum is gently inserted 2 to 4 inches, and a hose is attached to the open end, connecting it to the waste outlet on the colonic equipment. Once the water flow is initiated, the client is assisted to a supported, semi-reclining position for the duration of the session.

With a pressure flow system, the colon therapist uses the knobs on the colonic instrument to direct a gentle water flow into the large intestine until the client feels a mild “urge” to release. The therapist then adjusts the outflow to allow the colon to push the water and waste out of the body.

Closed gravity systems work in a similar fashion with the colon therapist regulating filling and releasing. However, one advantage of a closed gravity system is that the colon can fill and release simultaneously. The large intestine receives water from the gravity tank until full and can then release via the waste hose. Many clients prefer this method as it is quite gentle and avoids the pressure build of using a colonic instrument.

No matter the type of colon therapy chosen, the presence of an experienced colon therapist can make the difference for results and progress to healthier colon function. The colon therapist will often encourage breathwork or guide relaxation to facilitate the client’s mind-body connection, comfort and results. They will often make other suggestions for nutrition or lifestyle changes along with supplemental support to aid digestion or balance intestinal flora.

Once colon function is optimized, monthly or seasonal colonics can provide supportive maintenance for this organ so vital to all body systems and overall health.

Vonnie Schultz Albrecht, RN, of Very Special Alternatives, in Tucson, provides a dual closed system, utilizing a FDA-approved colonic instrument integrated with a gravity tank. Connect at 520-403-1686 or [email protected]. See ad, page 3.