Colonic irrigation remains controversial!

Colonic irrigation remains controversial.

About colonic irrigation QUESTION: A friend of mine recently told me she was getting colonic irrigation. She is generally healthy but had been feeling run down. After three sessions, she felt much more energetic and believes that the treatment removes toxins from her body. Is this true? Is colonic irrigation safe?

ANSWER: Colonic irrigation, also called colonic hydrotherapy, is a variant of enema treatment, which involves flushing the bowel with water in different quantities, temperatures, and pressures. Through a tube inserted via the rectum, water may be introduced alone or with added enzymes, coffee, probiotics, or herbs. Treatment sessions usually last about one hour. Colonic irrigation may have been used as early as ancient times in Egypt, China, India, and Greece. This practice gained some popularity in 19th century European spas. Without scientific evidence to support the claims, colonic irrigation has been promoted in modern times to improve general well being and suggested as a treatment for cancer and other diseases unrelated to the lower intestine. Colonic irrigation should not be used as the sole treatment (instead of more proven therapies) for severe conditions, and it should not delay consultation with a qualified health care provider for a potentially severe symptom or illness. In my opinion, the evidence to date does not support the use of colonic irrigation as a way to promote better health and prevent disease. Although rare, serious complications can occur. By Howard LeWine, M.D. Tribune Media Services MORE ABOUT THE HEALTH OF YOUR COLON: • What to expect from colonics • The benefits of colonic hydrotherapy • The truth about colonics & detox diets • Colonics: a health warning • Home colonics: your private colon cleanse therapy * Source: Aurora Sentinel