A First Person Experience with Colonics

Colonics, or colon hydrotherapy, are gaining in popularity. While there is no conclusive evidence backing up claims from practitioners many people are still deciding to give it a try.

About three years ago I decided to visit a doctor of naturopathy to have him administer colon hydrotherapy. It cost me around $60 a session, and I was recommended to have six sessions. This particular doctor believes that anyone getting colonics should start with four to six sessions in a small time frame of about one to two months. After that one session every six months should keep you clean.

My interest in colonics arose due to my Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I had been suffering from IBS for about two years at the time, and I couldn't seem to get my constipation and stomach cramping under control. I thought that maybe I had build up in the intestines that could be contributing to my problems. Also, since I do suffer from constipation, I figured that it would at least provide temporary relief.

During the therapy session you lay on your side with a tube in your rectum. Water is released into this tube at a regulated pressure setting. Once you begin to feel the urge to release the water you tell the practitioner and they will switch the water valve and the water will drain away with water debris it dislodged. There is usually a clear window panel on the machine so that you can see what was released.

Personally I experienced discomfort and feelings of bloating during the procedure. Since I have IBS I had lots of trapped gas bubbles in my system. When the water encounters the gas bubbles it causes a cramping feeling. Once the pressure of the two colliding subsided I would feel fine again.

My sessions usually took about an hour to complete. It would usually take several cycles of filling and draining before anything was dislodged. During the procedure the naturopath would massage my stomach, encouraging the flow of the water and the break up of matter in my intestines. This was also uncomfortable. Having a system full of water, gas, and matter massaged and kneaded wasn't very relaxing.

Although the procedure itself wasn't comfortable I felt much more comfortable for the next couple of days. My bloating and feelings of fullness subsided and let me forget about my typical intestinal cramps. After the initial relief my usual IBS discomforts I suffered returned. I think it was just my system readjusting to the effects caused by my IBS.

I continued on the doctor's recommended six session treatment plan. I also continued the fiber and water regimen that both my general practitioner and the naturopath recommended. Despite my initial relief granted by the colonics, I had no long term benefits.

I never returned for the biannual treatments, as I didn't personally deem it worth the money and discomfort. I don't discourage anyone from trying colonics, but I do recommend that you go to a professional to have it administered.

I have read about the increasing popularity of home kits, but I don't fully trust that people are keeping their tubes and kits germ free. Even if you sanitize the kit after every use it is still exposed to household germs during storage. Some bacteria can cause infections if exposed to the intestines. Also, people with certain conditions, such as ulcerative colitis or inflammation, should not do colonics. Professionals can determine whether or not a colonic would be safe for you based on your condition.

While the evidence to back up claims of overall health improvements that colonics provide isn't solid, I feel that it is a viable option to people interested in exploring alternative medicine.