Ulcerative Colitis & Hydro Therapy

My preconceived idea of hydro therapy for Ulcerative Colitis was the use of external methods of the use of water.

The fact is that I have used water effectively as a treatment for my Ulcerative Colitis in terms of using a hot tub or "spa" monitored by health care professionals.

The stereotypical view of hydro therapy treatment is an internal methodology. Many people would go no further than calling it a routine enema.

Hydro therapy is an alternative form of medicine. It also can be called a "colonic".

The colonic or hydro therapy treatment is used as a naturopathic or alternative method to drug maintenance. The idea is to send water into the bowel at different rates of speed and water temperature.

The hydro therapy with respect to Ulcerative Colitis is used to keep the bowel clean, the other body systems functioning properly, proper elimination of waste and overall body detoxification.

The use of hydro therapy also reduces inflammation (to a point) and clears skin.

Mild warm water externally can ease cramping by virtue of relieving stress level and relaxing muscles.

Hydro therapy cannot be used with a major flare of Ulcerative Colitis because it can cause further problems as well as being painful. The water pressure is the same as a bowel movement but as part of the treatment friendly bacteria may be introduced.

Friends of mine have found that a comfortable whirlpool helps immensely in controlling flares. However, when dealing with the colonic treatments the reviews aren't as good.

Despite the claims, placing any fluid up the colon, especially when there is some tenseness or pain, can be irritating. Further, sometimes fluids can irritate rather than aid an already cranky bowel.

The one area that colonic irrigation seems to help routinely is for the person with a chronic problem with constipation.

If you are in a sedentary stage of Ulcerative Colitis, then you may wish to pursue the method of hydro therapy. Some people are very adverse to using medications and wish to maintain on an alternative basis.

Internal hydro therapy isn't for everyone but if it is for you, it is at least proven to be very safe.