Based on ancient Egyptian and Greek concepts, colon hydrotherapy (or colonic irrigation) seeks to improve the well being of the body by removing debris from the colon or large intestine which practitioners believe can cause ill health.  The colon is responsible for processing waste and producing a few key vitamins and its dysfunction can lead directly to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome but could also be responsible for headaches, lethargy and skin conditions.  The theory is that a build up of debris can cause toxins that are released into the body, can impede the colon’s production of valuable vitamins and that the colon’s muscle action can be impeded.

A qualified and experienced therapist will seek to maintain the client’s dignity and he or she knows that the best way for the therapy to work is for the client to be relaxed and happy – an important part of the treatment being the consultation and massage of the abdomen area to help the therapy to work.  The colon is gently flushed with water using a tube gently inserted into the rectum using clean equipment in a private room.  Waste material is then carried away again by the water.  The whole treatment can take up to 45 minutes and most people feel no discomfort afterwards and are able to get on with their day.  Many people feel lighter with a heightened sense of well being and enjoy their experience - treatments are usually part of a series in order that the client can gain full benefit.

The scientific and medical professions have remained sceptical about the benefits of colonic irrigation since the early twentieth century but it is a popular therapy today with many people attesting to its benefits.