Colonic cleansing is an alternative medical procedure that aims to rid the body of its buildup of toxins through the colon and intestinal tract. This usually implies colon hydrotherapy, often called colonic irrigation, which most commonly involves the process of using enemas to inject water and sometimes herbs or other liquids into the colon using specialized equipment. However if you are not comfortable having this procedure done by someone else there are a range of colonic cleansing products suitable for home use.
Why the Need for Colonic Cleansing?
The body comes in contact with many harmful toxins through our increasingly unhealthy diets as well as our polluted environments. The colon is the part of the large intestine responsible for storing waste, reabsorbing water and maintaining electrolyte and water balance. Because the colon is an organ that is directly or indirectly linked to virtually all other systems in the body, it is believed that through cleansing the colon, the entire body becomes healthier. Some people report improvements in their moods, energy levels and digestive motility after this treatment.
It is believed that cleansing the colon of harmful toxins and waste materials can help restore the body’s optimal pH balance, improve immune functioning, smooth the passage of nutrients into the blood, prevent further absorption of toxins and promote healthy digestion and excretion.
What Does Colonic Cleansing Involve?
Colonic cleansing is frequently administered professionally by trained colonic therapists using state-of-the-art equipment. During this process, the specialist instructs the patient to lie on a table while a machine or pump flushes up to 20 gallons of water through a tube inserted into the patient’s rectum. Once the water is in the patient’s colon, the specialist often massages the patient’s abdomen before flushing out the fluids and waste by way of another tube. This procedure is often repeated for up to an hour. Sometimes the water pressure and temperatures are varied and often the water is combined with herbs or enzymes intended to aid in effective cleansing and waste removal.
In addition to seeing a specialist, many people self-administer their colonic cleansing using products that can be purchased online or at local drugstores, pharmacies and supermarkets. These products can take the form of enemas, laxatives, herbal teas, enzymes, powders or capsules. All colonic cleansing products are intended to force the colon to expel its contents including built up waste matter and toxins.
What Are the Risks of Colonic Cleansing?
Some believe that colon cleansing can lead to dehydration, so it is important to stay well hydrated before and after the procedure. Others believe that the use of laxatives containing sodium phosphate is linked to a rise in electrolyte levels. This can be dangerous for people with heart disease or kidney disease, so it is recommended to check with a doctor before proceeding.
