Colon hydrotherapy aims to restore, strengthen and maintain the
proper function of the colon via water irrigation of the large
intestine that eliminates waste and stimulates the natural contractions
(peristalsis) of the colon.
Colon irrigation – also referred to as a colonic, colon
lavage, high colonic, colonic equipment, colonic hydrotherapy,
colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy – introduces water
into the patient’s large intestines through a plastic tube
(speculum) inserted < 2 inches (50mm) into the patient’s
rectum. For 30-45 minutes the patient’s large intestines
are filled with water, and then released to excrete possible obstructions
or impaction. Typically, the procedure’s administrator will
massage the patient’s lower abdomen to loosen any hardened
obstructions or impaction.
There are two types of colonic devices available: referred to
as open systems and closed systems. Open systems deliver a constant,
low-pressure stream of water through a small pencil sized speculum.
In open systems, the patient naturally controls the filling and
release of water from their colon as they would when going to
the bathroom. During an open system procedure the need for oversight
is minimized, and patient privacy is increased.
Unlike open systems, closed system colonic devices utilize a
large speculum, are administered and controlled by the professional.
A closed system’s speculum is the diameter of a cigar and
used by the professional to deliver water and remove waste. The
professional regulates the pressure, fill and release timing;
during a closed system procedure. Since the device does not run
by itself, little privacy is afforded to the patient; but the
elimination process is more complete.
Colonic practices can place patients at risk of disease and infection.
As such, practices should adhere to strict, regimented cleaning
and sterilizing procedures for all equipment and patient-used
environments. Professionals not exercising a reasonable level
of care can expose their patients to bowel infections like Hepatitis
A and blood borne viruses like Hepatitis B, C and HIV. Patients
could be harmed and sue claiming negligence, likely putting the
practitioner out of business.
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