Colon hydrotherapy also known as colonic cleansing or colonic irrigation is a technique that involves administering lukewarm water into the colon to flush out the toxins or waste from the large intestine (colon). This therapy has gained popularity over the years, as it not only keeps the colon health in check but also improves the overall wellbeing of a person. 

Although many of us haven’t heard of it, but Colon hydrotherapy is not a new concept to the world. Colon irrigation was quite popular among the Ancient Egyptians and the Greeks, who used this therapy to enhance their gut health. The famous Greek physicians, Galen and Hippocrates promoted colon cleansing. References to this practice can be found in Egyptian medical texts, dating back to 1500 BC. 

Colon cleansing, or colic, is not just limited to the Western world but has been popular in India since ancient times. A similar procedure called Jal Basti Kriya is mentioned in Ayurveda touted as the ancient medical science of India. 

What is Jal Basti Kriya mentioned in Ayurveda 

In India, the practice of colon hydrotherapy stems from an ancient Indian practice of Panchkarma as mentioned in Ayurveda. This involves performing Jal Basti Kriya which was done to regularly evaluate the bowel, necessary for preventing digestive issues and ailments. 

In Jal Basti (enema) is performed along with ayurvedic formulations that are administered into the colon to maintain its viscosity. This is one of the best and non-invasive methods of cleaning the colon. 

Since our modern lifestyle doesn't allow us to spend time on such treatments, colon hydrotherapy offers a time-saving alternative to boost our colon health while providing additional benefits such as weight loss, maintaining blood pressure, managing diabetes, and promoting cell-regeneration that gives you a younger looking skin. 

"In times past, knowledge of the bowel was more widespread and people were taught how to care for the bowel. Knowing the ways of keeping the bowel healthy, and in good shape, is the best way I know to keep away from the grip of disease and sickness."— Dr. Bernard Jensen, Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management

Advantages of Colon Cleansing: 

This simple, safe drugless, invasive therapy using modern technology can help in the following ways: 

• Can give instant relief from bloating, constipation, and abdominal pains. 

• Can improve many ongoing critical conditions. 

• Can enhance bowel function by hydrating, activating, and evacuating. 

• Allows for assessing the condition of bowel function. 

• Provides relief from chronic bowel issues. 

• Helps defer or eliminate the possibility of unwanted surgeries

• Helps in pre-colon preparation for medical procedures such as colonoscopy. 

• Helps in managing certain health conditions, where other procedures may prove to be ineffective.
  

These advantages can be attained only when the therapy is coupled with proper administration and understanding of the therapy by the therapist. 

Although the procedure is generally safe and simple to carry out. However, it is advisable for the therapist to consult a medical practitioner before administering the therapy if the person is experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Rectal bleeding.

• Gastrointestinal perforation.

• Rectal colon surgery.

• Pregnancy.

• Cirrhosis.

• Fistula/piles.

• Haemorrhoids

• Carcinoma of the colon.

• Severe anaemia

• Fluctuating blood pressure

• Heart-related problems.

• Any other critical illness

How Safe is this Treatment 

Colon hydrotherapy commonly referred to as colon cleanse is a non-invasive procedure which is generally safe, when performed by a trained professional such as a doctor or therapist. 

The treatment is becoming popular because it is a time-saving procedure and is one of the best treatments for people suffering from Internal Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and constipation. 

Colon cleansing is an effective treatment for many lifestyle diseases, especially related to gut and colon health. In which lukewarm water is infused into the colon that hydrates the bowel, softens and loosens the waste by normal peristaltic contractions. It not only removes the harmful microbes and debris from the colon but also maintains the balance between the good and the bad bacteria in the colon. 

Once the toxins are removed from the body, it results in improved absorption of nutrients and strengthening of our immune system, making you feel lighter and relaxed after the therapy.

Why is Colon Cleansing Important?

Colonic cleansing has become more important than ever, as a large population of people has adopted unhealthy eating habits. Packaged food is popular among the masses, as many people are into the habit of munching ready-to-eat snacks, now and then. 

According to NPR, the average adult consumes around 60% of processed food which adds up to a great part of their diet, while 70% of a kid’s diet includes ultra-processed foods. Such a diet lacks fibre and nutrition, which leads to a slow metabolism.

 Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle results in slow-moving intestines with weak peristalsis (the wave-like movement of the intestines that moves food forward). Consequently, leading to digestive issues such as constipation, gas, inflammation, bloating and irregular bowel habits. This in turn causes more fermentation and putrefaction of undigested food by bacteria and yeast. As a result, these microbes produce more toxic waste in the form of acids and gases, which further leads to inflammation. 

These toxins are responsible for damaging the intestinal tissues, as well as the nerves and glands in and around the gastrointestinal tract. Studies suggest that these toxic substances can trigger abnormal brain function, as well as cognitive, mood, and behavioural problems. 

Although, our body is capable of detoxifying itself, however, poor nutrition and toxins can slow down our metabolism, creating the need for external help in cleansing the colon. Therefore, colon hydrotherapy is a natural and safe way to detoxify and clean the colon. 

Why is this Ancient Technique gaining Popularity 

Rooted in Ayurveda’s Jal Basti Kriya, Colon cleansing is making a comeback, with people choosing it over other invasive procedures, that can pose long term health risks. Colon hydrotherapy, on the other hand, remains a safe, drug-free and effective method of removing impacted faecal matter, retained gas, mucus and other waste materials from the colon. As a result, many patients with chronic digestive issues have reported benefits from the therapy. 

Colonic procedures have evolved over time, and with modern colon hydrotherapy devices, they have become more sanitary and relaxing, offering a more organised treatment process to the patients. Therefore, many doctors are now embracing colon hydrotherapy as an adjunct to traditional medical treatments or as part of a comprehensive regimen of complementary and alternative medicine designed to cleanse and detoxify the patient’s gastrointestinal system.  

Conclusion:

The ancient practice of colon hydrotherapy is bridging ancient wisdom with modern needs. As more people are becoming aware of their bodies and overall well-being, many of us are now resorting towards safe and drugless therapies to enhance their health. Therefore, colon hydrotherapy comes as a safe alternative to invasive procedures and surgeries that can provide relief from chronic gut and digestive issues.