Colonic irrigation The process of injecting enough water (to which herbs or enzymes may be added) through a tube into the colon to fill and cleanse it, also known as an enema, rectal, or clysis. In certain alternative and complementary medicine practices, colonics are used to detoxify the intestinal tract and treat a wide variety of dis­orders, including hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and infections. The method evolved from the days before antibiotics had been developed to fight infection, when emptying the bowels was considered therapeutic for a number of ailments. In ancient Greece and Egypt, as well as in Ayurvedic medicine originating in India, colonic irrigation were regarded as rejuvenating. During the 1920s and 1930s, inducing bowel movements became a fad treatment called “high colonics.” One of the most prominent colonic therapists was John Harvey Kellogg, who treated thousands of patients with gastrointestinal disorders at the Kel­logg Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan. Kel­logg later founded the Kellogg cereal company in Battle Creek.

The basic concept of colonic irrigation as therapy is to exacerbate the natural process of eliminating toxins and digestive waste materials from the colon and rectum. Colonic irrigation enthusiasts believe a buildup of waste materials impedes normal elimination and therefore impedes the immune system and blood­stream. Irrigation may, however, damage the colon by perforating it or injecting amounts of fluid great enough to stretch the bowel out of normal propor­tion and thus impair its ability to function. In addi­tion, colonics may deplete the body of enzymes and normal colonic flora that keep the intestines func­tioning normally, particularly in their ability to fight microbial invasion. Contaminated irrigation equipment may also cause potentially life-threat­ening infections such as amebic dysentery. Colonic irrigation is not recommended for individuals who have Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, rectal or colon tumors, or ulcerative colitis. Also, undiagnosed intestinal disorders that require con­ventional treatment may be aggravated by irriga­tion procedures. More information is available by contacting the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy, P.O. Box 461285, San Antonio, TX 78246-1286, or(210) 366-2888.