You are here: Home > Diet & Health

Ask our health expert, Pamela Allardice

 Pamela Allardice Health and wellness adviceNatural health expert Pamela Allardice gives you alternative solutions to your everyday health problems. Read through our archives or ask Pamela to help with your health query today!
Submit a question Go to archive

Colonic irrigation

Pamela Allardice
Monday, September 7, 2009
Getty Images

Question: What is colonic irrigation — is it safe?

Answer

Also known as colonic hydrotherapy, this practice is said to date back to ancient Egyptian times, though the method that is popular today — involving flushing your large intestine with purified water via a tube inserted into the rectum — has its origin in 19th-century health spas.

When you go to a colonic irrigation clinic, you lie on a treatment table wearing a gown that opens down the back. There are two types of irrigation methods: in one, a tube is inserted and purified water is administered under gentle pressure; the patient holds the water in the colon for about two minutes before releasing, then the water and any dislodged lingering waste flow away.

In the other method, a sterile speculum is partially inserted with two tubes attached, one that sprays purified water in and another that allows the waste to drain out. Treatment lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The therapy is used to treat conditions such as digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, skin problems, allergies, and candidiasis. As a bonus, patients report feeling cleaner, lighter and more relaxed after a treatment. Some patients may experience uncomfortable rumbling and wind, but as far as discomfort goes, it's no worse than having a gynaecological exam.

However, medical opinion is not well disposed towards colonic irrigation, and it is critical that you seek out a qualified and experienced therapist who adheres to government standards, such as the Sydney Colon Health Clinic (www.colonhealth.com.au). Even if you are not Sydney-based, they should be able to help you with your enquiries.

Your say: Have you had colonic irrigation? Did you find it beneficial? Tell us below...



SHARE:
MESSENGER
FACEBOOK
MORE
Blog on Spaces
Add to delicious
Add to Digg
Share on MySpace
?
Share, bookmark, and save your favourite ninemsn articles and features.  Learn more.
User comments
If you are having these done then stop now. When you understand how your immune system works and what role the intestines play in it you will realise that everytime you have one you are damaging your immune system. Some in the medical world aren't quite up with this and that is why they are apathetic but then again they prescribe over the counter drugs that kill some 800,000 people a year. This is just one of the practices that needs to be stopped and treated with proper nutrition which is another thing most GP's don't know anything about... Science has proven all the above to be true but it's a pity the rest of you haven't taken note yet and when you do you will have a healthy energetic life.
Potentially very dangerous, I got a serious infection from one, pushing faeces into the ileosacal valve, in Melbourne by this bossy germanic women,she was very into inner cleanliness, and how only she knew how to do it properly, Ha!! I was so ill. The alternative health movement is riddled with poorly trained, messianic self righteous charlatans.
yes

Write a comment
Email: *
Your email will not be shared with any third parties or published with your comment.
Nickname: *
Location: *

Subject:
*
Comment:
*
Maximum characters 1000

Comment guidelines
Avoid using:
  • Personal attacks
  • Irrelevant comments
  • HTML tags
  • Personal information
  • Offensive language
  • Text in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
See full comment guidelines
Comment guidelines X
Thank you for sharing your opinions with other users of NineMSN. People will find your comments more helpful if you include relevant information and avoid some common pitfalls.
Please note: All reviews and comments submitted are subject to moderation, NineMSN reserves the right to alter and / or remove any content that does not comply with usage guidelines.
What to include in your comment:
  • A title that briefly summarizes the opinion expressed in the comment.
  • Additional comments adding more detail.
  • Comparisons to other similar products, if this is relevant.
  • To create a new paragraph, press the Enter key twice.
What not to include:
  • Information that will quickly go out of date.
  • Comments on other comments or commenters.
  • Language that other users may find offensive.
  • comments of one sentence or less. Provide information to support your opinion.
  • Personal information like your email address or telephone number.
  • HTML coding. Tags like <b> or <i> will not be recognized.

Also in this section

Recipe Search

Tip: Try "lamb & potato" or "Low GI"
advertisement
Features
Pictures
Video
Say good riddance to fat: Manage the IN vs OUTMagazines feature new fad diets every week. Low fat, no carbs, South Beach Diet, cabbage soup diet, high fat, Atkins … are you confused? Fed up with all the hype and the fact you are still trying to lose weight? Read on. Robin Hood for divorced womenYou hear the same old story trumped out a lot, the woman who was happily married to a well off man in a wealthy suburb, has three young children then all of a sudden, he moves out. The no-diet weight loss strategy that actually worksThe no-diet weight loss strategy that actually works. Strength training for women; the secret to an amazing body at any ageStrength training does not make you 'big'. To get big muscles you need to train a lot, very hard and with very heavy weights and you also need testosterone. This is hard enough for men and extremely difficult for women... Overcoming the weight loss plateauHere’s something you won’t read about all that often: weight loss is not a linear process. In other words, you’re unlikely to lose a predictable 1 or 2 kilograms per week until you get down to where you want to be.
ww |

inspire me

Barbecued soy and ginger lamb with...

Barbecued soy and ginger lamb with coriander potatoesThe barbecue is the perfect way to cook a butterflied leg of lamb. Have your...More >

Char-grilled t-bones with potato pancakes

Char-grilled t-bones with potato pancakesLet the crisp potato pancakes soak up some of the zesty chilli and ginger...More >

Recipes in your inbox

Recipes in your inboxWe send you the latest recipes from the weekly straight to your inbox.
Sign up now >
ww |

topics

Handy hints(740)/ Expert advice(533)/ natural health(427)/ diet(265)/ Gardening(190)/ Books(179)/ Craft(165)/ Cleaning tips(149)/ Kids(121)/ Health(101)/ Beauty(95)