Colon Hydrotherapy and Colonics
Colon hydrotherapy is the process of warm, filtered water being gently fused into the colon through the rectun via a plastic tubing that is disposable. This procedure must be performed by a certified or licensed professional for optimum results and safety.
There are a number of things to keep in mind if you are considering “colon cleansing”.
1) Detoxification of the “toxic matter” in the colon.
The myth of “toxic matter” in the colon has been perpetuated for far too long. Please be advised that there is no clinical, published scientific evidence or anatomical basis for what is called “toxic matter” or “mucoid plaques”. One of the first things you should ask, when you are calling different colon hydrotherapists is:
- “Do you believe in mucoid plaques or toxic matter in the colon?”
- — If the answer is yes, hang up the phone and keep looking.
In medical school, gross anatomy classes required the dissection of every organ and tissue in the body. I can tell you from first hand experience that I never saw any evidence of “mucoid plaques” in any of the cadaver’s colons in our gross anatomy labs. In addition, I have spoken with many surgeons and gastroenterologists regarding this hoax and they all agree; there is no such thing as “mucoid plaques”. Often times colon hydrotherapists will make health suggestions, recommending treatments with supplements and products such as bentonite clay and psyllium husk powder. Much of what is passed through the stool during these “cleanses” , is due to the products that are being ingested, not the removal of impacted “mucoid plaques”. In the medical community, this idea of “mucoid matter and plaques” is considered quackery and misinformation. Buyer beware.
2) Cleansing of the colon with colonics
Are colonics helpful in certain conditions? – Yes. In certain situations such as acute and benign constipation as a result of dietary choices, supplementation (such as in the treatment of anemia), as well as in cases of severe dehydration or during treatment programs with your physician. There is also some evidence that shows colonics are useful in a pre-colonoscopy setting or as a post surgical approach to support the normalization of bowel function. However, knowing when and if it is appropriate to receive a colonic is just as important as knowing when it is not. This should always be discussed with your Naturopathic Physician.
Are colonics required for detoxification? – No. Not at all. In fact, receiving colonics frequently can lead to more gastrointestinal problems than you may have had previously, such as:
- severe constipation
- bowel atony
- dysbiosis
- cramping
- abdominal pain
- malabsorption
3) Is it possible that I may benefit from a colonic? -Yes! In the right situation and only if they are recommended by your doctor.
There are many ways to “detoxify” your body that are natural, safe and effective. Colonics can be very useful in the right situations and colon hydrotherapy should be considered only if you have had a chance to discuss the possible benefits with your doctor. As always, there is no substitute for a healthy diet, staying well hydrated and sticking to your long term treatment program that will involve daily approaches to detoxification as well as disease prevention.
If you are interested in learning more about colonics and colon hydrotherapy options in Santa Rosa, or the ongoing cleanses that Dr. Hoffman leads in the area, please contact Dr. Hoffman at 707-292-8882.
Dr. Hoffman offers his services to the following areas: napa, sonoma, santa rosa, healdsburg, petaluma and sebastopol.