About Colon Cleansing Procedures

Our colons play an important role in our overall health and well-being. Aside from excreting harmful toxins in the form of fecal matter, the colon is responsible for absorbing vital minerals, nutrients and water that our bodies need. However, if a colon is clogged with toxins, it is unable to properly absorb these nutrients, resulting in various health problems that range from constipation to colon cancer. While doctors are quick to prescribe medication or suggest surgery, there is an alternative: natural colon-cleansing procedures.

History

• The earliest documentation of colon cleansing dates back to 1500 B.C., and is credited to the Egyptians. A medical document called "eber papyrus" reported the first use of enemas as a treatment. The Egyptians used hollow reeds from the river to induce water flow into the rectum. In early America, it was believed that enemas played an intricate role in maintaining health and warding off diseases. In the early 1900s, Dr. John H. Kellogg began using colonic therapy on his patients who suffered from gastrointestinal diseases. In 1917, he reported that, of the 40,000 patients he had used this treatment on, only 20 had required surgery. The use of colonic irrigation was common in hospitals and doctor's offices in the 1920s and '30s. Yet it has only been within the 10 ten years that the alternative medicines and treatments used to treat colon and GI diseases have once again become all the rage.

Significance

• Colon-cleansing procedures are almost essential for optimal colon health. Whether you eat a diet complete with the recommended amounts of fiber, fruits and vegetables, or opt for the not-so-healthy alternative of processed foods high in fat, you are not exempt from the effects of environmental toxins. They are absorbed in the skin and find a home in the tissues of our bodies, eventually building up inside the colon. According to a report published in 1912 by the Royal Society of Medicine, this toxicity is the underlying cause of many health problems, including constipation, skin problems, sleep disorders and various cancers of the breast, bladder and colon. One way to combat the toxicity in our colons is to perform a colon cleanse. There are many types of procedures available, all of which are beneficial.

Function

• Colon-cleansing procedures are used in various ways and with various medicines, but they all share a common goal: ridding the colon of toxicity and returning it to a normal state of function. Some cleanse only the lower portion of the the bowel (known as the sigmoid), while others will cleanse both the the sigmoid and the colon. They are often referred to as an internal bath, gently assisting the colon to excrete the buildup of fecal matter and toxins through the use of water, minerals and herbs. Some colon-cleansing procedures are only safe for the short term, while others are safe enough for long-term use.

Types

• There are three main types of colon-cleansing procedures to choose from. The first is the use of an enema, which is a pouch filled with a mixture of water and medication. On its end is a nozzle that is gently inserted into the rectum. The pouch is then squeezed, releasing the water into the lower bowel, prompting the release of fecal matter that has become too hard and large to excrete. Some people choose colonic hydrotherapy or irrigation, which involves the use of a hydrotherapy machine. During this process, a therapist inserts a speculum into the patient's rectum. He then works the speculum around the colon, releasing temperature-regulated water through one tube and draining the waste from another. While both of these procedures are invasive, one is not, and that is the use of herbal supplements. These supplements come in either pill or powder form; when taken daily in certain quantities, the herbs will act naturally to soften the stool and cleanse the colon.

Time Frame

• Enemas are a good option for the short term, but can eventually lead to dependency. If they are used for a prolonged period to help relieve constipation, the colon will eventually rely on them to function normally. They should only be used periodically, in cases of extreme constipation or fecal impaction. Colonic hydrotherapy begins with a total of five to 12 30-minute sessions, the first two being completed as closely together as possible. Once all of your initial sessions are complete, it is recommended that you return on a monthly basis to insure effectiveness. Herbal colon cleanses are consumed once or twice daily, and should be used for a period of 30 days. Once the first month is completed, you can perform a colon cleanse with these products every 2 to 3 months.

Benefits

• Colon-cleansing procedures have many health benefits. While weight loss is not their main purpose, many people have lost as much as 15 lbs. after completing a colon cleanse. This is because their colon has just rid itself of accumulated fecal matter, and is now able to absorb the vitamins and minerals their body needs to increase their metabolic rate. Some elderly people have reported relief from joint aches and pains, while still others say their complexion has cleared up. All of this occurs because the toxins that were once absorbed in their skin and tissues have now been removed.

Warning

• There are will always be some risk associated with any kind of medical treatment, whether prescription or alternative. When choosing an herbal supplement, be cautious and read the ingredients. Natural herbs like senna, cascara sagrada and psyllium should be avoided, as they pose a great health risk. For invasive colon-cleansing procedures like enemas and colonic hydrotherapy, the tubes can cause infection or a tearing of the intestinal walls if they are not inserted properly. Enemas are not recommended for pregnant women, as the procedure may be harmful to the baby. Finally, all colon cleanses can remove healthy bacteria along with the toxins, and prolonged use can cause dehydration.