Colonic Irrigation
Colonic Irrigation
Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.
Background
Theory
Evidence
Unproven Uses
Potential Dangers
Summary
Resources
Background
Colonic irrigation, also called colonic hydrotherapy, is a variant of enema treatment, which involves flushing the bowel with water in different quantities, temperatures and pressures. Through a tube inserted via the rectum, water may be introduced alone or with added enzymes, coffee, probiotics or herbs. Treatment sessions usually last about one hour. During a "high colonic," water goes in through one tube in the colon and is removed along with debris through another tube called an obturator.
Colonic irrigation may have been used as early as ancient times in Egypt, China, India and Greece. This practice gained some popularity in 19th century European spas, and it has been used in modern times for general well being and a variety of other conditions.
Theory
Colonic irrigation is proposed to improve mental outlook, modulate the immune system and eliminate toxic substances. Some practitioners suggest that intestinal flora (bacteria that normally live in the intestine) or waste products can affect the entire body's immune system and may therefore be involved with diseases outside of the gastrointestinal tract. It is proposed but unproven that washing away these flora or waste products may have beneficial effects.
There are numerous anecdotes about the benefits of colonic irrigation, although there is limited published scientific research in this area.
Evidence
Scientists have studied colonic irrigation for the following health problems:
Fecal incontinence
There is early research regarding the use of regular irrigation of the lower part of the colon in people with fecal incontinence. Further study is necessary to determine if benefits are likely to occur in most patients.
Ostomy care
Special types of colonic irrigation may be used in patients with ostomies (surgically created connections between the intestine and the side of the body). This area has been studied scientifically, and use of colonic irrigation in this setting should be conducted only under the strict supervision of a qualified ostomy health care provider.
Uncomplicated diverticular disease
Uncommon diverticular disease is a disorder of the colon. As a person ages, pressure within the large intestine (colon) can cause pockets of tissue (sacs) that push out from the colon walls. A small bulging sac pushing outward from the colon wall is a diverticulum. Diverticula can occur throughout the colon but are most common near the end of the left side of the colon, the sigmoid colon. Early evidence suggests that colonic irrigation may improve the symptoms of diverticular disease. However, more studies are needed before a recommendation can be made. Check with a gastrointestinal specialist before using colonic irrigation.
Colonic spasm (during colonoscopy)
Evidence from some studies has shown that irrigation with warm water during colonoscopy may help reduce the incidence of colonic spasm. Further research is needed.
Unproven Uses
Colonic irrigation has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially life-threatening. Consult with a health care provider before using colonic irrigation for any use.
Addiction
Allergy
Altered blood pH balance
Altered eating habits
Arthritis
Asthma
Back pain
Bad breath
Bloating
Bowel cleansing
Cancer
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Colds
Colitis
Constipation
Cough
Detection of parasites
Diarrhea
Digestive disorders
Distended abdomen
Eczema
Epstein-Barr virus
Fatigue
Food cravings
Foul body odor
Gas
Gastrointestinal disorders
General health maintenance
Gout
Headache
High blood pressure
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Improved mental state
Influenza
Insomnia
Irritability
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lupus
Menstrual problems
Pancreatitis
Promotion of regular bowel movements
Prostate conditions
Psoriasis
Screening for colorectal cancer
Shingles
Skin problems
Strengthening colon muscle contraction (peristalsis)
Potential Dangers
Colonic irrigation can potentially cause severe adverse effects and must be carefully administered. People receiving frequent treatments may absorb too much water, leading to electrolyte imbalances in the blood, nausea, vomiting, heart failure, fluid in the lungs, abnormal heart rhythms or coma. Infections have been reported, possibly because of contaminated equipment or as a result of clearing out normal colon bacteria. There is a risk of bowel perforation (breakage of the bowel wall), which is a severe complication. Deaths have been reported.
Colonic irrigation should not be used in people with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe or internal hemorrhoids or tumors in the rectum or colon. It also should not be used soon after bowel surgery (unless directed by your health care provider). Regular treatments should be avoided by people with heart disease or kidney disease (renal insufficiency). Be sure that the equipment used is sterile and that the practitioner is experienced. Colonic irrigation should not be used as the sole treatment (instead of more proven therapies) for severe conditions, and it should not delay consultation with a qualified health care provider for a potentially severe symptom or illness.
Summary
Colonic irrigation has been recommended for many conditions. There are numerous anecdotes about successful treatment with colonic irrigation, although effectiveness and safety have not been thoroughly studied scientifically. Because of the potential risks involved, colonic irrigation may not be safe for many individuals.
The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Resources
Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Colonic Irrigation
Natural Standard reviewed more than 30 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.
Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
1. Anon. Amebiasis associated with colonic irrigation: Colorado. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1981;30(9):101-102.
2. Briel JW, Schouten WR, Vlot EA, et al. Clinical value of colonic irrigation in patients with continence disturbances. Dis Colon Rectum 1997;40(7):802-805.
3. Chen WS, Lin JK. A potential alternative treatment of uncomplicated painful diverticular disease by trans-colonoscopic irrigation technique: a preliminary report. J Chin Med Assoc 2003;May, 66(5):282-287.
4. Church JM. Warm water irrigation for dealing with spasm during colonoscopy: simple, inexpensive, and effective. Gastrointest Endosc 2002;Nov, 56(5):672-674.
5. Ernst E. Colonic irrigation and the theory of autointoxication: a triumph of ignorance over science. J Clin Gastroenterol 1997;24(4):196-198.
6. Istre GR, Kreiss K, Hopkins RS, et al. An outbreak of amebiasis spread by colonic irrigation at a chiropractic clinic. N Engl J Med 1982;307(6):339-342.
7. Sisco V, Brennan PC, Kuehner CC. Potential impact of colonic irrigation on the indigenous intestinal microflora. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1988;11(1):10-16.
Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.
Background
Theory
Evidence
Unproven Uses
Potential Dangers
Summary
Resources
Background
Colonic irrigation, also called colonic hydrotherapy, is a variant of enema treatment, which involves flushing the bowel with water in different quantities, temperatures and pressures. Through a tube inserted via the rectum, water may be introduced alone or with added enzymes, coffee, probiotics or herbs. Treatment sessions usually last about one hour. During a "high colonic," water goes in through one tube in the colon and is removed along with debris through another tube called an obturator.
Colonic irrigation may have been used as early as ancient times in Egypt, China, India and Greece. This practice gained some popularity in 19th century European spas, and it has been used in modern times for general well being and a variety of other conditions.
Theory
Colonic irrigation is proposed to improve mental outlook, modulate the immune system and eliminate toxic substances. Some practitioners suggest that intestinal flora (bacteria that normally live in the intestine) or waste products can affect the entire body's immune system and may therefore be involved with diseases outside of the gastrointestinal tract. It is proposed but unproven that washing away these flora or waste products may have beneficial effects.
There are numerous anecdotes about the benefits of colonic irrigation, although there is limited published scientific research in this area.
Evidence
Scientists have studied colonic irrigation for the following health problems:
Fecal incontinence
There is early research regarding the use of regular irrigation of the lower part of the colon in people with fecal incontinence. Further study is necessary to determine if benefits are likely to occur in most patients.
Ostomy care
Special types of colonic irrigation may be used in patients with ostomies (surgically created connections between the intestine and the side of the body). This area has been studied scientifically, and use of colonic irrigation in this setting should be conducted only under the strict supervision of a qualified ostomy health care provider.
Uncomplicated diverticular disease
Uncommon diverticular disease is a disorder of the colon. As a person ages, pressure within the large intestine (colon) can cause pockets of tissue (sacs) that push out from the colon walls. A small bulging sac pushing outward from the colon wall is a diverticulum. Diverticula can occur throughout the colon but are most common near the end of the left side of the colon, the sigmoid colon. Early evidence suggests that colonic irrigation may improve the symptoms of diverticular disease. However, more studies are needed before a recommendation can be made. Check with a gastrointestinal specialist before using colonic irrigation.
Colonic spasm (during colonoscopy)
Evidence from some studies has shown that irrigation with warm water during colonoscopy may help reduce the incidence of colonic spasm. Further research is needed.
Unproven Uses
Colonic irrigation has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially life-threatening. Consult with a health care provider before using colonic irrigation for any use.
Addiction
Allergy
Altered blood pH balance
Altered eating habits
Arthritis
Asthma
Back pain
Bad breath
Bloating
Bowel cleansing
Cancer
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Colds
Colitis
Constipation
Cough
Detection of parasites
Diarrhea
Digestive disorders
Distended abdomen
Eczema
Epstein-Barr virus
Fatigue
Food cravings
Foul body odor
Gas
Gastrointestinal disorders
General health maintenance
Gout
Headache
High blood pressure
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Improved mental state
Influenza
Insomnia
Irritability
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lupus
Menstrual problems
Pancreatitis
Promotion of regular bowel movements
Prostate conditions
Psoriasis
Screening for colorectal cancer
Shingles
Skin problems
Strengthening colon muscle contraction (peristalsis)
Potential Dangers
Colonic irrigation can potentially cause severe adverse effects and must be carefully administered. People receiving frequent treatments may absorb too much water, leading to electrolyte imbalances in the blood, nausea, vomiting, heart failure, fluid in the lungs, abnormal heart rhythms or coma. Infections have been reported, possibly because of contaminated equipment or as a result of clearing out normal colon bacteria. There is a risk of bowel perforation (breakage of the bowel wall), which is a severe complication. Deaths have been reported.
Colonic irrigation should not be used in people with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe or internal hemorrhoids or tumors in the rectum or colon. It also should not be used soon after bowel surgery (unless directed by your health care provider). Regular treatments should be avoided by people with heart disease or kidney disease (renal insufficiency). Be sure that the equipment used is sterile and that the practitioner is experienced. Colonic irrigation should not be used as the sole treatment (instead of more proven therapies) for severe conditions, and it should not delay consultation with a qualified health care provider for a potentially severe symptom or illness.
Summary
Colonic irrigation has been recommended for many conditions. There are numerous anecdotes about successful treatment with colonic irrigation, although effectiveness and safety have not been thoroughly studied scientifically. Because of the potential risks involved, colonic irrigation may not be safe for many individuals.
The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Resources
Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Colonic Irrigation
Natural Standard reviewed more than 30 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.
Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
1. Anon. Amebiasis associated with colonic irrigation: Colorado. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1981;30(9):101-102.
2. Briel JW, Schouten WR, Vlot EA, et al. Clinical value of colonic irrigation in patients with continence disturbances. Dis Colon Rectum 1997;40(7):802-805.
3. Chen WS, Lin JK. A potential alternative treatment of uncomplicated painful diverticular disease by trans-colonoscopic irrigation technique: a preliminary report. J Chin Med Assoc 2003;May, 66(5):282-287.
4. Church JM. Warm water irrigation for dealing with spasm during colonoscopy: simple, inexpensive, and effective. Gastrointest Endosc 2002;Nov, 56(5):672-674.
5. Ernst E. Colonic irrigation and the theory of autointoxication: a triumph of ignorance over science. J Clin Gastroenterol 1997;24(4):196-198.
6. Istre GR, Kreiss K, Hopkins RS, et al. An outbreak of amebiasis spread by colonic irrigation at a chiropractic clinic. N Engl J Med 1982;307(6):339-342.
7. Sisco V, Brennan PC, Kuehner CC. Potential impact of colonic irrigation on the indigenous intestinal microflora. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1988;11(1):10-16.
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