Colon hydrotherapy: Then and now

Flushing the colon with water is a practice that dates back as early as 1500 B.C.

The effectiveness of colon hydrotherapy for colon health has been seen throughout the ages, and across cultures. So its popularity should really come as no surprise.

The Egyptians

A document from the 14th Century B.C. called the Ebers Papyrus, talks of enemas being used as a remedy for more than 20 bowl complaints, according to the Global Professional Association for Colon Hydrotherapy. The writings specifically mention their use in order to “drive out excrement.”

In the 5th century B.C., the historian Herodotus wrote about the Egyptian use of enemas, saying, “The Egyptians clear themselves on three consecutive days, every month, seeking after health by emetics and enemas for they think that all disease comes to man from his food.”

While we now know that all disease does not come to us from our food, we certainly know that what we eat (and how much) does have a profound effect on our health as well as our personal sense of well-being.

Ancient Greeks and Romans

The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, implemented colonic irrigation to treat fevers. Similarly, his close predecessors often found the practice more effective than laxatives, and they also used it to treat intestinal worms.

It wasn’t until about 30 A.D. that the next detailed account of colon hydrotherapy is found. In one of the first medical books, the physician Celus mentioned that flushing the colon shouldn’t be repeated too often, and that the water shouldn’t be too hot or too cold.

Galen, another Greek physician, went on to comment on the need to cleanse the body from within, saying, “The uncleanness within is greater than the uncleanness without. And he who cleanses himself without, but within remains unclean, is like a tomb that outward is painted fair, but is within full of all manner of horrible uncleanness and abominations.”

Middle ages and renaissance

The English surgeon John Ardene was the first to notice that mixing various concoctions with the water, often left the recipient more “blocked-up” than before the procedure. He also mentioned that each person, constipated or not, ought be “purged” 3 to 4 times a year.

Contemporary colonic practice has certainly taken Dr. Ardene’s advice. Most colonic technicians agree that warm water alone will do the trick. Similarly, most technicians would agree that 3-4 times a year is worthwhile – many would certainly recommend more.

20th century and today

The term “colonic irrigation” emerged in 1932, from Dr. W. Kerr Russell’s book with the same name. In it, he talks about the differences between the modern procedure and the enemas of the past. “The term irrigation describes more accurately than the words clyster or enema, the treatment which is administered with the modern apparatus. These methods lavage and thoroughly cleanse the walls, remove abnormal mucus, and also empty the bowel. The tone of the colonic muscle is improved and the blood supply augmented.”

Many colonic hyrotherapists today would agree that Dr. Russell hit the nail right on the head. But if we may add – no only is the treatment effective in removing excess waste, it also creates an incredible sense of personal well-being.

To learn more about colonics, don’t hesitate to visit us at our detox day spa in Palos Verdes.

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