Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 6/19/2011

Question
hi.  what can you tell me about colonic irrigation?  i've hears so much recently about the importance of colonic cleansing but before i have it done i would like to know if there are medically sound reasons for doing so or if i will just be buying "snake-oil"!  if you feel that it is a valid procedure will you explain to me exactly what the procedure will entail and what i can expect to happen?  thank you

Answer
Hello Jim,
Colonics can be a very useful treatment when properly applied, and are quite safe when performed by a trained individual.  Typical medical reasons someone might get a colonic are skin diseases, detoxification/ prevention, and chronic digestive disorders (especially IBS, constipation, etc).  If used in conjunction with other therapies (such as diet, lifestyle changes, supplements, herbs) they can be helpful in accelerating the improvement.  By themselves, I am not convinced of the necessity or usefulness--I have seen a number of cases where people were prescribed colonics without changing the cause for their conditions, and the treatments jsut delayed proper interventions or in few cases made symptoms worse.  So I usually recommend that if someone does want colonic treatments they need to find a practitioner who can address all these issues.  Colon hydrotherapists may be properly trained but often don't have formal training in other issues.  NDs or DCs who perform colonics may have a wider range of skills.  With the colonics, techniques can vary.  there are open and closed systems, both seem to be effective but I have used mostly closed systems and can speak to the effectiveness of those.  Typical treatments are 20-40 minutes, 1-2 times a week is normal for a total of 4-12 treatments.  Colonics should not be painful but can cause some slight abdominal discomfort and can stools for up to a couple days post treatment.  For other details, I would recommend you talk to the practitioner, they should be able to walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you might have.  
In health,
Dr Conner