Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 5/24/2006

Question
My M.D. says colonics are a waste of time and money, and they are useless, risky, and dangerous.  Also he says there is a chance people can DIE from it because of bowel perforation.  My friends have had them and they say it is good.  I am confused.  Are there any recent studies that support the claims of N.D.'s that colonics are beneficial and not dangerous.  I am considering one and I would like to make an informed decision.  I have already heard the M.D.'s opinions.  Now I want to hear the N.D.'s opinions before I decide if it is right for me.  I would like to know what you think and if there are any articles/research papers you can send me links to which I can read.  Thanks so much. -Karen

Answer
Karen,
Thanks for your question.  I think it's a good idea to become informed on a treatment you are considering, particularly one as controversial as colonics.  There is a risk of bowel perforation and other serious side effects, as your medical doctor is concerned about; however, in reality these cases are few, and can attributed to the lack of experience and/ or training on the part of the person administering the colonic.  In the hundreds of colonics I have done and supervised, I have witnessed only two cases with significant side effects, and some minor ones.  None were life-threatening, and all resolved with proper care.  But I am medically trained, as a physician and hydrotherapist; unfortunately, most people administering colonics are not.  Even certified training (I-ACT) is minimal, and many of these practitioners have no other medical training.  I find it a little scary that colonics or hydrotherapists are not regulated; as a consumer, I would be wary.  I would find out exactly what the training of the practitioner is, and choose one who is medically trained or supervised.  If you are in a state that licensed naturopathic doctors, I would contact one to see if they administer them or work with someone who does.  
On the other hand, for the majority of people, colonics are a safe and effective treatment for many complaints.   I do not think it's appropriate to use colonics alone, which is another reason why I suggest going to an ND or holistic MD for treatment. It's a wonderful and simple treatment, but only when used with other natural treatments.   In naturopathic medicine, we use several therapies together, as appropriate for each person.  I can't speak for all NDs, but I do know from my experience at 2 ND schools, one as student and one as faculty, that my opinion is shared by many of my colleagues.  
I did find a good article on the subject on the web, at  www.meridianinstitute.com/reports/colonic1.html.  I am sure there are others also, but this seemed to be a good overview of the research.  Research is scarce on the subject, and most of what we learn is based on clinical experience.  Yet another reason to seek out a well-trained hydrotherapist.  Like many natural treatments, it's good to be cautious and informed, but also important to not let fear of something different prevent us from using an effective therapy.  Good luck in your search.  
In Health,
Dr. Conner