Colon cleansing for health can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. The enema, most basic form of colon hydrotherapy, was said to have been passed down from the god Thoth. The first-known recorded use of enemas is in the medical Ebers Papryus dating from the sixteenth century B.C. The papyrus describes the use of purges, enemetics (medicines which induce vomiting) and enemas for stomach and gastrointestinal ailments. The Egyptians believed that human beings were born healthy but were susceptible to disorders caused by intestinal putrefaction and strong emotions and used enemas routinely for health. Colon cleansing was a part of many spiritual ceremonies; the use of enemas for religious rituals and/or to treat disorders and maintain health has been practiced throughout the history of most cultures.
In the beginning of the twentieth century, Dr. John H. Kellogg, inventor of the corn flakes that bear his name, was also a physician and enthusiastic advocate of colon hydrotherapy. By his account in the Journal of the American Medical Association he successfully treated thousands of gastrointestinal patients with colon hydrotherapy along with diet and exercise, without resorting to surgery. Colon cleansing, which declined in popularity around the middle of the twentieth century, has regained popularity within the past thirty or so years. Today colon hydrotherapy, or colonics, is administered in two ways. With one method the therapist controls the flow of water into and out of the colon from the device. A second method delivers a flow of water into the colon and the client is positioned so that the colon releases the water aided by gravity.
Hippocrates declared that disease begins in the gut. New research substantiates the importance of intestinal health. For example, a recent discovery about the origin of diabetes made by scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that problems controlling blood sugar may begin in the intestines. This was a study involving mice. A second study from University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research links pathogens in the gut of people to type 2 diabetes. Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles have discovered that certain harmful microbes in the gut may be responsible for obesity. The balance and kinds of beneficial and harmful flora in the gut has a significant impact on health.
Modern thought on the benefits of colon hydrotherapy is not much different from previous times: it helps detoxify the body and keep it healthy and can relieve a wide variety of symptoms. To the extent that some conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases, allergies, to name a few, come from imbalances in the colon, symptoms can be alleviated with colon hydrotherapy, herbal supplements, and diet. This assessment comes from a medical doctor in Massachusetts.
Colon hydrotherapy helps maintain a healthy colon. A brief summary of some general benefits:
- Sends water through the entire length of the colon, relieving constipation and cleansing it of accumulated toxins. Prevents waste material from being absorbed into the body.
- Breaks down and removes any mucoid plaque – hardened mucus with trapped undigested food, bacteria, parasites, and other toxins.
- Reshapes a distorted colon – over time, with the accumulation of fecal matter and other toxins, the colon may become misshapen. Removal of the toxic matter along with massage can help return it to healthier form.
- Promotes a sense of well-being.
- Strengthens immunity.
Colon hydrotherapy is a detoxification system that can be enhanced with the IonCleanse® detoxification machine. An ionic footbath session will help draw neutralized toxins from the body and creates relaxation that will support the body's detoxification for many hours afterwards.
