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THE HISTORY OF
COLON
THERAPY
The value of tissue cleansing through colon
lavage has been practiced for over three thousand years.
Colon
lavage was first described 1500 B.c. in the Ebers papyrus, an
ancient Egyptian medical document Hippocrates (4th and 5th century B.C.) and
Galen in the 2nd century were proponents of colon lavage for fever therapy. In
1906, Dr. Kellogg published a comprehensive approach to hydrotherapy and in his
book he advocates colon hydrotherapy for many conditions, including:
biliary/hepatic, surgical shock, colitis, and cholera.
Since the turn-of-the-century, colon
hydrotherapy has experienced periods of popularity alternating with periods of
rejection. The primary factors responsible for the stereotypes, misconceptions,
and general ambivalence was the practice of this ther~py by the untrained,
which was detrimental to its acceptance by the medical profession. However, the
value of colon hydrotherapy had been professed by many medical practitioners of
that era, most noteworthy James A Wiltsie, M.D" and Joseph E.G. Waddington,
M.D. The philosophy employed by many regarding colon hydrotherapy was clearly
depicted in Dr. Waddington's work "Scientific Intestinal Irrigation and
Adjuvant Therapy", where he stated: "Abnormal functioning of the intestinal
canal is the precursor of much ill-:-health, especially of chronic disease.
Restoration of physiologic intestinal elimination is often the important
preliminary to eventual restoration of Health in general."30 Dr. Wiltsie
contends that "our knowledge of the normal and abnormal physiology of the colon
and its pathology and management has not kept pace with that of many organ
systems of the body. As long as we continue to assume 'The colon will take care
of itself just that long will we remain in complete ignorance of perhaps the
most important source of ill-health in the whole body."
The practice of colon lavage outside the
medical jurisdiction and resultant lack of professional control and study,
restricted this valuable adjunctive therapy from receiving the recognition it
truly deserves.
Today, with modem technological improvements
in colon hydrotherapy instrumentation (particularly with regard to safety)
along with trained therapists, colon hydrotherapy is becoming a valuable
modality in treating disease and promoting wellness. At the time ofthis
writing, national and international research is underway evaluating the diverse
applications that colon hydrotherapy offers. Combined with sound nutrition,
exercise, and a positive mental outlook, colon hydrotherapy may play an
important role in achieving and maintaining vibrant health.
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THE THEORY OF COLON HYDROTHERAPY
Colon
hydrotherapy is an extended and more complete form of lavage. The
safe, gentle infusion of temperature and pressure regulated water is designed
to cleanse the entire large intestine (bowel) from rectum to cecum. This
cleansing procedure removes feces, retained gas and mucus, as well as existing
parasites and infectious material. In addition, the filtered water bathes the
cells of the colon and dilutes bacterial toxin concentrations. Therapeutic
effects of the bathing process with alternating temperature of the inflowing
water results in improved tone and peristalsis, promoting optimal absorption of
nutrients from the cecum and ascending colon. The combined cleansing and
therapeutic effects decrease the transit time of bowel waste reducing
stagnation and maintaining harmony of the intestinal flora. thus promoting
optimal colon health.
Colon
hydrotherapy is not proposed as a cure-all, but an important
adjunctive approach in the overall health care of the patient.
In summary, colon hydrotherapy provides
tubular and cellular drainage outwardly from the rectum and inwardly via the
portal and mesenteric lymphatic systems.
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COMMON CONCERNS ABOUT COLON HYDROTHERAPY
In today's
enlightened times, potential clients for colon hydrotherapy will most likely
ask certain questions with regard to possible side effects of the therapy. Not
until getting those questions answered to their full satisfaction, will they
make an informed decision whether or not to undergo the treatment.
Following are
some of the most common concerns about colon hydrotherapy.
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LAXATIVES YS. COLON HYDROTHERAPY
Laxatives act as chemical irritants and
stimulate the muscular walls of the colon to abnormally contract to expel the
irritating substances. It is very easy to become dependent upon these drugs and
permanently destroy the normal ability of the colon to eliminate naturally on
its own accord.
The oral route of administration is the
least optimal method of evacuation of the large intestine.
Laxatives
interfere with important digestive processes occurring in the stomach and small
intestine which resul1s in electrolyte depletion and dehydration in the
patient.
Colon
hydrotherapy cleanses the large intestine from below and does not
compromise digestion higher up in the alimentary tract.
Colon
hydrotherapy alternately fills and empties the large intestine and
would improve the hydration status of the patient. The procedure is technically
more effective and offers greater comfort to the .patient. The problem with
patient compliance could be eliminated with the implementation of colon
hydrotherapy.
Colon
hydrotherapy would efficiently remove barium from the colon
following barium enema study and alleviate the crampy discomfort and
constipation that results from retained barium (see specialty treatment
section).
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WHAT ABOUT POSSIBLE ELECTROLYTE
DEPLETION IN THE
COLON
?
Electrolytes or minerals are elements that
are responsible for cell function throughout the body When the body is properly
nourished with good quality organic foods containing sodium, potassium and
magnesium, the electrolyte level of the colon is replenished as part of the
diet.
The Colon Hydrotherapy (Model 1085)
Istrumentation allows for supplementation via the rectum (saline, kayxelate,
etc.) at the direction of a physician.
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WILL THE INTESTINAL FLORA BE DISTURBED
BY
COLON
HYDROTHERAPY?
The intestinal flora consists of billions of
microscopic organisms including: bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses which
inhabit the bowel and playa very important role in health and disease. Bacteria
synthesize' valuable nutritional supplements and proper balance of these
microorganisms is essential to a healthy colon.
. The large intestine shelters bacteria as
symbionts and adherence to proper nutrition will enhance the colon's ability to
maintain balance following colon hydrotherapy; The physician may elect to
prescribe implants of lactobacterium acidophilum cultures to facilitate this
process or incorporate low fat dairy products (yogurt, etc.) into the patient's
dietary program.
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WHAT ABOUT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION?
Following a colon hydrotherapy treatment,
the instrument is to be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. A potent
germicidal solution is used to properly disinfect the instrument and its
contents are not harmful to the colon environment. When the disinfection
procedure is completed, the instrument is generously cleansed with water,
clearing the germicidal solution completely from the instrument.
The colon hydrotherapy instrumentation
contains a check valve which prevents waste water from returning to the water
supply.
In addition, the application of a disposable
unit consisting of: waste hose, water line, speculum and obturator which is
discarded following each treatment, eliminates any possible contamination to
the patient.
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WHAT ABOUT POSSIBLE PERFORATION OF THE
COLON
?
A colon hydrotherapy instrument should not
allow a filling pressure in excess of 2 psi (pounds per square inch) to
maximize the patient safety. The Model 1085 colon hydrotherapy instrument
introduces a minimal starting water pressure of 1/8 psi producing one pint of
water per minute flow, and in most cases the treatment is performed effectively
under the I psi setting. A standard hospital enema starts at 2 psi and
increases approximately 1/2 psi per foot of elevation.
The Dotolo Model 1085 Colon Hydrotherapy
Instrument affords continual control of the temperature and pressure throughout
the treatment.
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COLON HYDROTHERAPY AN ALTERNATIVE TO
ENEMAS
Both, the standard enema arid colon
hydrotherapy use infusion of aqueous substances into the rectum. A standard
enema provides the injection of water (one-way) into the colon which is
retained and evacuated by the patient.
Colon
hydrotherapy is an instrument-controlled intestinal bathing of the
colon for cleansing and therapeutic purposes. The patient is not involved in
the evacuation process. There is no offensive odor or health risk to the
personnel in contact with ill patients. as with enemas and bed pans. The
enema's cleansing ability is limited to the rectosigmoid area and the retention
timeis much shorter due to the body's natural tendency to expel tlie-rectiiI
-contents. Cotml
hydrotherapy--extends-beyon:d-the-na-tul'al--dmGauo-ll-area:rooffer greater
cleansing and therapeutic benefits. Above all, the patient's dignity is
maintained throughout the procedure!
Diseases and functional disturbances of the
digestive organs are the most complained of problems today. The health of most
organs as well as our overall well-being depends on how well our bowels (large
intestine) function. A change in diet after many years of wrong eating habits
does not assure optimal colon health.
Research has shown that regular use of
refined carbohydrates and lack of natural fiber increase the transit time of
bowel waste, and stimulate putrefaction in the colon. Both of these factors
have been linked to constipation and certain bowel diseases including:
diverticulitis, colitis, and colon cancer. At least two million Americans
suffer from some form of inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. ileitis. colitis, and
diverticulitis).
Colon
malignancy is the second leading killer disease in the. V.SA. Each
year, 140,000 persons are diagnosed as having colon cancer and approximately
60,000 die as a result of their disease. Over 100,000 colostomy procedures are
performed annually, in this country. Worms outrank cancer as man's deadliest
enemy, on a worldwide basis.
The American Cancer Society has provided
evidence in recent years which suggests that environmental agents, such as
insecticides, herbicides, preservatives in foods, hormones and antibiotics fed
to livestock, and petroleum by-products may playa greater role in the
predisposition to colo-rectal cancer. Periodic cleansing of the large intestine
may minimize the exposure of the colon walls to carcinogens.
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INDICATIONS FOR COLON HYDROTHERAPY
The history and physical examination of the
patient (by the physician) would dictate the need for colon hydrotherapy in the
overall treatment plan.
Colon
hydrotherapy has been beneficial for the following conditions:
Constipation / Diarrhea
Atonic (sluggish)
Colon
Hemorrhoids (mild to moderate)
Intestinal Toxemia
Bowel Training - Para/Quadriplegics
Preparation for diagnostic study of the
large intestine:
Barium Enema
Sigmoidoscopy & Colonoscopy Surgery -
Pre & Post Op.
Following Pregnancy
INDICATIONS UNDER PRESCRIPTION AND
DIRECT PHYSICIAN SUPERVISION
Acute Fecal Impaction
Colitis
Mucous Colitis
Parasitic Infections
Nutrient Supplementation via Rectum
Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's Disease
Hyper/Hypothermia
On Site Preparation Following Trauma
Early Pregnancy (up to 4 mos.)
Colostomy Cleansing
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR COLON HYDROTHERAPY
Severe Cardiac Disease (uncontrolled
Hypertension or Congestive Heart Failure)
Aneurysm
GI Hemorrhage/Perforation
Severe Hemorrhoids
Carcinoma of the
Colon
or Rectum
Fissures/Fistulas
Advanced pregnancy
Abdominal Hernia
Recent
Colon
or Rectal Surgery
Renal Insufficiency
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