 Colonic Irrigation
Colonic irrigation is basically a big enema. During treatment, the practitioner inserts a tube via the rectum and then flushes the bowel with water, sometimes with added coffee, enzymes, probiotics or herbs, in various quantities, temperatures and pressures. The liquid is generally removed through another tube in a closed system.
Colonic irrigation, like some other “alternative” therapies, is based on the notion that our bodies contain “toxins” which require removal. Naturally, feces floating in liquid makes for a compelling visual and the consumer goes away believing he has indeed been rid of these toxins. As is also common with other alternative therapies, colonic irrigation is claimed to benefit a diverse range of conditions: allergies, asthma, bad breath, digestive disorders, headache, prostate problems, and body odor, among others. It is also claimed to be beneficial for weight loss.
There are some legitimate medical uses of colonic irrigation, such as for ostomy care and pre-surgery preparation of the colon, but this should be performed only by those healthcare providers with special training for these purposes. Otherwise, colonic irrigation has not been shown to be efficacious for other diseases or conditions. It is not beneficial for “general health” or “wellness” nor does the body require the assistance of colonic irrigation in the removal of supposed “toxins.”
Risks of colonic irrigation include extensive abcesses, bowel perforation, electrolyte imbalances, nausea, vomiting, heart failure, fluid in the lungs, abnormal heart rhythms or coma. In addition, infections have been reported, possibly caused by unclean equipment or (ironically) the elimination of normal colon bacteria. Deaths have been reported. People with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, severe or internal hemorrhoids or tumors in the rectum or colon, or recent bowel surgery should avoid colonic irrigation.
Colonic irrigation is within the scope of medical and osteopathic practice in Florida but the fact that the practitioner is an M.D. or D.O. is no guarantee that its use is medically indicated. For some reason, the Florida Legislature has decided to include colonic irrigation as within the scope of massage therapy practice. Fla. Stat. Sec. 480.033(6) (2008). The Board of Massage Therapy has promulgated rules for minimum standards for colonics training: the study of colonics must be in addition to the hours required for massage therapy and must include 100 hours (the equivalent of 2.5 work weeks) of training. Rule 64B7-31.001, Fla.Admin.Code (2008). The Board has also approved apprenticeship as a means of certification. Rule 64B7-29.007, Fla. Admin. Code (2008).
In addition to colonic irrigation, "colon cleansing" products are sold as dietary supplements. Generally, these products contain fiber and laxatives. Risks include bloating, cramps and diarrhea, as well as laxative dependence.
There is no acceptable evidence of the need for "detoxification" or that colonic irrigation or cleansing are beneficial.
Complaints against a practitioner who performed colonic irrigation, as well as the unlicensed practice of colonic irrigation, should be reported to the Florida Department of Health. For further information go to “Your rights as a healthcare consumer under Florida law.”
References:
Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst, Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Truth About Alternative Medicine ( New York: W.W. Norton 2008), at 304.
Aetna Intelihealth, http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/34968/358752.html?d=dmtContent (accessed March 6, 2009).
Stephen Barrett, “Gastrointestinal Quakery: Colonics, Laxatives and More,” Quackwatch, http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/gastro.html (accessed May 30, 2009)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapies, "Colon Cleansing," Vol. 51, Issue 1312 (May 18, 2009), www.MedicalLetter.org |
