Colonic irrigation is a procedure that has been carried for years, if not centuries.  The simple enema is a do-it-yourself (DIY) procedure that individuals carry out on themselves for different health reasons.  Colonic lavage has been carried out in hospitals in the past for bowel prep prior to labor or for bowel procedures (radiological examination or surgery).  The practice of colon hydrotherapy has, however, only evolved over the past 30 years or so.  Professional  colon hydrotherapists offer the procedure using FDA registered instruments.

Over the years, different designs have evolved.  Most instruments are designed with safety issues in mind and incorporating features to maintain hygiene and sanitation.  

Basically an instrument of colon hydrotherapy is designed to introduce water gently into the bowel with the intention of supporting the evacuation of the bowel contents.  Instruments of the past work through the action of gravity.  Water is delivered from a container (placed at a higher position than the client) through a tubing that is inserted into the anus by the simple action of gravity.  Such instruments are termed GRAVITY SYSTEMS.

Modern day instruments are more sophisticated in design.  They are devices with plumbing arrangements that provide for water delivery at controlled temperature, pressure and flow rate as well as for waste discharge directly into the sewers.  Other features include water filters and ultra-violet unit to ensure good water quality.  Such instruments have only been available since the early 1980′s.

There are two distinctive types of colon hydrotherapy instruments.  The OPEN system and the CLOSED system.  This article will describe the general features and the workings of both systems.

General Features
Standard requirements of a colon hydrotherapy instrument include:
A reservoir (container) to provide a source of water supply
Connecting tubings to deliver water from reservoir to colon
Rectal tube or speculum for insertion into the rectum.

Safety Features
To maintain water quality, avoid infection or causing harm to client, the following features are necessary.
Particle filter to remove sediments
Carbon filter to remove chlorine and odor
Ultra-violet light to kill bacteria and viruses
Use of disposable tubings, speculum or rectal tubes to avoid cross infection
Controls to avoid extremes of water temperature, pressure, and flow.

Author:  Dr. Sylvester Yong