Colon Hydrotherapy consists of washing the intestine in order to improve the functioning of the colon through the elimination of toxins and digestion residues. The use of this therapy has spread to spas and thermal centres.
Is colon hydrotherapy a good remedy? – A question from a reader from the health forum at the Evening Courier directed to Dr. Beatrice Salvioli, gastroenterologist at Humanitas hospital.
“The practice of Colon hydrotherapy dates from the time of the ancient Egyptians when it was thought that cleansing the body of waste could prevent the development of any disease. Today, although there are no scientific evidence that suggest previous beliefs, intestinal washing provides indications as an adjuvant therapy in the preparation for colonoscopy and in certain other conditions such as persistent constipation, spinal cord lesions, and in cases of alteration of bacterial flora in skin allergies. There is no scientific data that advises the use of colon hydrotherapy in healthy patients,” – says the specialist.
What are the possible contraindications for colon hydrotherapy?
A 2011 study at Georgetown University, United States, reviewed the latest scientific research on colon hydrotherapy emphasizing the side effects, such as cramping, nausea and vomiting. “Contraindications are primarily acute intestinal diseases such as diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Colon hydrotherapy – concludes Dr. Salvioli – is also not recommended for patients with a suppressed immune system.”
