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Colonic irrigation, also known as colonic hydrotherapy, is a bowel-cleansing technique. Warm, purified water is injected into the bowel to remove impacted faecal matter, which has built up over time.
Like many other complementary therapies today, colonic irrigation has its roots in ancient customs. For centuries, people in Egypt, Greece and India used hollow river reeds to inject water into the rectum with the aim of ridding the body of disease.
Colonic irrigation aims to regain and preserve good bowel functioning. The most common reason for having a colonic is constipation. However, it is also reputed to:
When the bowels are working properly, they eliminate food wastes approximately eighteen hours after eating. Over time however, the efficiency of the bowel can be reduced due to impacted faecal matter.
This can happen due to lack of exercise, poor diet, stress and insufficient water. Foods that are heavily processed, preserved, dried or contain antibiotics, steroids or pesticides can also contribute to an unhealthy colon. Lifestyle habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and a diet high in sugar, caffeine and animal fats can also contribute to a sluggish colon.
A colon that is impacted with faecal matter creates the perfect breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria and causes a build-up of toxins in the body. The body is less able to absorb nutrients. An impacted colon is also more likely to become irritated, inflamed and susceptible to disease.