Colon hydrotherapy

The colon cleansing (CHT) is a form of intestinal lavage ( inlet ).

development

In the Middle Ages, enemas were one of the most important therapeutic measures for various illnesses and malaise, as part of the drainage procedures . According to the ideas of the time, the body should be freed from impurities and "bad juices"; today the term " slag " is often postulated.

Colon hydrotherapy is a further development of the so-called subaqual intestinal baths , which were developed by Anton Brosch around 1912. Anton Brosch was a prosector at the Vienna Garrison Hospital and researched the possible connections between intestinal residues and various causes of death. He found connections between malnutrition and constipation as well as malnutrition and other diseases. More than 500,000 flushes had been carried out by 1950 and most German universities had a so-called Sudabad . The license to build this device was sold to America and Ray Dotolo developed a single-use speculum and a modern wall-mounted device that meets today's hygiene requirements there in the early 1980s.

The method

During the treatment, around ten liters of water are fed into the large intestine without pressure , with the temperature alternating between 21 and 41 degrees Celsius. This change in temperature is said to have a positive effect on bowel activity. Meanwhile, the abdominal wall is gently massaged, which is also supposed to promote peristalsis . With the help of the intestinal irrigation, the intestine should be completely emptied and, above all, cleaned of older fecal residues. In addition, harmful bacteria and yeasts should be rinsed out. After cleaning, pure oxygen is added to the water . Some therapists also add substances such as coffee, milk or vinegar to the rinse water, which are supposed to increase the effect. A treatment takes around an hour. The therapy comprises a series of colonic irrigation with up to 15 appointments. Statutory health insurance does not cover the costs.

Proponents of colon hydrotherapy assume that the method of "detoxification" in the alternative medical sense serves to " purify " and stimulate the metabolism . In addition, digestion should be improved in the long term in the event of constipation . According to this theory, sluggish digestion leads to a creeping poisoning of the organism by putrefactive substances. Bacteria and fungi in the intestines could also cause numerous diseases.

Indications and contraindications

The most common indication is constipation. In addition, some therapists consider the method to be promising for infections, mycosis , rheumatism , neurodermatitis , acne , migraines , allergies , skin problems, flatulence and depression or for detoxification or “purification”. With this method, astonishing improvements and cures for chronic ailments can be achieved. Contraindications are intestinal surgery, heart attack , angina pectoris and pregnancy.

Risks

Colon hydrotherapy can upset the balance between bacteria in the intestine. It can also interfere with the intestine's natural ability to rid itself of dead cell material. Colon irrigation can also carry the risk of serious complications such as electrolyte disorders and infections. If used incorrectly, the intestinal wall can be injured, abdominal cramps and intestinal bleeding can occur. Colon irrigation can put a strain on the circulatory system, which in extreme cases can lead to heart or kidney failure in people with poor circulation.

criticism

• So far, only the emptying of the bowels has been scientifically proven with this method. There is a lack of scientifically recognized evidence for influencing diseases.
• Re-poisoning of the body through intestinal residues has so far not been medically diagnosed in any case, even with persistent chronic constipation.
• The intestinal flora regenerates itself again and again. Additives in the rinse water can temporarily disrupt the intestinal flora, so that actually the opposite of the desired effect occurs. Some medical professionals consider regular colonic irrigation to be generally harmful to the intestinal flora.
• It has not been proven that the intestinal muscles can be trained with colonic irrigation.
• Because of the indications of considerable damage, the IGeL-Monitor of the MDS (Medical Service of the Central Association of Health Insurance Funds) rates colon hydrotherapy as "negative". According to a systematic analysis of the literature, risks are rare but serious. Bleeding in the intestines, infections from unclean equipment, intestinal perforations or a disruption of the electrolyte balance could occur. On the other hand, no statements can be made about the benefit due to a lack of studies or existing studies with methodological deficiencies.

See also

• Purgation
• Irrigator

Web links

• Definition and application on heilpraktiker.org
• History and description on paracelsus.de

Individual evidence

1. ↑ M. Sullivan-Fowler: Doubtful theories, drastic therapies: autointoxication and faddism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In: J Hist Med Allied Sci. 50 (3), Jul 1995, pp. 364-390.
2. ↑ Manfred A. Ullrich: Colon - hydrotherapy. Cure chronic diseases through intestinal cleansing.
3. ^ M. Tennen: The Dangers of Colon Cleansing. HealthAtoZ.com. September 1, 2008.
4. ↑ IQWIG, Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care: Information sheet on irritable bowel syndrome, August 21, 2012, archive link ( memento of the original from June 9, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link has been inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
5. ↑ DV Handley, NA Rieger, DJ Rodda: Rectal perforation from colonic irrigation administered by alternative practitioners. In: Med J Aust. 181 (10), Nov 15, 2004, pp. 575-576. PMID 15540974
6. ↑ DV Handley, NA Rieger, DJ Rodda: Rectal perforation from colonic irrigation administered by alternative practitioners. In: Med J Aust. 181 (10), Nov 15, 2004, pp. 575-576.
7. ^ RD Acosta, BD Cash: Clinical effects of colonic cleansing for general health promotion: a systematic review. In: Am J Gastroenterol . 104 (11), Nov 2009, pp. 2830-2836.
8. ^ IGeL-Monitor, Evaluation of Colon Hydrotherapy . Retrieved October 11, 2018. More on the justification for the assessment in the evidence synthesis

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !