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Colon hydrotherapy
Some women think the therapy helps them lose weight, but this is not the case
Colon hydrotherapy can release toxins in bodies.(Courtesy of Natural Pat)
By Heidi Cheung
Colon hydrotherapy is the process of washing out the colon with water. It is a form of naturopathy recognized in the practice of complementary and alternative medicine.
During the 40-minute therapy, clients lie on a soft padded bed that has an opening near the hips for debris.
Warm, purified water is introduced into the colon through a plastic tube.
The tube, coated with a lubricant, is inserted less than 1 inch into the rectum.
The water then circulates in the large intestine and stimulates it to carry out peristalsis.
At the same time, the water softens and loosens feces, which are expelled with accumulated plaque and toxins.
According to Voila Lee, a colon hydrotherapist, the therapy aims at cleansing the colon and releasing toxins.
This reduces fatigue, loosens mucus in the lungs, relieves headaches and tightens the skin.
Miss Lee said, “Many hydrotherapy centers claim that the procedure reduces weight.”
She explained that expelling accumulated waste leads to a flatter abdomen and lighter weight.
However, these are short-term effects.
“Although the therapy increases metabolism, it is not high enough to burn fat,” Miss Lee said.
According to Miss Lee, the therapy uses water to stimulate neurons in the colon.
“The colon muscle is strengthened. Thus, the colon carries out faster and stronger peristalsis on its own,” she added.
Improved peristalsis allows easier excretion of feces, so the body is detoxified.
Otherwise, the accumulated waste in the colon could release toxins.
The intestines could reabsorb the toxins into the bloodstream and
harm the whole body via blood circulation.
Miss Lee said that, even without constipation, people should carry out the therapy regularly.
Miss Lee emphasized that the therapy is efficient and natural.
“One treatment costs from $200 to $1,000, depending on the quality
of the services,” said she.
However, Prof. Suzanne Ho of the Department of Community and Family Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong doubted what “natural” means.
She said, “Exercising and intaking dietary fiber and water can improve peristalsis and reduce constipation.
“Besides, the lining cells on the intestine’s inner side peel off and renew regularly.
“The body can carry out detoxification on its own.”
Prof. Ho doubted if external assistance for peristalsis is needed. She is also worried about hygiene and other possible dangers of the therapy.
She said, “The therapy may affect the intestine’s ability to absorb essential minerals and then disturb the electrolyte composition.
“Therefore, pumping actions are affected.”
According to Miss Lee, Prof. Ho seems to be over-worried.
Said Miss Lee: “The water is purified. All equipment is sterilized and the water tubes are disposed once used.
“Infectious diseases have no chance to spread.”
According to Miss Lee, the therapy would not affect electrolytes as colon hydrotherapy is different from diarrhea.
Diarrhea drains water and electrolytes away from the blood, tissue and cells, while the therapy allows an exchange of fluids.
Even though the therapy causes “some mineral elimination”, minerals are replaced with the next meal.
In other countries, like the United States and Europe nations, colon hydrotherapists need to be certified.
But so far, there is no supervision of colon hydrotherapy in Hong Kong.
Hydrotherapy centers in Hong Kong may claim that they belong to the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy, a non-governmental association.
However, a membership fee of US$250 is the only requirement to be an affiliate member of the association.
Miss Lee suggested people visit therapy centers recommended by their friends.
She said, “People should pay attention to centers’ hygiene and therapists’ understanding of hydrotherapy.
“They should also check if therapy machines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”