Colon Hydrotherapy

1. Colon Hydrotherapy Michael Hamilton Advisor: Prof. Fahringer

2. Overview • History of Colon Hydrotherapy • Theory • Information about I-ACT • Concerns • Contraindications • Medical Benefits

3. History • Colon Hydrotherapy is the natural evolution of the enema • The enema was first recorded in ancient Egyptian documents • Also mentioned in the writings of Great Civilizations • Sumerians • Chinese • Hindus • Greeks • Romans • Hamiltons

4. History cont. • Most pre-eminent physicians reported on the value of the enema • Hippocrates • Galen • Regnier DeGraff • 17th Century known as the “age of the clyster”

5. History cont. • Many European Kings appreciated the benefits of the Enema • Louis XI - credited the enema with relieving attack of seizures • Louis XIII received over 200 enemas in one year

6. History cont. • Louis the XIV, ardent supporter • Had over 2,000 enemas during his reign. • He even received court functionaries and visitors during the procedure1. Court Function During Enema 1.Lieberman, William, M.D., “The Enema”, The Review of Gastroenterology, Volume 13, May-June 1946

7. History cont. • In the early 1900s, Dr. Kellogg popularizes colon cleansing • He reported in the 1917 Journal of American Medicine that in over 40,000 cases, as a result of diet, exercise, and enema (colon hydrotherapy), “in all but twenty cases”, he had used no surgery for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease in his patients.

8. History cont. • 1950’s • colon hydrotherapy was flourishing in the U.S. • the prestigious Beverly Boulevard in California was then known as “colonic row” • Mid-1960’s • colon hydrotherapy slowly dwindled • Early 1970’s • most colon hydrotherapy instruments were removed from the hospitals and nursing homes • PRESCRIPTIVE LAXATIVES and SURGERY GAIN FAVOR

9. History Summary • Colon hydrotherapy/enemas have been around for thousands of years • Two IMPORTANT conclusions • First, there is something of value by cleansing the colon • Second, it has never received the attention it justly deserves

10. Theory • Extended and more complete form of an enema • Gently infuse warm, filtered water into the rectum • End Results • Hydrates the colon • Waste is softened and loosened • Evacuation is through normal peristalsis • Irrigates/cleanses the colon

11. Theory cont. • Modern FDA registered equipment • Carried out by qualified personnel • Cleans beyond the rectosigmoid area through a series of fill and empty cycles • Safe and effective when guidelines are adhered to

12. Theory cont. • Various Types of FDA registered equipment

13. I-ACT • International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy • I-ACT is the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy • I-ACT establishes the training standards and guidelines • I-ACT is committed to work with the FDA, International organizations, states and municipalities to enhance the safety of colon hydrotherapy • I-ACT is the certifying body for colon hydrotherapists around the world

14. I-ACT cont. • Membership • Over 2200 Members • Over 400 International Members • Certification Levels • Foundation Level • Intermediate Level • Advanced Level • Instructor Level

15. Concerns • What about contamination or spread of disease? • Only report was in New England Journal of Medicine, August 5, 1982 • No reports of contamination when using modern FDA registered equipment and the equipment is disinfected according to manufacturer guidelines • Single use, disposable speculums / rectal tubes, and tubing

16. Concerns • What about puncturing of the colon? • There have been allegations of puncture when using enemas and colonic irrigation • Recommend caution during insertion of speculum/rectal tube and follow the recommendation of the physician/healthcare provider and/or the manufacturer of the equipment • Facts • The pressure of the water during the session is very low • from 1/4 lbs. to 2.0 lbs • The Speculum / Rectal Tube in only inserted approximately 2 inches into the rectum

17. Concerns • How will I assure the patients therapist is reputable? • Recommend that the patient seek the services of an I-ACT certified colon hydrotherapist using currently registered FDA equipment and disposable supplies, and filtered water

18. Concerns • Electrolyte imbalances • Study conducted by National University • John R. Collins, N.D., Paul Mittman, N.D., Mara Katlaps, B.A. • “No patients experienced any clinically significant complications or complaints during or after the course of treatment.” • Only problem might be encountered with paraplegics that are unable to completely release their bowels.

19. Abdominal distensions Adrenal exhaustion Anemia Aneurysm Carcinomas Colon Cardiac conditions Uncontrolled blood pressure Hypertension Hypotension Congestive heart failure Crohn’s Colitis Diverticulosis Diverticulitis Fistulas Fissures Hemorrhage Hemorrhoids Contraindications

20. Hernias Liver Jaundice Acute failure Cirrhosis Lupus Perforations Intestinal Colon Sigmoid Rectal Pregnancy First trimester Third trimester Renal One kidney Insufficiency Dialysis Surgery Abdominal Colon Rectum Hemorrhoidectomy Contraindications cont.

21. Precautions cont. • Medications • Coumadin • Digoxin • Lasix (furosemide) • Prednisone • Lipitor • ASA/NSAIDS • Methotrexate

22. Indications • FDA • When medically indicated, such as before radiological or endoscopic examination • Practitioners Suggested Benefits (not listed by FDA) • Health maintenance • DETOXIFICATION (correct imbalance) • Symptomatic relief • Constipation • Indigestion • Functional bowel problems

23. Indications cont. • Benefits (not listed by FDA) • Assessment of bowel function • Removal of impacted feces • Removal of foreign material • Rehydration of bowel • Toning of the bowel • Aids in bowel re-training • Improved bowel elimination

24. Indications cont. • Benefits (not listed by FDA) • Removal of bowel toxins which may be a cause of chronic inflammatory disease processes • Improved sense of well-being • Improved immune response • Aids in bowel cleansing • Aids in elimination of stored toxins • Aids in restoring the integrity of the mucosal lining • Improvement of quality of life

25. Summary • Safe • Relatively Inexpensive ($65) • Licensed Practitioners • Effective (This message not reviewed by the FDA) • So can we advocate this practice as PA’S?

26. That answer is as clear as…

27. Mud

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