Colonic Uses, History, and Complications

A colonic is the infusion of water or other liquids into the rectum by a colon therapist to cleanse and flush out the colon. It is also called colonic hydrotherapy or colon irrigation, and proponents of the practice maintain that it leads to better digestive and overall health. 

Many experts, however, caution that claims of health benefits with colonic irrigation are unproven, and may increase the risk of dehydration and other complications.

This article is meant to help you learn about what colonic irrigation does, what to expect when you have a colonic, and how to manage potential complications.

How a Colonic Cleanse Works

A colonic begins with a consultation with a colon hydrotherapist, who will ask about medical history and complete forms about the procedure.

The client is asked to change into a gown and lie face up on a treatment table, where the therapist inserts a disposable speculum into the anus. The speculum is connected to a long disposable plastic hose that reaches the colon hydrotherapy unit.

The client and the colon therapist do not smell the feces as it is filtered through the tube. But the therapist usually observes the feces through the clear hose and may comment on the color.

A colonic usually causes some abdominal discomfort. The colon therapist may apply light massage to the client's abdomen to facilitate the colonic process.

After the session, the therapist leaves the room and the client may sit on a toilet to pass any residual water and stool. A typical session lasts 45 minutes to one hour.

Why Do People Get Colonics?

People who get colonics typically say they do for the following reasons:

• To remove accumulated waste from the colon
• To help prevent constipation
• To improve your overall health

Thus far, scientific support for the potential health benefits of colonics is lacking because there is no hard evidence to back up these claims. However, proponents of colon hydrotherapy claim that accumulated fecal matter in the colon may negatively affect health because it:

• Prevents water and nutrient absorption
• Leads to constipation
• Allows harmful colon bacteria and yeast to grow
• Causes stagnant toxins to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the colon wall (called autointoxication)

Lack of fiber, excess sugar, and a diet high in red meat are believed to contribute to the problem. However, many experts suggest that lifestyle changes are the most effective way to promote colon health, including exercise, limits on alcohol and red meat consumption, and avoiding tobacco.

Who Should Avoid a Colonic

Colonic hydrotherapy is discouraged in people with certain health conditions. They include:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticular disease
• Crohn's disease
• Severe hemorrhoids
• Blood vessel diseases
• Heart diseases, like congestive heart failure
• Severe anemia
• Abdominal hernia
• Intestinal tumors or gastrointestinal cancer
• Recent colon surgery

People who are pregnant should not have a colonic as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

Colonic Side Effects

Side effects of colonics are not uncommon. They may include nausea and fatigue after the session, which can last for several hours. More serious complications may include:

• Bowel perforation
• Excessive fluid absorption
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Heart failure

There's also some evidence that harmful bacteria may grow in the digestive tract after a colonic, which may lead to infections.

After Colonic Therapy

Many practitioners caution there are a number of things you should not do after a colonic. For example, avoiding caffeine and alcohol for a few days will help your body return to its normal fluid balance. It's also best to avoid raw foods and choose easily digested ones instead.

A low-residue diet gives your digestive system a chance to rest. Applesauce, mashed potatoes, white rice, and chicken are better options than whole grains, nuts and berries, or chocolate.

A Word From Verywell

While a colonic may be generally safe for most people, its health benefits remain unproven and it may add to your risk of digestive symptoms. Changes in bowel habits can be the sign of a serious health condition, so contact your healthcare provider about the symptoms that concern you.