Digestive Health Exams & Procedures Colonic Uses, History, and Complications By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 18, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Meredith Bull, ND Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND Facebook LinkedIn Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles. She helped co-author the first integrative geriatrics textbook, "Integrative Geriatric Medicine." Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print 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. Colonics and enemas are similar, but there are some key differences between a colonic and an enema. Learn about who needs one, what to expect, and how to manage potential complications. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin What Is a Typical Colonic Like? After completing a health history form and consulting with the colon hydrotherapist, the client is asked to change into a gown and lie face up on a treatment table. The colon therapist inserts a disposable speculum into the anus. The speculum is connected to a long disposable plastic hose connected to the colon hydrotherapy unit. The client and the colon therapist do not smell the feces as it is filtered through the tube. The therapist usually looks at the feces through the clear hose and may comment on the color. The client typically feels some discomfort in the abdomen during the therapy. The colon therapist may apply light massage to the client's abdominal area to facilitate the 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 it for the following reasons: To remove accumulated waste from the colonTo help prevent constipationTo improve the overall health Colonics are always considered a form of alternative medicine. Due to lack of evidence, colonics are not known to improve health and wellness by most conventional medical professionals. 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 in some of the following ways: Preventing water and nutrient absorptionLead to constipationAllow harmful colon bacteria and yeast to growCause 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. History of Colonics One of the earliest proponents of colonics and the autointoxication theory was John Harvey Kellogg, MD, founder of the Kellogg cereal company. Many credit Kellogg for the popularity of colonics among conventional physicians from the early 1900s to the 1940s. Kellogg frequently lectured on colon therapy and recommended colonics for many conditions, such as depression and arthritis. As laxatives grew in popularity, colonics became less popular. Also, the lack of published evidence on the benefits of colonics contributed to its decline. Today, some alternative practitioners continue to recommend colonics. Complications People with certain conditions, such as diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, blood vessel disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, severe anemia, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, recent colon surgery, and intestinal tumors are among those who should not have a colonic. People who are pregnant should not have a colonic as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Side effects of colonics may include nausea and fatigue after the session, which can last for several hours. Complications may include bowel perforation, excessive fluid absorption, electrolyte imbalance, heart failure, and serious infection. Frequently Asked Questions Should an enema be used for constipation? An enema can be used for constipation, but it is considered a last-resort option if other treatments have not worked. Enemas have risks such as infection and even injuring the rectum. Frequent use can also make it harder to have a bowel movement naturally. Learn More: How Constipation is Treated What are the benefits of using a colonic? There is no scientific evidence that colonics offer any health benefits. What is a colonic meant to do? A colonic is meant to remove waste that has accumulated in the colon and prevent or treat constipation. However, colon hydrotherapy might do more harm than good. Colon cleanses have been linked with parasitic infections, abscesses in the digestive tract, rectum and colon perforation, and heart failure. Learn More: The Risks of Colonic Hydrotherapy Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bazzocchi G, Giuberti R. Irrigation, lavage, colonic hydrotherapy: from beauty center to clinic?. Tech Coloproctol. 2017;21(1):1-4. doi:10.1007/s10151-016-1576-6 Mathias M. Autointoxication and historical precursors of the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2018;29(2):1548249. doi:10.1080/16512235.2018.1548249 Journal of Lancaster General Hospital. Colon cleansing: Medical breakthrough or myth? Summer 2014. Additional Reading Mishori R. The dangers of colon cleansing. Journal of Family Practice. 2011;60(8):454-457. Puetz T. Is there a health benefit from high colonics? International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Fact Sheet. Updated October 2, 2019.