The physiology of colonic hydrotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
Colonic hydrotherapy is widely used and many of its practitioners are medically qualified. Nonetheless, the basis of many of their practices requires physiological scrutiny.


METHODS
The claims of colonic hydrotherapy are examined against known physiological facts.


RESULTS
Hydrotherapy is not entirely physiological.


CONCLUSIONS
Colonic hydrotherapy may increase the dissemination and absorption of toxins and bacteria into the body.
Seow-Choen
F
F
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore. seowchoen@colorectalcentre.com
D003106:Colon / Q000502:physiology*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000009:adverse effects; D004733:Enema / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects*