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Colon cleansing has been used as a treatment for constipation for thousands of years. A colon cleanse is also known by a number of other terms, with colonic irrigation, colonic hydrotherapy, colon irrigation and entero-lavage all in common usage at the moment.

Conventional medical opinion is that there is little health benefit in the procedure, and the consensus of doctors is that a purified water enema is only a useful treatment in the case of an impacted bowel. However, this is contradicted by patients and practitioners alike.

Colon cleanse advocates claim theu have the ability to improve their subjects' general health. A variety of ills, they claim, is brought about by a build up of waste in the large intestine. Large amounts of fungi and bacteria in the colon is believed to cause about what they call autointoxication.

Other claimed benefits of this procedure include relief from bowel complaints, flatulence, chronic fatigue syndrome, Candida, arthritis and many skin problems. Proponents of this procedure go on to claim that the probability of contracting bowel cancer is mitigated by this procedure. Due to the several claimed benefits, they prescribe regular sessions to prevent diseases and not just use it as a treatment.

The practice is not very well regulated in the United States, few states have laws in place. It is imperative that prospective patients ensure that the facilities and equipment are clean and that their practitioner is experienced. It can be very dangerous if these are lacking so it is useful to consult the lists of registered members that the Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists and the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy keep.

During a colon cleanse, a speculum is passed into the rectum. Through this, up to a gallon of water at body temperature is passed. The used water and waste passes back out the tube, where the practitioner is able to examine it. In an effort to help remove waste, the practitioner may massage the patient's abdomen. While sometimes causing discomfort, there is no pain involved in this treatment.

Acupuncture or reflexology may also be used in combination with this treatment. Practitioners may even add extra ingredients such as minerals, salts or coffee to the purified water used in the treatment. These are supposed to provide extra health benefits for the patient.

Colon cleansing has been around for thousands of years, and although conventional medical opinion puts little value in the procedure, practitioners and clients strongly disagree. They claim not only does it improve overall health, it helps IBS, cramps, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis and other health problems as well. The practice is unregulated in most American States, and it is essential patients considering undergoing a cleanse select a clinic with experienced practitioners and high standards of hygiene. During the procedure, water is passed through the rectum, and waste is eliminated. While there may be some discomfort, it is not painful. Acupuncture or reflexology may be combined with the treatment. Better yet, forgo all the invasive treatments and try an all natural colon cleanse on a regular basis.