Please take the time to examine this list before booking your treatment.
There are some instances in which it is not safe to receive colonic hydrotherapy – these situations are known as ‘contra-indications.’
Colonic Hydrotherapy must not be administered in the case of any absolute contra-indications:
- Spinal injuries at or above T6 – because colonics stimulate the autonomic (parasympathetic, vagal, pelvic) nervous systems, and vaso-vagal stimulation on those with injury above T6 can lead to Fatal Autonomic Dysreflexia.
- Carcinoma of colon or rectum – risk of bleeding or perforation
- Children under 16 without a GP/medical specialist’s referral, a guardian present at all times, and the approval of their paediatrician. For ages 16-18 their guardian must be present for the treatment.
- Congestive heart disease – Colonic hydrotherapy involves the introduction of a significant amount of fluid into the body. This is thought that it could lead to fluid overload, which can exacerbate congestive heart failure.
- Diverticulitis – in the case of active inflammation, the patient must have been cleared for at least 6 months due to the risk of bowel perforation.
- Fistula (unless fully healed) – an abnormal passageway between organs or between an organ and the outside of the body, can increase the risk of infection if exposed to water during colonic hydrotherapy.
- Hernia – irreducible abdominal or femoral – as colonics can increase intra-abdominal pressure
- Hirschprung’s disease (‘mega colon’) – absence of nerve cells in the colon means there is no peristalsis, so the colon will not respond to the colonic.
- Hypertension (blood pressure over 170/100) – due to the risk of stroke or heart attack. This is because there is a risk of blood volume increasing as a result of colonics (this theory is not proven). This theory suggests that colonics could stress the cardiovascular system, blood pressure & kidney, and that during colonic the portal vein and liver may have an increased load.
- Ileus (paralytic) – a condition where the intestines stop moving. In this situation, colonic hydrotherapy can’t be effective due to nerve dysfunction.
- Active Inflammatory Bowel Disorders including Ulcerative Colitis, Chron’s, Colitis and Diverticulitis – in inflammatory bowel diseases, the integrity of the colon may be unreliable. The condition may be worsened by colonics, and increase the risk of perforation.
- Inflamed haemorrhoids – bleeding, thrombosed, and painful during the digital rectal examination. Those at stage 4 which are thrombosed and could burst need to be kept clean and free of irritation to promote healing – and they are at risk of haemorrhaging
- Pregnancy – filling the colon with water may put unwelcome pressure on the growing foetus.
- Rectal bleeding – this could be due to inflamed haemorrhoids or indicative of IBD and requires investigation by a medical professional.
- Radiotherapy of abdominal area and not discharged from medical care – inflammation and burning of adjacent tissues is a risk of radiotherapy, therefore carry the same risk as any other inflammatory condition that is contraindicated.
- Severe anaemia (red blood count less than 2.5 million cells/mcL) – due to the risk of fainting, as vaso-vagal stimulation can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Renal insufficiency – dialysis – requires reduced fluid intake.
- Severe persistent diarrhoea – in this situation a colonic is not indicated, and the sufferer may be experiencing a loss of electrolytes. In this case a colonic is not helpful, and diarrhoea is a symptom of other contraindicated conditions and should be investigated by a medical professional.
Recent surgery (exact weeks are relative to the healing process, and could be less with the written support of your GP):
- Recent colon or rectum surgery (less than 26 weeks)
- Recent bowel biopsy (less than 12 weeks)
- Recent prostate biopsy made through bowel (less than 12 weeks)
- Recent abdominal surgery (less than 26 weeks)
- Recent abdominal keyhole surgery e.g. liposuction (less than 12 weeks)
- Recent laparoscopy (less than 6 weeks)
There are also relative contra-indications, to which the client’s age and general health are relevant factors. In these instances, please contact us before making the booking to check you can receive treatment:
- Anal tear and haemorrhoids(s) if the Digital Rectal Examination reveals potential intolerance to speculum
- Chemotherapy and cancer treatments known to cause inflammation, infections, anaemia and general weakness
- Controlled hypertension and a prescription for diuretics
- Debilitating heart, liver, pancreas and kidney diseases manifesting pain and weakness
- Diabetes – Risk of Hypoglycaemia
- Diverticulosis within 3 months of an episode of diverticulitis
- Gall stones – depending on the severity
- Hernia: Inguinal, or Reducible Abdominal
- Highly anxious, stressed or emotional
- Hypotension (less than 90/60) – due to the risk of fainting or extreme dizziness
- Fissure
- Inflammatory Bowel Disorders in remission for a minimum of 6 months
- Inguinal Hernia
- Long term Oral or Rectal Steroid (risk of reduced bowel integrity)
- Recent (within 6 months) hip/knee joint surgery
- Recent colonoscopy (less than 6 weeks) especially if surgical intervention (e.g. biopsy, polypectomy) occurred – see biopsy timeline above
- Severely underweight or an eating disorder
- Tight anal sphincter
Please note:
Colon Hydrotherapy is not a medical treatment; and is not an alternative for working with your primary healthcare provider.
If in doubt about your suitability to receive this treatment, please contact us before booking an appointment.