What Is Colonic Hydrotherapy?

What exactly happens during a colonic hydrotherapy session?
During colonic hydrotherapy (CHT), the large intestine is gently flushed with warm, filtered
water. Water flows softly into the colon through a small tube, loosening accumulated
waste and deposits, which are then carried away together with the released contents –
all within a closed, odour-free system. A session lasts approximately 45–60 minutes and
is accompanied by a gentle abdominal massage to stimulate intestinal peristalsis.

How does CHT differ from a regular enema?
A conventional enema only cleanses the lower part of the bowel (rectum and sigmoid
colon). Colonic hydrotherapy cleanses the entire large intestine – approximately 1.5
metres of bowel – through multiple cycles of water inflow and outflow in a single session.

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Safety, Side Effects

Is the treatment safe?
Yes. When performed correctly by trained professionals, CHT is considered safe. Only
filtered, temperature-controlled water and sterile single-use materials are used. The
treatment is painless and gentle.

Contraindications – who should not receive CHT?
CHT is not recommended for people with: active inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn´s
disease, ulcerative colitis in flare), acute diverticulitis, inflamed hemorrhoids,
undiagnosed abdominal pain, recent bowel surgery, severe heart failure, advanced
kidney insufficiency, pregnancy, bowel tumours or perforations, or for people currently
undergoing psychiatric treatment. If in doubt, please consult your doctor beforehand.

 

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The Gut Microbiome – Common Misconceptions
Does the irrigation destroy my gut flora?
This is one of the most common misconceptions about CHT – and it is scientifically
incorrect. The gut flora consists of two fundamentally different components:

• The resident (sessile) flora is firmly anchored in the intestinal mucosa and mucus
layer. It forms stable biofilms and remains relatively constant throughout a person's
lifetime.
• The transient flora is found freely in the intestinal lumen – it is part of the stool
content and would be eliminated with the next normal bowel movement anyway.
CHT flushes exclusively the luminal intestinal content (transient flora + stool residue) –
exactly what would have been expelled at the next bowel movement. The resident
mucosal flora remains completely unaffected.
Scientific evidence: Uchiyama-Tanaka, Y. (2012): "The Influence of Colonic Irrigation on Human Intestinal Microbiota" – A study with 10 participants concluded that colon
irrigation has no influence on intestinal microbiota or serum electrolytes. Freely available
at IntechOpen: DOI: 10.5772/29033

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Effects & Recommendations
For which complaints can CHT be helpful?
CHT is traditionally used for: chronic constipation, bloating and a feeling of fullness,
sluggish digestion, allergies, skin impurities, as an introduction to a fasting or gut
restoration programme, as preparation for a colonoscopy, and for general fatigue and
skin problems that may be linked to gut health.

How many sessions are recommended?
This is highly individual and depends on your personal situation and findings. In my
practice, I create an individual treatment plan for each person. I recommend starting with
an initial consultation, where we discuss together what makes sense for you.

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Practical Information
How should I prepare for a session?
Ideally, avoid heavy meals for 2–3 hours before the treatment. Wear comfortable
clothing. If you are taking medication or have any health conditions, please let me know
in advance.
For the two days before the treatment, I also recommend: avoid gas-producing foods
(legumes, cauliflower, beer, fresh yeast baked goods) and avoid heavy, hard-to-digest
meals (fatty meat, fried foods).
If you suffer from stubborn constipation, it is advisable to prepare the day before using a
ready-made pharmacy product – for example a micro-enema, suppository or pre-made
enema.
For chronic constipation, a 2–3 week preparation with a specific product may be
beneficial. We will discuss which product is most suitable for you individually in advance.

What should I keep in mind after the treatment?
After the session, drink sufficient fluids spread throughout the day. To support your
electrolyte balance, I recommend water with a pinch of sea salt and a splash of lemon

juice, or a ready-made electrolyte mix from the pharmacy. Eat lightly and in a gut-friendly
way (vegetables, soups – avoid heavy foods). Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment.
Please do not plan any strenuous physical activities – such as running a marathon,
weightlifting or intense endurance training.