Colon hydrotherapy is an alternative medical procedure, sometimes associated with naturopathy. Similar to an enema, it involves the introduction of large amounts of water, sometimes infused with minerals or other materials, into the colon using a tube and syringe inserted into the rectum. The fluid is removed after a short period, and the process may be repeated several times.

The practice has been known since ancient times for treating constipation. Current practitioners recommend it for a variety of ills stemming from accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine, a process referred to as autointoxication.

While some hydrotherapists believe a colonic leads to better overall wellness, others claim it helps specific diseases, including chronic fatigue, arthritis, and sinusitis. It is also claimed to improve muscle tone in the colon, leading to stronger peristaltic contractions.

However, there is reliable medical evidence that feces do not accumulate in the colon. High colonics, like any enema, only cleanse the last third of the colon. There is no reliable evidence that a high colonic treatment provides any benefits. Additionally, the theory of autointoxication has been discredited.

Dangers from high colonics include infections spread through equipment, including deaths from amebiasis spread by colonics, congestive heart failure from fluid overload and several cases of death in children probably from electrolyte imbalance.

Colonics are condisered inappropriate for people with digestive conditions such as ulcerative colitis or other types of colitis, where enemas can cause colonic perforation. It is also possible that these treatments may deplete healthy individuals of essential minerals.

The practice is currently unregulated in the United States so there is no system to track adverse events from the practice. Some practitioners go through a voluntary certification process. The American College of Gastroenterology (http://www.acg.gi.org) takes the position that in the unusual case of fecal impaction complicating chronic constipation, a 5 to 10 ounce tap water enema may be of benefit, but does not otherwise recommend its use.