A colon cleanse – or colon hydrotherapy – is not a fashion trend or quick “detox.” It is a medical cleansing of the colon, performed under controlled and hygienic conditions, with the
goal of restoring natural bowel function.
What is a colon cleanse?
During treatment, the colon is gently flushed with warm, filtered water.
Waste, old mucus and gases are removed, while the intestinal wall is stimulated to
actively move again. The process is completely closed, with no odor or discomfort.
Preparation
Proper preparation is essential. We ask patients to adjust their
diet at least one week in advance: easily digestible meals, plenty of fiber, little sugar and no alcohol
or heavily processed products. This supports natural bowel function and makes cleansing
more effective. This gives the body a chance to prepare gradually, making the treatment
more comfortable and efficient.
Why it helps
The colon plays a key role in energy, resistance and neurohormonal regulation. When
waste accumulates or bowel motility is slowed, it can lead to a variety of symptoms:
fatigue, skin problems, loss of concentration, bloating or fluctuating bowel movements.
A colon cleanse can contribute to:
- restoration of natural peristalsis (movement function of the bowel)
- better absorption of nutrients
- reduction of toxic load
- Support of the microbiome (balance of good bacteria)
- general improvement of energy and comfort
Physical and emotional effects
The colon does not only have a physiological function. In traditional medicine, it is also
considered the organ of letting go – both physically and mentally. Many people find that a
colon cleanse not only provides relief in the body, but also creates space emotionally. Old
tension, stress or unprocessed emotions can literally be “stuck” in the gut area. Cleansing the
gut often creates a sense of calm, clarity and emotional release.
At Holistik Acupunctuur Instituut, we therefore consider colon hydrotherapy to be a body-mind treatment: aimed at restoring digestion as well as the ability to let go.
Indications
A colon cleanse can be helpful for:
- constipation or slow bowel movement
- bloating, gas, or irritable bowel syndrome (PDS)
- chronic fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Skin problems (acne, eczema, gray complexion)
- intolerances or food overload
- recovery after antibiotic use or illness
- preparation for further intestinal therapy
Contraindications
Colon hydrotherapy is not indicated in:
- active inflammatory conditions (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease in active phase)
- recent abdominal surgery or bowel perforation
- pregnancy
- severe cardiac or renal insufficiency
- uncontrolled hypertension
- acute abdominal pain or bleeding without diagnosis
In practice
Within the Holistik Acupunctuur Instituut, colon hydrotherapy is never applied by default. Each
patient is first evaluated individually. During the intake we extensively analyze the symptoms,
diet, stress load and bowel movement pattern. If necessary, we perform a stool test
to gain insight into the microbiome, inflammatory markers and digestive capacity.
Only on the basis of these data do we determine whether a colon hydrotherapy is useful and safe within the
treatment plan. Sometimes it is combined with orthomolecular therapy, acupuncture or
laser therapy, depending on the cause of the symptoms.
Impact on intestinal flora
Some people think that a colon cleanse also removes the good bacteria. That’s not right. The
good bacteria are firmly embedded in the intestinal wall and are not
loosened during flushing. What does get removed are bad bacteria, waste products and loose debris that
can disrupt the intestinal flora.
At the end of the treatment, a probiotic rinse is often applied: a liquid containing
favorable strains of bacteria inserted directly into the colon. This allows the intestinal flora
to recover and strengthen immediately after cleansing.
Coffee enema versus colon hydrotherapy
A coffee enema is a small bowel lavage that reaches only the last part of the colon
(the rectum and sigmoid). She can help with mild constipation or as maintenance between
colon hydrotherapies. It only reaches the last part of the intestine, but also slightly stimulates the liver and
bile drainage, which has a mild cleansing effect on the detoxification system. Yet it remains limited
in scope and effect.
A colon hydrotherapy, on the other hand, cleanses the entire colon from beginning to end. This
removes deeper-seated waste products and stimulates intestinal peristalsis more thoroughly.
Coffee enemas may be useful as maintenance therapy after a series of colon hydrotherapies, but
they do not replace them.
What clients experience
Many patients report a lighter feeling in the abdomen, more regular bowel movements and
more energy after a few sessions. Often, bloating also decreases and skin condition improves. Some
additionally experience inner peace or emotional clarity.
Conclusion
A colon cleanse not only cleanses the colon, but also supports the body’s physiological and
emotional recovery. If correctly indicated and professionally performed, it is a
safe and effective addition within an evidence-based recovery program.
Want to know if this is right for you?
Schedule an intake at the Holistik Acupunctuur Instituut. During this consultation, we determine whether colon hydrotherapy makes sense in your situation based on
research and clinical data.