Who can’t have Colonic Hydrotherapy?

There are some instances in which it is not safe to receive Colonic Hydrotherapy – these situations are known as ‘contra-indications.’

Please take the time to examine this list before booking your treatment.

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 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, reach out before booking an appointment.

When you’re ready, book online.