You’ll probably know that colonic hydrotherapy isn’t a new idea, but did you know it’s been around for three thousand years? An ancient Egyptian medical document, the Ebers Papyrus, described the many benefits of ‘colonic lavage’ (washing) as long ago as 1500 BC. An ancient Egyptian-style treatment doesn’t sound much fun, though – apparently, it took place in a river, using a hollow reed to allow water to flow into the body. Brrrr!
Similarly, the ancient Greek founding fathers of medicine, Hippocrates, Galen and Paracelsus, practised and prescribed the use of enemas for colonic cleansing.
Fast forward to the twentieth century, and colonic irrigation was a very popular treatment in convalescent homes and health spas, and was also a common treatment in hospitals. However, the massive surge in popularity also meant the treatment was often administered by unskilled staff, and so began to get a reputation for being an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience.
Hop on another step in time, and everything’s changed again. Modern practitioners now prefer to refer to treatments as ‘colonic hydrotherapy’ rather than ‘colonic irrigation’, as it gives a much better picture of today’s safe, non-chemical, therapeutic treatment. Advances in modern equipment mean state-of-the-art equipment, including temperature-controlled water, pressure and temperature sensors and a built-in equipment sanitising unit for maximum peace of mind.
If you haven’t had a treatment for years, you’ll find it a completely different experience now. Therapist training is now standardised and accredited, and equipment is safe and regulated.
Times journalist Hannah Betts had colonic irrigation back in the 1990s, and describes that experience as ‘soul-soiling’. In February 2015, though, she started a series of treatments at a clinic in London and found it completely different. She’s now been having colonic hydrotherapy once a month for the past five months and intends to continue.
“Colonic hydrotherapy 2015 is different entirely,” she says. “One emerges becalmed, happy even, and lighter.”
If you’d like to try the calming, relaxing treatment that’s modern-day colonic hydrotherapy, give me a call on 0161 207 4034 to find out more.
Helen x