Being a chiropractor, I travel through the complementary and alternative care population and this is a question that comes up to me often. I have never had a colonic, some of my friends have. So I decided to google the question. The posting below is by Dr. Ronen Arai. She is a Senior Fellow in Gastroenterology at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.
The entire article can be found at http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/risks-colonics.html
There is no scientific evidence that colonics, also known as “high-colonics,” benefit digestive health. But it’s hard to argue with those people who insist that colonics make them feel healthier or “cleaner.”
Whatever the benefits of colonics may be, there’s no question that they pose certain risks. First, if the rectal tube is inserted improperly, it can tear the rectal lining — an injury that may require surgery. Second, although many colonics are performed using water or salt water (saline), people sometimes use other fluids, such as coffee, or even other liquids that may be potentially toxic to the colon. This can inflame the colon or cause it to bleed. Third, even water — if administered in large amounts — can pose problems. If a person absorbs too much water through the colon it can lead to water intoxication, a potentially fatal condition in which excess water upsets the body’s balance of crucial salts and minerals. Finally, there’s the issue of the pressure used to force the liquid into the colon. If the pressure is too high, the colon can be perforated, requiring emergency surgery.
Although these complications are rare, anyone considering colonics should discuss them with his or her doctor before undergoing the procedure.
Nice job, Dad! I only read the first paragraph though!
Have a nice day!
Cali
Comment by Cali — October 21st, 2009 @ 9:27 am
“Surprise! Surprise!”
I recently saw a piece on (I believe) NOW, with David Brancacchio that included a comment that doctors who own imaging centers need a certain patient volume every day in order to support their equipment. (Hmmmm)
The part of that show which was “jolting” to me was the statement that CTScans expose a patient to 100 times more radiation than that produced by a regular XRay. Then, the discussion turned to a hospital where the MDs decided to examine their incidence of (unnecessary) tests. That hospital has significantly lowered its incidence of what appear to be unnecessary tests and procedures. Instead of “covering” themselves by doing “standard” testing for symptom complaints, this group of MDs has started to think more about the issue at hand and to not run a battery of tests just because they can. The result seems to be better patient outcomes at lower costs. (What a concept!)
I understand that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs) are not CT Scans. Nevertheless, the “moral” of the story is the same –
less is more.
Is anyone really surprised about this? I wonder.
Comment by Nancy Domyan — October 21st, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
No money in doing enemas – right doc?!
I can google too!
Comment by former res — November 3rd, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
I don’t understand your response, can you clearly state your point without sarcasm?
Comment by Brian Nathanson — November 3rd, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
Certainly.
1. I don’t know that I would seek the counsel of a practitioner of one form of complementary and alternative medicine (chiropractic) in evaluating the pros and cons of another form of the same – an unrelated one at that. And as I point out, there is no upside for you in promoting high colonics, while I agree with the risks you mention.
I come from a traditional healthcare background and have never met an MD who endorses chiropractic – except in very narrow applications, and even then often with reservations about the efficacy.
2. Having said that, my other point was that you didn’t even offer your own counsel (on second thought), you simply googled someone else’s advice and posted it (albeit with attribution). While I suppose there are those in the blog-reading, online community who aren’t Google-savvy – I would think most readers are aware of that particular tool. (As they are reading your blog online.)
I hope this clarifies my previous posting.
Comment by former res — November 4th, 2009 @ 6:44 am
You say you come from a traditional medical background, so I guess you research pubmed before you make these attacks? I google some of these posts because many consumers cannot digest the data and language on pubmed. Your ID is former res, so what are you now? And why not ask a chiropractor for advice? We go through a rigorous medical training including basic pharmacology. Should I ask my primary care MD what to do that pain running down my leg? Muscle relaxers, physical therapy and an MRI for $2500.00. Piriformis syndrome treated by a chiropractor for around $250.00. Why is health care a mess? You tell me Dr.
Comment by Brian Nathanson — November 4th, 2009 @ 9:37 am
And since many insurances don’t cover chiropractic, you get to keep the $250 – and don’t have to deal with the insurance companies.
It’s all an inexact science at best. And a scam at worst.
http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/chiroeval.html
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/careers-medicine/46467-chiropractors-real-doctors.html
Oh, and healthcare is a mess due to insurance company profits of approx 30% while Medicare runs an overhead of around 3%.
Comment by former res — November 4th, 2009 @ 10:07 am
The numerous insurance plans I’ve had in the past 15+ years have all covered chiropractic care. My impression is that the treatment methods have changed significantly from the days of the traditional “back crackers.” I have only visited a chiropractor a handful of times in my life, but have found it extremely helpful in each of those instances.
Aside from that, I think the title of this blog suggests that it covers a broad range of commentary and musings on health and life-related topics, not just chiropractic.
Comment by Bertie — November 5th, 2009 @ 11:02 pm
i agree. anyone who wants to try out any type of colonic procedure should consider consulting first with a doctor. it would be good if the doctor is also familiar and a bit more open minded if not truly knowledgeable about alternative healing methods.
also, just avoid doing it too much. moderation in everything is important.
Comment by iam cleanthatcolon — July 27th, 2010 @ 11:47 pm
Personally I wouldn’t recommend colonics for the same reasons you stated. There are much better alternatives that are known to work so why take a chance on something that could be harmful? Beats me.
Comment by Dr Opachich — July 29th, 2010 @ 11:51 am