A colonic is simply a large enema designed to cleanse the whole colon from waste products, including stored fecal matter, gas, mucus and other toxins.

Colonics are in vogue as an alternative therapy treatment but have had their share of opponents who do not advocate its use.

However there are strong advocates of the usefulness of colonics and those advocates of colonics believe that when administered utilizing sterile equipment they can be useful to rid the body of toxins built up in the colon and to restore the normal muscle activity of the colon.

The process of a colonic is not meant to be painful but there are many who feel it is indeed uncomfortable, costly and not to mention embarrassing.

During the high colonic procedure, which typically takes about thirty to sixty minutes, a small tube is inserted into the rectum, some clinics suggest interesting the tube up to twenty inches. This tube is then connected to a plastic hose and the hose is then connected to a colonic irrigation machine.

Purified water is allowed to flow through the hose and tubing to flush out all five feet of the colon. The infusion of water causes the muscles that line the colon to contract and expand rhythmically forcing out fecal matter, gas, and mucus through an evacuation tube that leads back to the machine.

Herbs and extracts or coffee can be added to the water to improve the efficiency of the procedure. After the first infusion of water has been expelled, the procedure is repeated until twenty to thirty gallons of water have been flushed through the bowel thoroughly washing out the colon.

Whether a colonic is for you or not is a decision only you can make.

There are many anecdotal stories the both support and negate colonics.

Only you can make the decision that is right for you. It is important to remember that currently there is no evidence that exists to support the use of colon therapy, and treatment can cause infection and mineral and electrolyte imbalances that can be dangerous.