In this fact sheet, colonic irrigation is understood and presented as as a form of detox therapy, available both as clinical treatment from providers in clinics, or as a "do-it-yourself" kit for home use. In clinics, provision involves usage of a machine that pumps pressurized fluids in rectally through one tube, and removes them via another tube.
Advocates of colonic irrigation claim that the treatment both promotes general health, well-being and vitality; as well as helping for specific disease and health problems that allegedly arise from toxins accumulating in the bowel.
Scientific evidence for this is lacking, and we know that the colon is a self-cleaning organ: Only in special cases like constipation does the bowel need "cleaning help".
Negative effects and incidents after colonic irrigation have been reported - from mild stomach cramps and abdominal pain, to dehydration and low blood pressure, with nausea and vomiting. Tearings in the intestinal wall have occured due to the tubes and/ or level of pressurized fluid used; gangren of the pelvic floor, water intoxication and kidney failure have also been reported.
Rectally administered colonic irrigation using coffee as enema have been popular. There are reports on this having caused electrolyte imbalances, chemical imbalances, and blood poisoning. Researchers believe that over time, such treatment can damage the intestines' natural and healthy bacterial flora, affect the mucous membranes, and cause digestion problems. Several deaths have been linked to this type of colonic irrigation.
Thus, colonic irrigation is generally discouraged as a treatment; especially for patients who have or have had digestive problems (such as diverticular disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; bowel surgery, hemorrhoids, kidney disease or heart disease. Persons with these conditions appear to have increased risk of adverse effects from colonic irrigation.
Other names and terms:
Tarmskylling, klyster, colon hydrotherapy, colon cleansing, enema, autointoxication treatment, colon therapy, cleansing, detoxification, hydrotherapy
Are you considering complementary medicine? If so, you should read our Patient guide, with general precautions and tips on how to make more informed health choices.
References:
- Acosta RD, Cash BD. Clinical effects of colonic cleansing for general health promotion: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 Nov;104(11):2830-6; quiz 2837. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2009.494. Epub 2009 Sep 1. Erratum in: Am J Gastroenterol. 2010 May;105(5):1214. PMID: 19724266.
- Ernst E. Colonic irrigation: therapeutic claims by professional organisations, a review. Int J Clin Pract. 2010 Mar;64(4):429-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2009.02166.x. PMID: 20456189.
- Garrett B, Caulfield T, Murdoch B, Brignall M, Kapur AK, Murphy S, Nelson E, Reardon J, Harrison M, Hislop J, Wilson-Keates BJ, Anthony J, Loewen PS, Musoke RM, Braun J. A taxonomy of risk-associated alternative health practices: A Delphi study. Health Soc Care Community. 2022 May;30(3):1163-1181. doi: 10.1111/hsc.13386. Epub 2021 May 26. PMID: 34041822; PMCID: PMC9291966.
- Helsebiblioteket.no: Tarmskylling
- Levy FES. autointoksikasjon,from Store medisinske leksikon (snl.no). (Per 25.04.25)
- NatMedPro: Colonic irrigation (Per 25.04.25, licence needed)
- Mishori R, Otubu A, Jones AA. The dangers of colon cleansing. J Fam Pract. 2011 Aug;60(8):454-7. PMID: 21814639.
- Son H, Song HJ, Seo HJ, Lee H, Choi SM, Lee S. The safety and effectiveness of self-administered coffee enema: A systematic review of case reports. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Sep 4;99(36):e21998. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021998. PMID: 32899046; PMCID: PMC7478478.
