The Egyptians first used colon cleansing around 1500 BC. It is described in the ancient Egyptian medical document, the Ebers Papyrus.  Hippocrates of 4^th and 5^th century BC, recorded using colon cleansing for treating fevers. The Edwin Smith Papyrus of c.1700 BC mentions enemas and gives directions for it's use. Galen, of the 2^nd century AD supported use of enemas. During the 17^th century AD, colon cleansing was very popular. Parisian society found it acceptable practice to use enemas as many as 3 - 4 times per day! They believed colon cleansing was essential to our well being.

       Since that time, colon cleansing has fallen in and out of vogue. This was partially due to practitioners being untrained and unskilled. The other is that our medical profession has been intent upon "curing" symptoms with prescription drugs and surgeries, while moving further and further away from natural and non-invasive healing methods. Newfound respect for hydrotherapy came with the attention of many prominent physicians such as Dr. John Harvey Kellog, MD, Dr. James Wiltsie, MD, and Joseph Waddington, MD. In the 1917 Journal of American Medicine, Dr. Kellog reported that in the treatment of over 40,000 cases of gastrointestinal disease, only 20 cases had needed surgery. The rest improved with a treatment including colon cleansing, diet and exercise. Dr. Wiltsie stated, "our knowledge of the normal and abnormal physiology of the colon, and of it's pathology and management, has not kept pace with that of many organs and systems of the body." Further, "As long as we continue to assume that the colon will take care of itself, just that long will we remain in complete ignorance of perhaps the most important source of ill health in the whole body." Dr. Waddington said, "Abnormal functioning of the intestinal canal is the precursor of much ill health, especially of chronic disease condition. Restoration of physiologic intestinal elimination is often the first, but too often ignored, important preliminary to eventual restoration of the health in general."

       By the late 1800's and early 1900's, the advent of rubber caused a shift in the use of enemas to more modern hydrotherapy / colonic systems. Today, major advancements have been made in the instrumentation of colon hydrotherapy equipment. Many practitioners now use a “closed system” with a built in sanitation system that has been approved by the FDA. These units offer extensive water filtration and purification, temperature and pressure flow control and back flow prevention valves. Client health is protected through single use disposable speculums and tubing. It’s also odorless! Many colon therapists have been through an approved course of study and internship resulting in skilled and educated practitioners. See www.i-act.org for a referral list in your area. Colon hydrotherapy is now an integral part of any health care regime that includes proper diet, exercise, and attention to mental and spiritual wellness.