Colonic irrigation consists of the introduction of purified warm water which flows slowly into the colon under low pressure, via a small tube. When the colon is filled, the water flows out through a larger tube, bringing with it any loose debris. This is done a number of times during a treatment, which lasts from 30 minutes to an hour, and the result is a gentle flushing of the colon, and a loosening of old faecal debris. The treatment is not painful, or uncomfortable, provided the practitioner is competent and follows a few basic rules.

It can be in pockets in the colon wall, or diverticuli, or can be mixed with hardened mucous glued to any part of the colon wall.

1–3Kg of debris is probably an average amount of debris that can be lodged in the colon, although sometimes as much as 10Kg can be present (this does not include the transient matter present at any time).

Because the old matter will be lodged in pockets or stuck to the colon wall. Diarrhoea will pass over this.

Yes, although often people will display symptoms of a toxic condition before it turns into an identifiable or serious illness - eg fatigue and tiredness, skin problems, etc etc.

It depends on the condition of the colon. People with minor problems may be cleaned out after 6 treatments. Someone who is seriously ill, however, may need many more.

Generally not, because it can leave the patient too weak, and time between treatments is often desirable to allow the body to recover from healing crises. Short bursts of intensive therapy - a week or so at a time, with a recovery period in between - are often better.

Very unlikely, due to the low pressures used.

Sometimes the colon will already be overstretched or distorted because of retention of old faecal matter. A skilled practitioner works gently but effectively to stimulate and massage the colon wall, but not over stretch it.

Historically, herbs have been used to detoxify the colon, but they are probably most useful in combination with colon hydrotherapy, not as a completely effective substitute.

No, on the contrary, the internal massage provided by colon hydrotherapy, and the release of impacted matter from the wall of the colon should help tone the muscle.

Loose bacteria will be expelled, but the removal of old waste and unfriendly bacteria allows a better chance of long-term colonisation of the colon with good bacteria. In the short-term, the practitioner will recommend the taking of probiotic cultures to restock the colon flora, and a diet which will encourage these good bacteria to multiply.

Many people cannot assimilate vitamins and minerals properly through their colons anyway due to the build up of toxic waste. In the longer term, the removal of toxic matter should help the patient absorb more efficiently through the colon wall.