Colonics -- also known as colonic irrigation, colon cleansing or colon hydrotherapy -- are an alternative medical therapy that involve flushing the colon with water through the rectum to cleanse the intestinal tract. The aim of a colonic is to remove fecal matter and toxins from the colon, and a colonic can sometimes involve the use of special herbs or liquids. Colonics can be used to relieve constipation, cleanse the intestinal tract and improve overall health.

Colonics are performed by trained professionals, called a colon hydrotherapist. During a colonic treatment, warm water is flushed into the colon through the anus, causing peristalsis, a contraction of the colon muscles. This contraction forces fecal matter out of the intestinal tract, into a closed waste collection system. The process can feel slightly uncomfortable and typically lasts between 45 minutes and an hour. Possible side effects include nausea and fatigue. Some medical professionals feel colonic cleansing is unecessary but many alternative health practitioners advocate it as a healthy way to reduce harmful waste in the body.

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