Intestinal Cleansing
Colon Hydrotherapy
A gentle intestinal cleansing procedure that uses temperature-controlled, purified water to flush the colon, supporting detoxification and preparing the gut for restorative therapies.
What Is Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon hydrotherapy (also called colonic irrigation) is a procedure in which purified, temperature-controlled water is gently introduced into the colon through a disposable rectal nozzle. The water softens and loosens accumulated waste material, which is then expelled along with the water through a closed system.
At St. George Hospital, colon hydrotherapy is used as a supportive therapy within comprehensive treatment programs, particularly to prepare the intestinal environment for microbiome restoration, support detoxification during chronic infection treatment, and improve digestive comfort.
How Does It Work?
Warm, filtered water is introduced into the colon at low pressure through a small rectal tube. The water fills the colon and is then released, carrying with it accumulated waste, mucus, and gas. The process is repeated several times during a single session, with gentle abdominal massage applied to facilitate the release.
The procedure supports the colon’s natural peristaltic function, helps remove compacted waste that may impair nutrient absorption and gut barrier function, and creates a cleaner environment for subsequent probiotic colonization or microbiome transfer procedures.
Clinical Applications
- Preparation for microbiome transfer
- Detoxification support during Lyme disease treatment
- Chronic constipation
- Bloating and digestive discomfort
- Pre- and post-antibiotic gut support
- Intestinal dysbiosis management
Could this belong in your plan?
That depends on your findings, not on the therapy. Send what you have with a short history; a physician reads it before the video call and tells you whether this treatment belongs in your program.
What a session feels like
- Before A private treatment room and a trained therapist. You lie on the table and a small, disposable tube is placed; the closed system means no odour and no mess.
- During Over 45–60 minutes warm water flows gently into the colon in cycles while the therapist adjusts temperature, pressure and flow. Mild cramping can come and go; most of the time it is simply warmth and a feeling of release.
- Afterwards You may feel emptied and a little tired. Drink water and take the next hour slowly.
Evidence & Safety
Colon hydrotherapy is a well-established procedure in European naturopathic and integrative medicine. While large-scale randomized controlled trials are limited, the procedure has a long clinical track record with a favorable safety profile when performed by trained practitioners using appropriate equipment. Contraindications include active inflammatory bowel disease, recent bowel surgery, severe hemorrhoids, and colorectal cancer. At St. George Hospital, the procedure is performed with medical-grade equipment and strict hygiene protocols.
Request a consultation
A video consultation in English before you travel. A physician reviews your findings first; we reply by email within one business day (Mon–Fri).
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–14:00 (CET/CEST)+49 8061 398-0info@clinicum-stgeorg.de
St. George Hospital is a specialist hospital, not an emergency department. In a medical emergency in Germany, dial 112.