Fascinating Facts.. Did You Know?
The utilization of colon cleaning as a medical intervention has been employed across many historical periods to address individual healthcare needs globally, as evidenced by historical research of the existence of ancient writing known as the "Ebers Papyrus" dating back to 1500 B.C.
Ancient Egyptians engaged in the procedure by conducting colonics in a river using a hollow reed. Fortunately, in contemporary times, there has been notable progress in several domains.
Timeline History:
In 1500 B.C. Ancient Egyptians were the first recorded society to employ the method of colon lavage, as documented in the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical manuscript.
600 B.C. Babylonian and Assyrian scrolls include ancient cuneiform inscriptions detailing the use of enemas.
400 B.C. Hippocrates documented the utilization of enemas as a kind of treatment for illnesses with a fever.
124 B.C. Asclepiades pioneered using enemas to treat conditions like intestinal parasites-worms and fevers.
30 A.D. Celsus, the author of one of the first medical publications, is recognized as one of the early innovators in writing about the application of the enema.
100 A.D. Galen, a very proficient Greek physician, advocated for the utilization of enemas.
200 A.D. Historical evidence of colon hydrotherapy may be traced back to significant religious texts like the Essene Gospels of Peace, where Jesus emphasizes the significance of colonics.
500 A.D. Aetius, a Greek physician from the sixth century, advocated for the use of rectal injections of distilled water.
Beyond 500 A.D. People along the Ivory Coast employed enemas by utilizing a vessel called a calabash (gourd) filled with water. Similarly, several African tribes used a hollowed cow horn for the same purpose
1000 A.D. The enema irrigation instrument is the first documented device, however there is ongoing discussion on the original authorship of its description. Lieberman attributes the invention of the enema syringe to Avicenna (980-1036 A.D.), but Friedenwald argues that Albucasis of Cordova (1013-1106) deserves credit for developing the ear funnel.
1000 + A.D. The most favored and easily obtainable device was a tube crafted from cartilage, bamboo, or metal material, which was attached to a sleeve or livestock reservoir bladder known as the "Clyster purse." The pouch was drained by compressing it from the two palms. According to Dr. Russell, in Spain, the technique was referred to as "playing the bagpipes."
1300 A.D. Throughout the medieval period, knowledge of the enema expanded, and its usage gained popularity among the affluent, even extending to the highest echelons of monarchy.
In 1480, Louis XI experienced an episode of apoplexy, a condition characterized by loss of consciousness and paralysis, which was alleviated by the administration of an enema. This procedure was performed under the guidance of his physician, Angelo Catho. "The king became a fervent proponent of clysters, to the extent that he even had his pet dogs undergo clysterization when he believed it was necessary."
1600 The 17th Century acquired the moniker of the "age of the enema" or the "age of clysters". In Parisian culture, it was considered normal to take part in up to three or four enemas every day. This was based on the concept that regularly cleansing the internal organs, known as a "lavement," was crucial for maintaining good health. Historical records indicate that King Louis XIII underwent almost 200 enemas within a single year.
1600+ Various varieties of clyster syringes were available at this point. Copper and porcelain were the materials used to make the clyster syringes, while silver and mother-of-pearl were reserved for the affluent. It was believed that certain nobles even had enormous collections of syringes since it was considered healthy to acquire many of them.
1800 As rubber became more widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, colon hydrotherapy devices that were an improvement over the enema or clyster began to replace them. The medical profession started to look down on enemas and colon hydrotherapy at the same time as laxatives and other pharmaceuticals were becoming more widely accessible for purchase.
1800 ++ Dr. Kellogg, an ardent supporter of the enema for the treatment of several ailments, revitalized colon hydrotherapy in the US in the 19th century.
1898++ The initial device to enable the patient to undergo treatment while reclining was the Plombieres by De Langenhagen equipment.
Vision
1900 The systematic application of the enema and clyster as a therapeutic tool was established by Vincent Priessnitz.
1932 The Colonic Irrigation was the title of a book written by W. Kerr Russell, M.D., B.S. in 1932. The phrase "colonic irrigation," which Dr. Russell used synonymously with "colonic lavage," was initially recorded in this context.
In the late 1940s, Dr. Russell's influence led to the publication of more works on the topic. These include Chronic Intestinal Toxemia and its Treatment by Dr. James W. Wiltsie in 1938 and Scientific Intestinal Irrigation and Adjuvant Therapy by Dr. E.G. Waddington in 1940. According to Dr. Waddington, the Honsaker Lavagatory is equipped with a volume control that can be adjusted to regulate the flow of fluid into the patient's rectum. It also has a directional control that allows the fluid to be redirected from the reservoir into the colon and then into the toilet bowl.
1950’s the practice of colon hydrotherapy was thriving in the United States. The renowned Beverly Boulevard in California was thereafter referred to as "Colonic Row".
1970s the majority of colon hydrotherapy equipment was replaced in hospitals and nursing homes by colostomy, fleet enema, and prescribed laxatives.
2000’s Whorton (2000) presents an elaborate overview of the origins and development of the ideas surrounding constipation, interior cleanliness, and colon cleansing. He provides a thorough and articulate explanation for seeing the colon as a "hazardous conduit" that caused illnesses throughout the 1800s.
TODAY: Over the years, a wide variety of equipment types have been utilized. Currently, the FDA has registered approximately 8 distinct types of Colon Hydrotherapy devices in the United States. Devices can be classified as either open systems or closed systems, depending on whether the waste from the device is directly connected to a sanitary waste disposal system. To ensure patient safety, all manufacturers- practitioners that use colonic FDA-registered equipment must utilize single-use disposable speculums or rectal nozzles.
