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What's the Difference Between a Colonic and an Enema?

By Cathy Wong, About.com

Updated: April 04, 2006

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Colonics and enemas are therapies that both involve introducing water into the colon through to rectum in order to cleanse the colon.

But there are some key differences between colonics and enemas:
  • Colonics cleanse the entire length of the colon. Enemas cleanse the lower part of the colon, the sigmoid and part of the descending colon.

  • Colonics involve mutiple infusions of water into the colon. Enemas involve a single infusion of water into the colon.

  • With colonics, fecal matter leaves the body via a tube. The client does not see or smell the fecal matter during the session.

    At the end of the session, the client usually sits on a toilet, and usually passes any residual water and stools.

    An enema involves the one-time infusion of water. It sits in the lower part of the colon for a period of time, and then the person sits on the toilet.

  • Colonics must be administered by a trained colon hydrotherapist and requires professional equipment.

    Enemas do not have to be administered by a professional. Disposable enema kits are available in drugstores and online.

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