Colon hydrotherapy, or water enema, is a common cleansing method primarily used to relieve constipation, prepare for surgery, detoxify the intestines, and promote drug absorption. It softens stool with warm water, stimulates intestinal peristalsis, facilitates bowel movements, and removes accumulated waste from the intestines, thereby improving digestive health. In certain cases, water enemas can also be used for rectal drug administration to enhance drug efficacy.

Procedure of Colon Hydrotherapy

Preparation: Gather the necessary equipment, including an enema kit (such as a rubber enema bag or a cleansing machine), warm water (37-40°C), lubricant (such as petroleum jelly), disposable pads or tissues, and a bedpan or toilet. The patient should assume a left lateral recumbent position (or knee-chest position) to allow the water to flow smoothly into the colon. Pour an appropriate amount of warm water (about 800ml for adults and 300-500ml for children) into the enema kit, expel any air to ensure smooth water flow, and apply lubricant to the tip of the enema tube to reduce discomfort during insertion.

Administration: Gently insert the enema tube into the anus, about 7-10cm for adults and 3-5cm for children. If resistance is encountered, do not force insertion to avoid rectal injury. Gradually open the enema valve, adjusting the flow rate to allow warm water to enter the rectum slowly while monitoring the patient’s response to prevent discomfort caused by excessive speed. After injection, the patient should try to retain the water for 5-10 minutes to allow adequate stool softening before expelling it into a toilet or bedpan. Finally, remove the enema tube, clean the anal area, and ensure proper hygiene.

Precautions

The water temperature should be appropriate to prevent burns from excessive heat or intestinal spasms from cold water. Colon hydrotherapy should not be performed too frequently to avoid disrupting the gut microbiota and causing dependency-related constipation. Water pressure should be moderate to prevent intestinal damage. It is suitable for patients with constipation or preoperative bowel preparation but contraindicated for those with diarrhea, severe hemorrhoids, proctitis, intestinal perforation, or bowel obstruction. If abdominal pain, nausea, or bleeding occurs during the procedure, discontinue immediately and seek medical attention. While colon hydrotherapy is an effective method for bowel cleansing, it should be used cautiously to avoid harming the intestines or creating dependency. For chronic constipation, dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, or consultation with a physician for more suitable treatments are recommended.

The Theory of Turbid Toxins and Its Relationship with Colorectal Cancer

Renowned TCM physician Professor Li Diangui’s Theory of Turbid Toxins suggests that the onset of diseases is closely related to the accumulation of “turbid toxins”—harmful metabolic byproducts that, if not excreted promptly, can impair organ functions, obstruct meridian circulation, and lead to various diseases, including malignant tumors such as colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is closely linked to excessive dampness and turbid toxins. The intestines play a crucial role in waste elimination. An imbalanced diet, chronic constipation, excessive intake of high-fat and high-protein foods, and insufficient fiber consumption can lead to food stagnation and the accumulation of dampness and turbid toxins. These toxins damage the intestinal mucosa and increase the risk of cancerous transformations. Dampness obstructs circulation, affecting Qi and blood flow. According to The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, “Dampness is associated with the spleen.” When dampness accumulates, the spleen and stomach’s digestive and transformative functions decline, leading to prolonged food retention in the intestines, which further contributes to toxic accumulation and intestinal health deterioration. Turbid toxins directly trigger cellular mutations. Prolonged exposure to accumulated waste and toxins can cause intestinal mucosal irritation, leading to cellular mutations and an increased risk of cancer. Modern research confirms that colorectal cancer patients often exhibit gut microbiota imbalances and intestinal environmental disorders, aligning with the TCM perspective of “internal turbid toxin accumulation.”

The Importance of Dietary Adjustments

Reducing the generation of turbid toxins is critical for cancer prevention. It is essential to avoid excessive consumption of greasy, fried, grilled, and preserved foods, as these are prone to generating harmful free radicals and carcinogens (such as nitrosamines and heterocyclic amines), contributing to turbid toxin accumulation. Increasing dietary fiber intake (such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits) helps promote intestinal peristalsis, accelerating waste elimination and reducing toxin buildup. Maintaining a balanced diet to strengthen spleen function—for example, consuming foods like yam, coix seed, and lotus seed—can aid in preventing dampness and turbid toxin accumulation. Balancing gut microbiota is equally essential; modern studies suggest that foods rich in dietary fiber and prebiotics (such as fermented vegetables, fermented foods, Liu Bao dark tea, and Anhua dark tea) support gut microbiota equilibrium, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria growth and reducing turbid toxin formation.

The Role of Colon Hydrotherapy in Detoxification

Colon hydrotherapy helps expel accumulated stool, reducing the retention of toxins. By gently stimulating the intestines, it aids in the elimination of long-standing stool and toxic waste, minimizing intestinal damage. Unobstructed intestinal function ensures smooth Qi and blood circulation. In TCM, “the large intestine governs passage.” When bowel movements are sluggish and turbid toxins accumulate, it can affect not only the intestines but also impact spleen, liver, and gallbladder function. Colon hydrotherapy supports Qi regulation and maintains intestinal patency. Additionally, it clears heat and eliminates toxins, reducing inflammation, a key risk factor for cancer development. The appropriate use of herbal enemas (such as Coptis chinensis and Sophora flavescens, known for their heat-clearing and detoxifying properties) may help lower intestinal inflammation and damp-heat accumulation.

A Holistic TCM Approach to Preventing Colorectal Cancer

Dietary regulation is fundamental to colorectal cancer prevention, favoring light, digestible, high-fiber, and probiotic-rich foods while limiting high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods that contribute to dampness and turbid toxin accumulation. Maintaining regular bowel movements through dietary adjustments, moderate exercise, and warm water enemas helps prevent fecal stagnation and toxin buildup. Supporting the body’s vital energy while dispelling pathogens is essential; incorporating herbal medicine for spleen-strengthening and detoxification (such as coix seed, Poria, and Coptis chinensis) can enhance overall health and prevent turbid toxin-induced damage. Emotional well-being is also crucial, as TCM states that “excessive emotions harm the spleen.” Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can impair digestive functions, leading to dampness accumulation. Maintaining a positive mindset, engaging in moderate exercise, and enhancing immune function are key to overall health.

Conclusion

Professor Li Diangui’s Theory of Turbid Toxins provides valuable insights into colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. By adopting dietary improvements to reduce turbid toxin sources and utilizing colon hydrotherapy to expel accumulated toxins, TCM offers an effective holistic approach to preventing colorectal cancer. When combined with overall lifestyle adjustments, this strategy can significantly mitigate the harmful effects of dampness and turbid toxins on the intestines, ultimately lowering the risk of colorectal cancer。

Colon Hydrotherapy and Intestinal Health – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Cancer Prevention Strategy Based on the Theory of Turbid Toxins