Colonic Therapy Career Guide

Colonic Therapist 101

Cleansing the colon can have powerful health benefits. Many people report heightened energy, an increased sense of well-being and renewed vitality after a colonic hydrotherapy session. Colonic therapists help their clients feel their best and may help to relieve symptoms from diseases such as sinusitis and chronic fatigue.

Colonic therapists irrigate the colon using advanced equipment to infuse water through the rectum and into the colon. A stream of 25 to 35 gallons of warm, clean water gently pushes out trapped impurities and prevents the recycling of toxins in the bloodstream. The goal of colonic irrigation is to encourage optimum colon and digestive health.

In order to be successful as a colonic therapist, you will need to be able to do the following:

• Communicate easily and put clients at ease
• Accept all types of people and bodies
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, health and safety
• Learn about food, nutrition and digestive health
• Practice and market yourself independently

Your Colon Hydrotherapy Education

What You’ll Study

While colonic therapy training is often available as continuing education for health professionals, it’s not necessary to have a health background to study colonic therapy.

Most colon hydrotherapy programs will cover the following:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Digestive health
• Colon hydrotherapy technique
• Personal health and sanitation
• Basic business skills

Many colon hydrotherapy programs will also include courses on these areas:

• Nutrition
• Herbal remedies
• Abdominal massage techniques

Most colon hydrotherapy programs have both a theoretical and a practical component. During your practical training you will learn to set up, use and clean your equipment. You’ll also focus on client care including proper draping procedure and identifying indications/contraindications for colon hydrotherapy.

Average Length of Study

The practice of colon hydrotherapy is currently not specifically regulated in most states, but the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (IACT) has developed a 100-hour syllabus that is generally accepted as the industry standard. Most programs offer colon hydrotherapy as a concentrated two-week course.

Average Tuition

While tuition will vary depending on your location and school, most programs cost between $2,000 and $3,000.

Colonic Therapist Certification and Licensing

The practice of colon hydrotherapy is currently not specifically regulated in most states. However, according to the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) , "colonic irrigation devices are prescription devices by federal law. A practitioner licensed by state law to use such prescription devices must authorize the purchase of the colon irrigation device, must use or supervise its use and must order each colon irrigation for a patient."

In practice, that means that if you are not a licensed medical professional, you will probably need to work with one in accordance with your state and local laws. In Texas, the law is more specific. Colon hydrotherapists must be supervised by a Texas-licensed physician and must have a written order from a physician on file for each procedure.

Some practitioners also complete a voluntary certification process. I-ACT offers several levels of certification that can help establish you as a professional in the field. The Foundation Level requires you to receive at least 100 hours of training from an I-ACT approved school or instructor. You can also provide proof of at least one year of practice with documentation of at least 100 colon hydrotherapy sessions. You will also be required to take and pass a written exam as well as provide additional evidence of your professionalism and the standards of your practice.

Colonic Therapist Career Overview

Colon therapists usually work in a medical office but may be able to establish their own business or work in larger health centers.

Modern colon hydrotherapy equipment is designed to ensure the client’s dignity. Waste is transported discreetly through a closed system with no offensive odor. During sessions, most clothing can be kept on. Clients are draped or given a gown to ensure modesty.

Colonic Therapist Career Outlook

I-ACT estimates that there are hundreds of colon hydrotherapists in the United States. Many of their clients say that “because of colon hydrotherapy, they can live without drugs, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants and pain pills.” There are claims that colon hydrotherapy can relieve symptoms of diseases including chronic fatigue, arthritis and sinusitis. It may also improve muscle tone in the colon, leading to stronger peristaltic contractions.

With all these potential benefits, increasing awareness of colon disease and increasing acceptance of alternative therapies, colonic therapy will continue to grow.

Colonic Therapist Salaries

No data is currently available on colonic therapist salaries. However, an individual colon hydrotherapy session may cost between $55 and $95.

In most cases, clients will receive an initial series of three to 10 colon hydrotherapy treatments, based on the therapist's recommendation. Discounted package costs are often offered when clients pay up front for the full series. Follow-up treatments every three to six months are often recommended.

Return to the Spa & Massage Career Center home page.

Looking for Spa and Massage Schools?

Try our Spa, Massage & Beauty Schools & Training page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools which offer program descriptions. You can also request information from the schools that interest you most.

Sources:
The Colon Therapists Network, 2007
International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy, 2007