Job Guide - Colon Hydrotherapist

The Job and What's Involved

Colon Hydrotherapists cleanse the colon of waste products and toxins. The concept of colonic cleansing can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks and is one of a number of alternative therapies.

To do this job you will need good communication and listening skills. You will need to be able to work closely with a wide range of clients. You will also need patience and understanding.

You would start a session by taking details from the client about their medical history, lifestyle, diet, and any symptoms or areas of concern. You would then discuss an appropriate treatment programme with the client.

During treatment you would:

Insert a tube filled with filtered water (warmed to body temperature) into the client's body.

Repeatedly flush the tube with water to cleanse the colon and rid the body of any waste products.

Massage the client's abdomen and other pressure points.

When the treatment is finished, you would follow health and safety procedures to dispose of any fluids, and prepare the room and sterilise equipment ready for your next client.

Your work may also include giving advice to clients about ways to further improve their health, diet and lifestyle. You may need to refer some clients on to doctors or other health professionals.

You are likely to need a flexible approach to your working hours to meet the needs of your clients. Sessions will take around 90 minutes.

You would typically work in private consulting rooms with access to specialist equipment.

Many colon hydrotherapists are self-employed and charge an hourly rate, which can be around £40 to £75 a session. This is unlikely to be clear profit, as business costs such as rent and materials will need to be covered.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

As a colon hydrotherapist, your clients could include people wanting to improve their general health and wellbeing, as well as those with certain medical conditions who want some relief from their symptoms.

You could work in a variety of settings such as health and spa resorts, gyms, salons, doctor's surgeries and natural health centres.

To succeed in this business, you need to be prepared to work long and flexible hours at first to build up your list of clients and establish your reputation.

Education and Training

There is no statutory regulation for colon hydrotherapists. However, the Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists (GCH), and the Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists (ARCH) are involved in setting and monitoring training standards.

To register with either organisation you need to complete a recognised training course at an approved centre.

To get on to a course you need either:

A qualification in conventional medicine (for example, registered nurse or doctor) plus around two years' professional experience or,

A degree-level qualification in a body-based therapy (such as reiki or palm healing, chiropractic or osteopathy) including in-depth training in anatomy and physiology, plus two years' experience as a therapist.

The GCH and ARCH websites include details of approved course providers who can give further information on entry requirements.

Check relevant job guides for details on how to qualify as a doctor or nurse.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Once on a training programme recognised by the GCH or the ARCH, you will study subjects such as:

Anatomy and physiology, focusing on the colon and digestive system.
Lymphatic system.
Nutrition, tongue analysis and iridology.
Cardio vascular system.
Muscular skeletal structure.
Stress management, yoga and breathing techniques.
Colonic procedures (assisting, then carrying out treatments).
Health and safety and cleansing procedures.
Business management.

When you meet the required standard you will be eligible for accreditation and full membership of either the GCH or the ARCH. As a member, you would have access to a range of professional development opportunities, courses and conferences.

You could also train with the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). Check the Association's website for details of course providers around the world, including the UK, who meet its standards.

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Skills and Personal Qualities Needed

A colon hydrotherapist needs:

Good communication and listening skills.
The ability to work closely with a wide range of clients.
Patience and understanding.
The ability to put people at ease.
A thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
An awareness of related health and safety practices and procedures.
A genuine desire to help people.
Respect for privacy and an understanding of issues surrounding confidentiality.

Your Long Term Prospects

Interest in alternative and complementary therapies has greatly increased in recent years, so you maybe able to diversify and work in other areas, such as aromatherapy and massage therapy.