Colon Hydrotherapist
What is the work like?
Colon hydrotherapists, also known as colonic irrigationists, cleanse the colon of waste products and toxins.
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 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 has 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 your clients about ways to further improve their health, diet and lifestyle. You may need to refer some clients on to other health professionals or doctors.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
There is no statutory regulation for colon hydrotherapists. However, the Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists (GCH), and the Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapists 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 onto a training course you need either:
- a qualification in conventional medicine (for example, a registered nurse or doctor) plus around two years' experience, or
- a degree in a body-based therapy (not colon hydrotherapy) including in-depth training in anatomy and physiology, plus two years' experience.
The GCH, and the Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapists have a list of course providers who can give you further details of entry requirements.
For more information on how to qualify as a doctor or nurse, please check relevant job profiles.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are on a training programme recognised by the GCH or the Association, you will study areas 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 practice
- business management.
When you meet the required standard you will be eligible for accreditation and full membership of either the GCH or the Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapists. As a member, you would have access to a range of professional development opportunities, courses and conferences.
You could train with the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). They have details of course providers around the world, including the UK, who meet their standards. Check the Association's website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
16 Drummond RideTring
Hertfordshire
HP23 5DE
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Many colon hydrotherapists are self-employed and charge an hourly rate, which can be around £55 to £75 a session. This is unlikely to be clear profit, as business costs such as rent and materials will need to be covered by this.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
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, including a consultation and time for your client to change before and after the treatment. The treatment itself could take around 45 minutes.
You would typically work in private consulting rooms with access to specialist equipment.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
You would need:
- 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 and respect their privacy.
What opportunities are there?
Interest in alternative and complementary therapies has greatly increased in recent years. You could work in a variety of settings such as health and spa resorts, gyms, salons, doctor's surgeries and natural health centres. You may be able to diversify and work in other areas, such as aromatherapy and massage therapy.
You need to be prepared to market your business if you are self-employed. This will often involve working long hours at first until you have built up your reputation.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
