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Colonic Hydrotherapy Training and Careers
Colonic Training, Course, Salary and Career Info
Find Colonic Therapy Schools | Natural Healers Career Resource Center
| | The therapeutic treatment known as colonic therapy, colonic irrigation, or colonic hydrotherapy has been practiced in some form for thousands of years. Since the 19th century, it has gained popularity in Europe and the United States, and it is increasingly used to treat health conditions such as incontinence, contribute to ostomy care, and to cleanse the colon prior to surgery. |
Colonic Therapy Career Overview
Colonic training can be a powerful therapeutic tool in traditional medical office settings, in addition to alternative treatment centers, health spas and massage therapy practices. A treatment session usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour, during which the practitioner will use advanced hydrotherapy equipment to introduce water into the colon. Typically, the colon is rinsed using about 25 to 35 gallons of water. A separate tube removes the water along with any debris. In addition, the colonic therapist may use other treatment methods such as abdominal massage or relaxation techniques.
Colonic Training and Education
What You'll Study in Colonic Therapy School
Colonic therapy training includes classes in anatomy, physiology, digestive health, sanitation, and business skills, as well as colonic hydrotherapy courses that teach you the techniques you'll need to know to use the equipment properly. Some colonic hydrotherapy training also includes nutritional education, herbal medicine courses, and massage therapy techniques.
Average Length of Study
Basic colonic therapy training can be completed via a 100-hour course from a school approved by the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy or the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy. More advanced training may require 500 to 1000 hours of coursework.
Average Tuition
Colonic hydrotherapy training usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000—relatively inexpensive compared to many health-related training courses. However, if your colonic therapy training is part of a massage therapy program, tuition may cost $5,000 or more, depending on the length of the program.
Colonic Therapy Certification
Currently, most states do not regulate the practice of colonic therapy, although many states are considering requiring licensure for practitioners. Florida and North Carolina are two of the states that require a license and completion of colonic therapy training.
The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) recommends certification, as well as compliance with all FDA equipment regulations, for those who wish to practice colonic therapy.
Colonic Therapy Career Outlook
The news is good for potential graduates of colonic hydrotherapy courses. According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, about 38 percent of adults use complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, including colonic therapy, and the interest in CAM is continuing to grow. The news is even better for massage therapists with colonic therapy training—the massage therapy job market is expected to increase 19 percent from 2008 to 2018.
Colonic Therapy Salary
Although specific salary data is not available, colonic therapy training can be a fairly lucrative addition to a massage therapist's practice. Individual sessions generally cost about $75 - $120 per hour. The average annual wage for massage therapists in 2009 was $39,780.
Is a Colonic Therapy Career Right for You?
Colonic hydrotherapy training isn't for everyone. To be a respected and successful practitioner of colonic therapy, you'll need to adhere to strict professional standards, and stay up-to-date on techniques in your field and in the health industry. But if you have an interest in helping clients improve their digestive health and overall well-being, and if you have a talent for putting a wide range of patients at ease, then this may be a good career for you.
The Colon Therapists Network, 2010
Bureau of Labor Statics, 2011
Aetna Intelihealth, 2008
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