Colon cleansing or colon therapy is one of a few of today's alternative medical therapies performed on those who have various health related problems originating from the bowels that flushes out fecal waste and matter, as well as many harmful toxins from the colon and intestinal tract. There are two types of colon cleansing methods: Colon hydrotherapy, which is also termed colonics or colonic irrigation, and oral cleansing.

Colon hydrotherapy uses enemas to inject liquids directly to the rectum and the colon through the anus. Sometimes, the liquid is mixed with herbs and other forms of liquids that may aid in the process of elimination. Oral cleansing is done with the oral intake of dietary fiber, supplements, laxatives and herbs that are effective in sweeping the colon's wall of accumulated byproducts of digestion. It is believed by medical experts that when the walls of the large intestine is filled with hardened fecal matter that have the presence of parasites or pathogenic gut flora that can have adverse effects on anyone's general health.

Although there is no scientific proof that supports the supposed benefits of colon cleansing, except for purposes of preparing the patient for a surgical procedure or a colonoscopy. The bowel itself is a self-cleaning organ that cleans itself effectively, barring any inhibiting effects of drugs or diseases, and without the need for outside interference. The procedure of colon cleansing and the equipments being used may put at risk the patient with improperly sterilized enema equipments and may cause damage to the rectum when done incorrectly or haphazardly. Some have even caused heart attacks and electrolyte imbalances, and frequent colon cleansing may disrupt the natural and proper functioning of the colon that can lead to dependence on laxatives or enemas to expunge feces.