Colon Hydrotherapy: Are Cleansings Safe and Effective? Colon hydrotherapy is an internationally popular form of alternative healing. It should not be confused with enemas used to treat severe constipation or preparation for a colonoscopy. One of the foundational beliefs driving the practice is “autointoxication,” the state by which prolonged exposure to the substances in fecal matter is believed to compromise your digestive and immune health. By clearing these substances from the body, colonics are purported to positively influence intestinal flora and your overall health.