When and where did Colonic Hydrotherapy begin?
The history of colonic hydrotherapy
The history of colonic hydrotherapy stretches back further than most people realise. Long before modern medicine, civilisations across the world recognised the connection between a clean digestive system and overall health. Today, Marijke Vogel continues that tradition at Phenomenal Colonics in Belsize Park, North London — with the benefit of 25 years of clinical experience and modern equipment.
Ancient Origins — Egypt and Beyond
Hydrotherapy has roots in ancient Egyptian practice. Records suggest Egyptians used rudimentary forms of intestinal cleansing as far back as 1500 BC. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest surviving medical documents, references the use of enemas as a treatment for digestive complaints.
Early methods involved hollowed-out reeds or bamboo with cooled spring water or herbal infusions. Furthermore, ancient Greek physicians including Hippocrates documented similar practices, recognising that bowel health underpinned much of human wellbeing. Consequently, these techniques spread across cultures and centuries, evolving gradually as understanding of the body developed.
The 19th Century — Harvey Kellogg and the Sanatorium Era
By the 1800s, colon hydrotherapy had found a place in formalised medical practice. Harvey Kellogg — physician, naturopath, and later famous as the founder of Kellogg’s cereals — ran a sanatorium in Battle Creek, Michigan from the 1870s onward. He championed intestinal hygiene as central to health, used various forms of colonic treatment on his patients, and advocated strongly for beneficial gut flora — long before probiotics became a mainstream concept. Kellogg lived to 91, practising what he preached until the end.
The 20th Century — Growing Acceptance in the UK
Colonic hydrotherapy remained a niche practice through much of the early 20th century. However, from the 1980s onward, interest in the UK grew significantly. As awareness of natural health, detoxification, and gut wellbeing increased, small clinics began to appear across the country.
The treatment gained wider public profile in the 1990s, partly through coverage in women’s health media. Today, colonic hydrotherapy features in mainstream wellness culture and is offered in clinics and spas throughout the UK and internationally.
Modern Colonic Hydrotherapy — Safety, Standards, and Accreditation
Contemporary colonic hydrotherapy bears little resemblance to the practices of earlier centuries. Modern practitioners use fully regulated equipment, single-use disposable materials, and temperature-controlled filtered water. Professional accreditation bodies such as ARCH (Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists) and the government-backed CNHC set and enforce standards for training and practice across the UK.
Marijke Vogel holds ARCH accreditation and CNHC registration — the two most recognised marks of professional standards in the field. She has been practising for over 25 years and brings both clinical expertise and a deeply personalised approach to every session.
Curious about what a modern session involves? Visit the colonic irrigation FAQs page or explore the health benefits of colonic hydrotherapy. When you are ready, book a session with Marijke.
