Colonics, colon hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation, or colon irrigation are all basically the same alternative therapy used to cleanse, maintain and restore optimum colon health. The procedure is described as the irrigation of the large intestine with water under gentle pressure to wash out or detoxify it of bacteria, parasites, and stagnated and putrefied fecal materials, which may prevent the absorption of water and nutrients, leading to constipation, and causing stagnant toxins to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the colon wall. The procedure involves the insertion of a clear plastic tube into the rectum. Warm, filtered water is then slowly released into the colon, causing the muscles of the colon to contract, called peristalsis, cleansing and flushing out the colon. Colonics are usually done by a colon hydrotherapist. A certified colon hydrotherapist can be found through the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy. It is believed that colonics are also useful for such conditions as asthma, arthritis, sinus problems, chronic fatigue, for detoxification, weight loss, and thereby laying the foundation for improved health and wellbeing.