Colonic Hydrotherapy is the practice of introducing warm, filtered water gently into the bowel to encourage the release of old faecal matter, undigested waste and gas. 

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In relation to colonic hydrotherapy, the CNHC Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Performance requires students and practitioners to:

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1/ Respect Clients' Dignity and Privacy: Ensure clients' dignity and privacy are respected, especially during procedures that may require undressing. ​ Offer gowns and chaperones if needed. This is especially important as Students will be providing treatment to Clients under supervision.

• Making sure that the client is happy with the environment in which you are working in.

• Where undressing is necessary, explaining to the client why they need to do so, and confirm that they are comfortable to do so. 

• Offering the client covering, either a gown or draped with a blanket. 

• Not asking the client to remain undressed for any longer than they need to be and exiting the room when they are getting undressed and dressed. 

• Offering the client the option of having a chaperone during their consultation and treatment. 

2/ Obtain Informed Consent: Clearly explain the procedure, its benefits, risks, and alternatives. Obtain explicit consent before proceeding. ​

• Making sure that the client fully understands the treatment process, including the benefits and risks.

• They’ve made their own decision they have the capacity to understand what they are consenting to, and can communicate their wishes.

• Before accepting a client’s consent, you should consider whether the client has been given the information they want or need and how well they understand what is proposed. 

• Consent is not a one off, but is a continuing process and needs ongoing communication with the client. 

3/ Maintain Confidentiality: Keep all client information confidential and secure, complying with data protection laws. ​

• Client records must be legible, attributable and truly represent the interaction with the client. 

• Safekeeping of clients records in accordance with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidelines. 

• Whilst files are active, paper files need to be kept in a locked storage facility.  Electronic files need to password protected in a cloud or backed up. 

4/ Provide Accurate Information: Ensure all advertising and information provided to clients is factual and verifiable, avoiding unsubstantiated claims. ​

• All information is factual and verifiable, whilst keeping in mind best available research.

• Avoid making unsubstantiated claims or mislead your clients.

• Exploit their lack of health knowledge or instil fear of future ill health. 

• Put pressure on people to use your service. 

• Abuse the trust of members of the public

5/ Act with Honesty and Integrity: Be honest and transparent in all professional dealings, avoiding any actions that could undermine public trust. ​

• Never abuse your professional standing by imposing your views on others and causing fear.

• You are free to decide who you accept as clients.

• If you refuse a client, you must be able to justify why and advise the client how they might find another health care professional. 

• Acceptable reasons to refuse a client include: Being aggressive, putting you or colleagues at risk, constantly questioning your professional judgment, if the client has an ulterior motive for consulting you, if client has become reliant on specific forms of care that are not promoting their health and wellbeing. 

6/ Manage Complaints: Have a clear, accessible complaints procedure and address any complaints promptly and fairly. ​

• Have a written complaint procedure that all colleagues within the business are aware of. 

• Try and resolve any complaints in a swift and professional manner so the issue does not become a more serious issue. 

7/ Safeguard Vulnerable Clients: Be vigilant about the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, following local safeguarding procedures if necessary. ​

• If you come into contact with someone who are at risk due to abuse, neglect or self harm, then it is our duty to safeguard and protect their welfare. 

• In the first instance, discuss your concerns with a colleague. If after discussion you feel the person is in need, then you should contact Social Services.

• You should try and discuss your concerns with the person.  Ideally you come to an agreement on contacting the Social Services to facilitate the help they need. 

8/ Maintain Professional Competence: Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay updated with the latest practices and standards in colonic hydrotherapy. ​

• Each therapist has a responsibility to update their knowledge and skills by undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

By adhering to these guidelines, colonic hydrotherapy practitioners can ensure they provide safe, ethical, and high-quality care to their clients. ​

The Teacher also has the following responsibilities to the Colonic Hydrotherapy Student: ensuring that the student has insurance, students must be registered with ARCH, hold a suitable First Aid certificate, and have a DBS certificate

• Student Members must be registered with the Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapists (ARCH)

• Hold suitable Public Indemnity Insurance as well as Public Liability Insurance. 

• Hold a suitable First Aid certificate 

• Have a Disclosure and Barring Service certificate.

• Student members must continue to do their professional development through study days, reputable podcasts, seminars, webinars and reading. 

• Each student must partake in reflective practice to develop their skills as a practitioner.