"All disease comes to man from his food."

In the 5th century B.C. ancient Egyptians clear themselves of excrement in seek after health by emetics and enemas.

There are references in Hindu medical text describing use of "syringes and bougies"

Greek and Roman physicians also contributed to history of enema for fever therapy and disorder of the body.

Use of enema syringe was recorded during 980 1036 A.D that continued to grow during the famous English surgeon John Ardene (1307 - 1390). From the 11th to 15th century, the use of enema became the popular vogue among royalties and the wealthy.

The 17th century became known as the "age of the enema" with the belief that internal washing was essential to internal washing.

During the 19th and 20th century, the use of colon hydrotherapy and enema were reduced with laxatives and other drugs were commercially available and easier to administer.

It was not until the practice of Dr Kellog with reports in the Journal of American Medicine in 1917 that the therapy was rejuvenated.

Finally in 1932 Dr W. Kerr Russell with his book entitled Colonic Irrigation was the first documented use of colonic irrigation.

From the 1940's colon hydrotherapy equipment continued to evolve and by early 1950's colon hydrotherapy was flourishing in the United States. However, towards mid 1960's and early 1970's colon hydrotherapy dwindled with preference to use of colostomy and laxatives.

http://www.isisboston.com/Cleansing/history.htm