AG cites two Houston providers of colonic therapies

06:03 PM CST on Tuesday, March 1, 2005

By Chau Nguyen / 11 news

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HOUSTON -- There has been a major crackdown on colon cleansing businesses operating in Texas.

KHOU-TV

Jackson said business at her clinic has never been better.

The Texas Attorney General's office announced Tuesday court judgments against six clinics, including two in Houston.

As a certified colonic hydrotherapist, Janice Jackson performs colonics, colon cleansing using water. But the $35 procedure has proven costly for Jackson. Two years ago, state officials charged Jackson wasn't following the letter of the law.

"I was not fully educated," Jackson admitted.

The Texas Attorney General's office said six colonic clinics, including two in Houston, weren't getting a doctor's prescription prior to performing colonics as required by law.

Jackson's clinic was one of them.

"The health department just really started educated us one by one when they knocked on the door," said Jackson. "And they were like, 'do you realize you need to have t a physician working with you?'"

Many colonic clients swear by the procedure, but is it safe and effective?

Dr. AP Raghuthaman is a gastroenterologist. "To date there is no evidence to show that colonics improves the quality of life or prevent the disease," he said.

Jackson said business at her clinic has never been better.

"I feel like it's one of the best things I do for myself," said Katina Covington, colonic client.

Jackson said she doesn't mind the government oversight if it means she can continue her practice.