Many of you may have been wondering what steps to take in order to add a new therapy onto the CNHC register. This blog covers the work done by CNHC, the Colon Hydrotherapy industry, myself and many others who worked tirelessly over the last two years to get Colon Hydrotherapy added as a new category on the CNHC register.
For those who are unfamiliar with Colonic Irrigation, it is a procedure with a long history of established traditions – like many other complementary therapies. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, the Colon has been regarded traditionally as both an organ that benefits from regular purging and a gateway for heightened awareness. Despite its long history, Colonic Hydrotherapy as we know it today is a relatively new therapy. It developed into an established complementary health practice in the UK largely through the work of The Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapy (ARCH).
ARCH aims to promote colonic hydrotherapy as a safe therapeutic process, not just a bowel cleansing procedure. Prior to Colon Hydrotherapy being added to the CNHC register is its own right, it was incorporated on the register under Naturopathy. Following discussions between CNHC and the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, CNHC agreed to start the process of adding Colon Hydrotherapy as a new category on the CNHC register.
If you have enquired about how you go about getting a new category onto the CNHC register, you will know there is a rigorous process and certain criteria that must be met before consideration. Most importantly, that each category must have specific National Occupational Standards (NOS) that are developed in conjunction with the Sector Skills Council, Skills for Health. At the start, Colon Hydrotherapy did not have a distinct set of National Occupational Standards, so this required a significant financial investment from the industry to fund the necessary involvement of Skills for Health, and time commitment from CNHC and the Colon Hydrotherapy PSB members.
Once the NOS were established, CNHC then required a Core Curriculum. This is separate and distinct from a detailed course syllabus, in that it specifies, for example, the ratio of theory and practice and the number of hours of face to face teaching and assessment needed to ensure the safety of the public. The work for the Colon Hydrotherapy Core Curriculum was structured by the CNHC and then consulted with and approved by the Professional Board Specific (PSB) appointed representatives - Angela Beasor, Linda Ternent, Victoria Cooper and myself - after thorough consultation with the rest of the industry.
Overall, the process took over two years with a considerable investment in time and money. Achieving a specific entry on the CNHC register means that Colonic Hydrotherapy exists on its own merit. This will undoubtedly raise the profile and awareness of the treatment, and it will also give it a nourishing space from which to grow and develop in tune with research and the needs of health care providers.
Anne-Lise Miller, CNHC registrant and Colon Hydrotherapy Profession Specific Board (PSB) Member