What is Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonics or colonic irrigation, is a safe and effective way of cleansing the large intestine. A gentle stream of warm, filtered water is infused into the colon to help soften, and remove fecal material, mucous and gas.
What are the benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon Hydrotherapy may accomplish the following:
- Cleanse the colon: Waste material is broken down and then eliminated. Once the material is removed, the colon will begin to function better on its own.
- Strengthen the colon: the build up materials in the colon can weaken its function.
- The gentle filling and emptying of the colon improves peristaltic (muscular contraction) activity by which the colon naturally moves material. Consider a colon hydrotherapy session as a work out for your colon.
- Hydration: Water is gently infused into the colon, where some of it is reabsorbed back into the body. The extra hydration in the colon may also soften and loosen hard waste that has adhered to the walls of the colon
How can it help?
The benefits of colon hydrotherapy can include improved digestion, increased energy, improved circulation, mental clarity, relief from bloating and heaviness. By removing the waste material from the colon, the process of detoxification is given a boost. Colon hydrotherapy helps your immune system to help itself. It can assist the body with healing a variety of conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, bloating, excessive gas, indigestion, menstrual cramps, arthritis fatigue, insomnia and headaches.
What Happens During a treatment and how long does it take?
After meeting and discussing your history, you will be shown all of the equipment and the procedure will be thoroughly explained. Any questions you have will be answered. You will be asked to put on a gown and empty your bladder. Then you will lie comfortably on a treatment table. A small disposable speculum is introduced into the rectum. The speculum holds a small water line and a larger waste hose. This allows clean water to infuse into the colon, while waste is eliminated into the separate waste hose. The therapy begins with a gentle flow of filtered water at a controlled pressure. When you begin to feel pressure or urge to stool, the water is diverted through to the waste hose to allow for elimination. The fecal material flows through the waste hose and then through an illuminated viewing tube and finally into the sewer line. During elimination the therapist will perform abdominal massage to assist the release. This process of filling and emptying continues for approximately 30-45 minutes. After the treatment is complete the speculum is removed and disposed of and you will have the opportunity to further eliminate on a toilet if necessary. You can expect the treatment to take about an hour from start to finish.
How many treatments do I need?
The number of sessions will depend on the individual needs of each client. There is no standard number of treatments that are recommended. Your particular health concerns and goals will be discussed during your visit. Generally speaking, a course of 3 treatments over an initial 2-3 week timeframe produces the best results.
Will it hurt?
For the vast majority of people, the procedure is free from pain. A minor amount of discomfort may be felt during the insertion of the speculum but this only lasts for a few seconds. During treatment, you may feel some cramping or nausea as you prepare to release.
Is it safe?
Colon hydrotherapy is very safe when performed by a qualified therapist. The machine and equipment are FDA approved for the procedure. The speculum and tubing are disposable. The purified water goes one way in and one way out. There is no risk of contamination. The colonic instrument is equipped with a pressure and temperature gauge to assure the pressure is never excessive and the temperature is appropriate.
Will my “friendly bacteria” be lost?
When water is infused slowly at a low pressure, it does not disturb the friendly flora or the electrolyte balance of the gut. Healthy intestinal flora are present throughout the small and large intestines. Colon hydrotherapy helps to improve the terrain, facilitating an environment favorable to their reproduction.
What is the difference between Colon Hydrotherapy and an Enema?
An enema typically allows for the introduction of water into the lower segment of the colon. It can cause a rapid expansion of the lower intestinal tract which results in a powerful evacuation. It can often result in uncomfortable bloating and cramping and put a strain on the anus. By contrast, colon hydrotherapy water is administered gently at a low, controlled pressure allowing water to reach the entire length of the large intestine. Enemas can potentially weaken the colon, causing dependency. Colon hydrotherapy strengthens the bowel, helping it function better on its own.
How should I prepare for a colon hydrotherapy treatment?
You can have a successful treatment without any special preparation beforehand. However it is best if you refrain from eating heavy foods at least two hours prior to your appointment and ensure that you are well hydrated.. If you are hungry eat a piece of fruit or vegetables to keep our blood sugar up.
How will I feel afterwards?
Treatments typically have a relieving effect. People are often energized following a treatment and do not experience unwanted side effects. There are some simple measures that will ensure you continue to benefit from the treatment and assist in relieving any discomfort you may feel.
– Don’t overeat.
– Avoid refined/processed foods
– Drink plenty of water
– If you feel crampy, drink hot peppermint, fennel or chamomile tea.
– Avoid cold drinks, carbonated drinks and gassy foods