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What is a colon?
The colon, (also known as the bowel or large intestine) is the end portion of the human digestive system. This is the passageway that carries food from the mouth to the anus. The colon/ large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and 2 ½ inches in diameter.
Its main functions are to eliminate waste and conserve water. There are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize extremely valuable nutrients such as vitamin ‘K’ and some of the ‘B’ vitamins.
What is the purpose of having a colonic?
Old faecal matter can build up in our colon and the muscular/ peristaltic action of the colon can be diminished resulting in constipation and inadequate bowel movements/ lazy bowel.
Colonic Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective way of removing built up toxic waste by using the gentle introduction of water into the bowel which stimulates the muscle to contract thus emptying itself. It cleanse the colon: toxic faecal matter is removed from the system therefore, it can no longer harm or poison your body. Once impacted material is removed your colon will function more efficiently. It tones and reshapes the colon muscles: The build-up of trapped faeces weakens and alters the shape of the colon therefore, impairing it’s functioning. The gentle filling and emptying, coupled with the massage techniques of the colon hydrotherapist helps to eliminate bulging pockets of waste enabling the colon to resume its natural state with improved peristalsis (muscular contraction). It stimulates reflex points: Every systems and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points. Colon hydrotherapy stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts.
What makes colon hydrotherapy so important?
The colon is part of the body’s excretory system. The other excretory organs, i.e. the lungs, skin, liver and kidneys are also very important and have different functions to eliminate toxins. For example, our lungs need clean fresh air and regular exercise to function properly. It is the job of our colon to be able to excrete waste efficiently and absorb water and salts properly. Water is important for proper functioning of the kidneys and to keep us hydrated and to cleanse blood, as well as being the major constituent of most cells. The liver, as an organ of detoxification is also closely linked to the bowel through veins.
What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
IBS is a collection of symptoms that occur when the muscles in the bowel do not work as they should. Sufferers’ of IBS often feel discomfort and constant bloating or spasm’s with frequent changes in bowel activity from diarrhoea, constipation, mucous etc.
What causes IBS?
There is no clear cause of IBS. However it is becoming more common in developing countries, often linked to diet, cultural factors and stress. IBS can be the result of food intolerances and gastrointestinal upset (bacteria in the intestines).
Can colon Hydrotherapy help with my IBS?
Yes! IBS means that the bowel isn’t working as it should. It is one of the most common issues that Colon Hydrotherapist treats. IBS is characterised by abdominal pain, cramping, back ache, lethargy, low mood and fluctuating changes in bowel function such as diarrhoea and constipation. All these symptoms can be successfully treated with Colon Hydrotherapy.
Why not use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead?
Everything has its proper place. Many people take pain killers and then become constipated or being away from home or on holiday can upset the natural rhythm of our bowel movements. Laxatives are commonly used for quickly relieving the symptoms of temporary constipation, however more laxative are often needed again and again, therefore leading to damage. Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum; (the lowest 8-12 inches of the colon). Suppositories are also used to a similar effect. Colonic Hydrotherapy is the Rolls Royce of cleasing! It has the ability to release waste from all areas of the colon.
How can I tell if I would benefit from a colonic?
The best way to find out is to try it and see how you feel afterwards.
SIGNS OF TOXICITY ARE
Constipation, coated tongue, bad breath, shallow complexion, dark circles under the eyes, abnormal body odor, brittle nails and hair, bloated abdomen (muffin top), tension, fatigue, allergies, indigestion, menstrual problems, swelling of legs, asthma, backache, and loss of memory or concentration. Colonics are very safe and gentle. There is no reason why you would not be able to have a treatment unless you have any contra-indications (please see contra-indications list). What are signs of a colon that is not functioning properly?
Is it painful?
Very rarely there is more than a minor and transient discomfort experienced by some people. Your therapist is skilled at putting you at your ease and minimizing discomfort. Most people actually enjoy the Colonic and are especially pleased with the sensation of feeling lighter, clean and clear afterward. Occasionally the colon may contract and give a colicky sensation but such episodes are usually brief and easily tolerate. Women often compare this to period aches.
Is it embarrassing?
Certainly not, you will fully maintain your dignity at all times. You will be in a private room with your therapist who fully appreciates the sensitivity of the colonic procedure and will help you feel very relaxed and at ease. After the gentle insertion of the speculum into the rectum, you are completely covered. There is no mess or odour as the whole system is enclosed!!
Do I need to prepare for it?
I would recommend amending your diet before your treatment as this will guarantee a better results.
Please see my ‘
Pre-Cleansing Program’. Avoid eating for 2 hours before a treatment, fluids are allowed.
You do not need to fast! Also helpful, but not essential is having a bowel movement on the day of the treatment.
How will afterwards?
Everybody feels different after their treatment. Some feel as normal, others have an overwhelming feeling of relaxation, almost floaty! Occasionally a detox headache occurs but soon settles. This is usually from the immediate withdrawal from caffeine &sugar. But generally speaking as soon as your treatment is over most carry on as normal. Occasionally some people may have more bowel movements over the next few hours, but there shouldn’t be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort.
If colonics are so good why aren't they recommended by G.P.'s?
Historically, artefacts and records show that people have regularly purified their bodies, including cleansing the colon. Around the turn of the 20th century, the present day colonic equipment was developed. Up to the late 1920’s many doctors had colonic systems in their surgeries and similar equipment was found in hospitals too. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930’s. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in alternative therapies as a natural approach to health and colonics has regained popularity
Are colonic dangerous in any way?
Being an essentially gentle natural process, there is virtually no danger with colon hydrotherapy. The intent is to provide a safe, healthy and worry free service. All equipment is disposable therefore there is no risk of infection.
Are colonics habit forming?
No. Your colon hydrotherapist is dedicated to you and your health, she will encourage you to set a goal of having a well-functioning colon. Aplan will be set out and overuse of treatments will not be allowed! It can take a little while before your next bowel movement after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming “dependent” on colonics. It may take some time for faecal material to occupy the colon once again. Dietary and lifestyle changes may be necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health.
Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhoea?
The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements, then usually larger and easier movements resume. Sometimes there may be no bowel movement for some days following a colonic. However this is quite normal. Your therapist should be able to tell you what to expect from your treatment. Very infrequently diarrhoea or loose bowels may be experienced. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. If you are at all concerned do contact your therapist.
I have been suffering from constipation for years, will colonics help me?
In most cases constipation can be successfully treated with the use of colonics. Your therapist will focus on 3 factors; diet & hydration, exercise and stress. All three must be balanced for the colon to function well. Supplements may be recommended.
Do colonics wash out intestinal flora 'friendly bacteria' and valuable nutrients?
Good bacteria can only breed in a balanced healthy environment. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one. The important bowel bacteria are present on the bowel wall and are not all flushed out during treatments. If your bowel bacteria are out of balance or disbiosis is present, your therapist may recommend a course of probiotics.
What effect does Colonic Hydrotherapy have on our immune systems?
Recent European studies speculate that 70-80% of immune system resides in the intestines. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.
How long does a colonic take?
Treatments can take between 30-45 minutes. Everyone differs. Additional time will be required before and after your treatment for consultation and evaluation of your session.
Is there a special kind of water used for Colonic Hydrotherapy?
The water we use is body temperature. It is purified and filtered 3 times before entering the body.
Will it be okay to eat after having a colonic?
You can eat as soon as you like after your treatment, your therapist will go through aftercare advice tailored to you at the end of your treatment. Steamed or cooked vegetables, salads, vegetable juices, soups or broths are usually the best choice.
Will one colonic empty the bowel?
It will probably never be 100% empty, as it is in continuous use. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a healthy functioning colon!
How many will I need?
Treatments vary from person to person. Everyone has different reasons for having a treatment so this will depend upon your bowel health, presenting problems and personal objectives. This can be discussed with your therapist.
Will a colonic clear up my skin?
Your skin is your biggest excretory organ. Sometimes, if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will certainly suffer from the build-up of toxins. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will most certainly clear.
Can I have a colonic if I have my period?
Yes, you can it does not interfere with it. Feel free to speak to your therapist for any reassurance.
Can constipation damage your health?
Elimination and digestion are two basic requirements for natural health. If not functioning properly, the body soon becomes clogged with putrefying waste stifling digestion, causing illnesses throughout the body. This can be a slow process of toxins building up over the years. Most people experience headaches and lethargy for years. This can lead to arthritis, high cholesterol, diabetes, ulcers, hypertension, strokes, cancer and heart attacks.
So why is this a big problem now and not in previous generations?
Elimination was not a problem for previous generations as they were not accustomed to today’s refined foods like; sugar, pasteurized milk and cheese, greasy/ fatty foods, cakes etc. It is the above foods that we eat today that cause the colon to become chocked with putrefying waste backing up into all the vital organs.