Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon Hydrotherapy is the gentle rinsing of the colon with warm purified water to eliminate stored faecal matter, gas, mucus & toxins. This allows vital nutrients to be better absorbed, leaving you feeling healthy & rejuvenated. Other benefits are clearer skin/eyes; enhanced mental clarity; increased energy; relief from headaches, allergies, piles, bloating & IBS; & the improvement of circulatory, immune & weight problems.

The colon (bowel/large intestine) is approximately 5-6 ft long. It has a two way wall, which completes the digestive process, absorbing final nutrients & water from digested foods and receiving dead cells & waste toxins from around the body. If the toxins present are not removed, the waste materials intended for a healthy exit become reabsorbed into the blood stream & re-distributed around the body. These toxins then have free run of the entire system where they proceed to settle & store in organs & weak spots (i.e. cellulite & arthritis) – as the body becomes overwhelmed with acidity, inevitably problems arise. There is very little (if any!) ‘Good’ bacteria in the average colon. Bowel pH levels can be rebalanced by consuming fresh juices, fruits & salads.

Your first visit will start with the taking of your case history (please arrive 10 minutes early) & an explanation of the procedure. The colonic treatment itself takes about 45-60 minutes during which time we use special massage techniques to stimulate the release of stored matter. Where appropriate, coffee or herb enemas will be included. It’s more than likely we’ll give you some dietary advice & some reading ideas – the better you understand your body the more fun getting healthy can be! Prior to your first colonic treatment don’t eat heavy meals (i.e. meat, fried foods, ice cream, or risotto) for 24 hours & please don’t arrive with a full tummy. The more preparation you do, the more satisfying the results.

How many colonic treatments are needed? We often suggest a course of 6-8 treatments spread over two months. This will depend on your aims, body type & state of health. One treatment is a good place to start!

Yes it is safe. We use the gravity method & all equipment is either disposable or sterilized using hospital approved solutions. Colon hydrotherapy is not habit forming – it can actually help reshape & re-tone your peristaltic muscles. Your modesty is preserved at all times.

FAQs

What is colon hydrotherapy?

Also known as a “colonic”, “colon lavage”, “colonic irrigation“, or ”high colonic”, colon hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method for cleansing the colon of waste material by repeated, gentle flushing with water.

What is a colon?

The colon, bowel or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract. The colon is approximately 5-6 feet long and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. Also, there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients.

What is the purpose of having a colonic?

Well, waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time, (i.e. impacted faeces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc.), pose several problems. First this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream making us feel ill, tired or weak. Second, impacted materials impair the colon’s ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria-produced vitamins. And finally, a build-up of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation, and the result of these disorders.

How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?

This condition is prevalent in all civilized societies, and particularly in the U.K. Common signs include: headaches, backaches, constipation (going to the loo every day does not mean you are not constipated!), fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin problems, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhea, sciatic pain, and so forth. As you can see, intestinal toxicity is part and parcel of many peoples everyday experience.

Is intestinal toxicity a common condition?

Yes it is, but toxicity is not limited to just the colon. Toxic material is found throughout the body, particularly in fat tissue, joints, arteries, muscles, liver, etc. Colon Hydrotherapy effectively eliminates large quantities of toxic waste, affecting the condition of the entire body.

As the colon isn’t the only organ of elimination, what makes the colonic so important?

While the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver also serve to eliminate toxins, people have experienced throughout history that when they ensure that the colon is cleansed and healed, the well-being of the whole body is greatly enhanced. Colon hydrotherapy has been found to be the most effective process available to accomplish this work quickly and easily.

Why not use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead? What makes colonics so special?

Well, everything has its proper place, but those things really aren’t substitutes for colonics. Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum (the lowest 8 to 12 inches of the colon). Usually, one or two pints of water are used to do that. Suppositories are intended to accomplish the same task. Laxatives particularly herbal laxatives are formulated for various purposes, such as: to undo the effects of temporary constipation, to build up the tone of the colon muscle. What makes a colonic so special? In a 45 minute session approximately 15 gallons/90 liters of water is used to gently flush the colon. Through appropriate use of massage & pressure points, the colon therapist is able to work loose and eliminate far more toxic waste than any other short-term techniques.

What will colonics do to the colon?

Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:

1. It cleanses the colon: Toxic material is broken down so it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination. Even debris built up over a long period is gently, but surely removed in the process of a series of treatments. Once impacted material is removed, your colon can begin again to co-operate as it was intended to. In this very real sense a colonic is a rejuvenation treatment.

2. It Exercises the Colon Muscles: The build up of toxic debris weakens the colon and impairs its functioning. The gentle filling and emptying of the colon improves peristaltic (muscular contraction) activity by which the colon naturally moves material.

3. It Reshapes the Colon: When problem conditions exist in the colon, they tend to alter its shape which in turn causes more problems. The gentle action of the water, coupled with the massage techniques of the colon therapist helps to eliminate bulging pockets of waste and narrowed, spastic constrictions finally enabling the colon to resume its natural state.

4. It Stimulates Reflex Points: Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points colonic stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts in a beneficial way.

Are there any additional benefits I might expect from a colonic?

Yes, there are several. Working with a skilled therapist a colonic can be a truly enlightening educational process. You will learn to expand your awareness of your body’s functioning by including signals from your abdomen, your skin, your face and even from that most taboo of natural products, your elimination’s. You will find that you can spot the beginnings of developing conditions through clues from these body regions and functions before they become serious. You can deal with them sooner and more easily than you otherwise might if you waited until they produce effects seen elsewhere in the body. Also, the solar plexus is the emotional centre of the body and the transverse colon passes right through it. If an emotional event is left uncompleted, it often results in physical tension being stored in the solar plexus, which affects all organs of the area, including the colon. This on-going tightening of the colon muscle results in diminished movement of faecal material through the colon, which is experienced as constipation. Not only do colonics alleviate the constipation, they can assist you in creating a fully holistic view of your body’s functioning, leading to a better quality of life.

What are the characteristics of a healthy, well functioning colon?

Healthy babies, animals and adults not subjected to the “refinements” of civilization (i.e. aboriginal peoples) have bowel movements shortly after each meal is eaten. So, assuming there is sufficient fiber and water available to the colon, one characteristic is a bowel movement shortly after a meal is eaten. Once the urge to eliminate is honored by a trip to the toilet, the elimination should be easy and take no more than a few seconds. The stool will be long, large in diameter, light brown in colour, without offensive odor and should float or sink very slowly. When the toilet is flushed, the stool immediately begins breaking apart by the action of water movement. As incredible as this may sound, it is true and commonly experienced in cultures where people live more naturally.

How can I tell if I would personally benefit from a colonic?

Does your colon now exhibit the signs of a well functioning colon? If not, a course of sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends.

Is a colonic painful?

It very rarely is. Usually, painful experiences are the result of resistance and tension. A professional colon therapist is skilled at putting you at your ease and minimizing discomfort. Most people actually enjoy the colonic and are especially pleased with the unaccustomed sensation of feeling lighter, clean and clear afterward. Sometimes during a colonic, the colon muscles will contract suddenly expelling considerable amounts of liquid and waste into the rectum. This may feel like cramping or gas, and may create a feeling of urgency to empty the rectum. Such episodes, if they do occur, are brief and easily tolerated.

Is it embarrassing to have a colonic?

No, you will fully maintain your personal dignity. You will be in a private room with only your therapist, who fully appreciates the sensitivity of the colonic procedure and will help you feel at ease. Your emotions will be acknowledged and honored. After the gentle insertion of a small tube into the rectum, you are completely covered. Rubber tubing carries clean water in and waste out in a gravity pressured system. The mess and odour sometimes present during an enema simply does not exist with a colonic.

Is there anything I need to do to get ready for a colonic?

Since your abdomen will be massaged it is a good idea to eat or drink lightly in the 2 hours immediately preceding a colonic. The more you prepare for your session the more effective the results. Eating alkaline forming foods – fruits, fresh juices (not tinned, canned or cartons), salads, vegetables & healthy raw fats will prepare your body for a deep release. If you body is contracted, dehydrated or acidic the results won’t be as satisfying & it could cause more discomfort during the treatment. Coming for a colonic because you’ve had a heavy weekend is NOT the point. Respect your body & the results will amaze you!

What can I expect afterwards?

Most likely, you’ll feel great. Probably you’ll feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well-being. For some, the colonic may trigger several subsequent bowel movements for the next few hours, but there won’t be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort. It’s also possible you may feel light-headed or a little chilly for while following a colonic.

If colonics are so good, why haven’t I heard about them before?

In a way, the answer to that is a commentary on our present day lifestyle. Historically, artifacts 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 machine was developed, providing a significantly improved method of accomplishing colon cleansing. Up to the late 1920’s many doctors had colonic machines in their offices, and machines were found in hospitals as well. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930’s. At that time modern man began a 50 year love affair with drugs and surgery. These seemed to offer relatively instant relief for body ailments, resulting in purification and prevention techniques becoming less attractive. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in using natural approaches for healing the body, and colonics have rapidly been regaining the respectability they have already earned.

Are colonics dangerous in any way?

Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. You must disclose all pertinent medical history to your therapist to rule out contra-indications. Our intent is to provide a safe and healthy service so that you do not have to worry. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as normal procedure and clean linen is used for each colonic as well.

Are colonics habit forming?

The colonic is a tool intended to be used to create a clean and healthy colon. A colon therapist who is dedicated to your health, will encourage you to set a goal of having a well-functioning colon. Our fulfillment comes from assisting you in healing your colon, not in making you dependent upon colonics. Actually, one of its features is that a colonic can be used to tonify the colon muscle so that the colon doesn’t perform so sluggishly. Many people have sluggish colons. It may take days for bowel movements to return after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming “dependent” on colonics. One good colonic is worth 20 or so regular bowel movements, so it may take some time for faecal material to build up in the colon once again if one has a sluggish colon. When the colon is sluggish and bowel movements do not return for a few days after one colonic, it is an indication that extensive colon work is needed to remove the debris that the bowel has built up over the years. This build up of faecal material has decreased the muscular action in the colon. Once a series of colonics is completed , the colon will begin to function like Mother Nature intended. Colonics give you a feeling of being lighter, cleaner and healthier with a sense of well-being. Cleansing and building programs offer preventative measures so that you can be in control of your own health. Dietary changes may be necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health.

Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhea?

The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. Sometimes if the colon is weak and sluggish, there may be no bowel movement for several days following a colonic. However this is not due to the colonic, but rather to the weakness of the colon, and should be interpreted as an indication that the colon requires strengthening and healing. Very infrequently diarrhea or loose bowels may be experienced. This could be due to the extra water introduced into the colon or to the stirring up of toxic waste. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. However, since severe diarrhea dehydrates the body, it must be carefully monitored.

Suppose I have been suffering from constipation for a long time, will colonics help?

We want to state that constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. Constipation is one of what may be termed “civilized man’s diseases”. There are three factors involved in having a well functioning colon: diet, exercise and attitude. All three must be in balance for the colon to function well. Often, however, because the colon has been sluggish for so long, it has become severely weakened due to being constantly bathed in toxic waste, stretched from holding excessive amount of stools, and frequently, constricted by chronic tension in the colon. The process of colonic hydrotherapy is excellent for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise, and attitude are then able to produce their effects. Many people find the relief provided by colonics stimulates the motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle.

Some people say that colonics wash out intestinal flora and valuable nutrients. Is this so?

The truth is that the washing out of putrefied material in the large intestine, increases the good intestinal flora. Good bacteria can only breed in a clean environment which has been washed free of putrefaction and its accompanying harmful bacteria. This is why the intestines of a new born baby immediately begin to grow good intestinal flora. Each time you clean out the putrefying rubbish and make a better environment for the good flora, they start to multiply immediately in their natural media. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one.

What effect does colonic hydrotherapy have on our immune systems?

The removal of stagnant waste material and hardened, impacted toxic residue could rejuvenate the immune tissue that resides in the intestines. Recent European studies speculate that 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. This is much higher than previously thought and makes it logical to believe that this type of therapy could influence such immune deficiency diseases as M.E., cancer and A.I.D.S.. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.

How long does a colonic take?

Probably 90% of all colonics take about 45 minutes. It could also be shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgement of the therapist and sometimes, the wishes of the client.

Is there a special kind of water used for colonic hydrotherapy?

We use highly filtered water, which passes through three separate filters before being heated to the correct temperature. This kind of water is capable of absorbing and flushing more toxins out of the colon because of its drawing effect on solid particles, chemicals and other matter. Tap water is not used because it already has numerous chemicals and inorganic substances present.

Will it be okay to eat after having a colonic?

We suggest that you eat when you feel hungry and consume a moderate amount of gentle and nourishing food. Just as it doesn’t make sense to have you car cleaned and then immediately drive it through mud, eating a meal known to cause trouble in your abdomen directly after a colonic isn’t an intelligent choice. Salads, vegetable soups or broths, fruit, or juices are the best choice. Will one colonic completely empty the colon? Almost never. Firstly, many of us have a considerable amount of impacted faeces in our colon. This is hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material. Substantial work must be done to remove it. Secondly, there is a subtle learning process involved in receiving colonics. As you become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns how to allow the cleansing experience, you are better able to enter into that process, and therefore more material is released. One colonic will remove some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. How many you may wish to have will depend upon your personal objectives.

How will I know when the colon is empty?

It will probably never be completely empty, as its an organ in continuous use. As more of the old impacted material is released you will actually feel the water enter higher regions of the colon without any sense of obstruction. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.

Will a colonic clear up my skin?

Your skin actually “breathes” and is an important organ of elimination of waste material. Sometimes, if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will be required to make up the difference. Surface eruptions on the skin of various sorts may occur due to toxins being released. Cleansing and healing the colon diminishes the burden placed upon the skin as well as the other organs of elimination: lungs, liver and kidneys. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up. What does the treatment entail? After a full medical consultation, a small speculum is inserted into the rectum. There are two tubes attached to this, the first allows warm water into the bowel, whilst the second allows the waste to be removed. Basically, the water flows very gently into, and out of, the bowel, softening any hard build-up of faeces and then removes it. Our viewing chamber allows us to see exactly what is being removed, and we can give you further advice from this.

How will it benefit me?

Each individual will notice different health improvements, but you may notice a variety of the following:

• Regular and improved bowel movements • decreasing of bloating • decrease of wind or gas • improved digestion • lifting of your spirits • balancing of mood swings • decrease in heartburn and indigestion • improved sleep • clearer and sharper mind • skin improvements • decrease in food cravings • improvement of Candida and IBS symptoms • improved energy • decrease in cellulite • decrease in food sensitivities and intolerance’s • an increased assimilation of nutrients • increased hair lustre

Who should have this treatment?

Because a malfunctioning colon can trigger 80% of all diseases, almost all people will benefit from a series of colonics, and notice an improvement in their health. The procedure helps to cleanse the colon of accumulated faecal matter, mucoid deposits, gas and toxins.

Do I have to see my Doctor first?

This is purely an individual’s choice. If, however, your bowel habits have changed, you have noticed blood in your stools, or if you suffer from abdominal pain, please consult your General Practitioner (G.P) first so they can perform all of the relevant tests and give you a clean bill of health. If, from your first consultation, we have any concerns, we will refer you back to your G.P immediately. Similarly, if we are concerned about anything during the procedure, we will do the same. If you have any queries, please contact us for further details. Generally, the initial consultation will identify any problem areas.

Are there any circumstances in which Colonic Hydrotherapy isn’t recommended?

Your therapist will take a detailed history to ensure that this procedure will be safe for you. If there is any doubt, we will recommend an alternative treatment which will be more suitable. As a guide, however, people who have the following health complaints are advised not to undertake the treatment:

• severe cardiac disease / congestive cardiac failure • 1st trimester of pregnancy • uncontrolled high blood pressure / hypertension • aneurysm • severe anaemia • gastro-intestinal perforation or haemorrhage • severe haemorrhoids • cirrhosis of the liver • cancer of the colon or rectum • abdominal hernia • recent colon or rectal surgery • renal insufficiency • severe prostate problems • long term use of steriods

How much is each treatment?

We recommend 4-6 treatments at about 1-2 weeks apart. Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s health concerns and needs. Please refer to the individual practitioners’ pages for current fees and offers.

Why will I need so many treatments?

Problems of a lifetime can not be changed in one treatment! The number of treatments varies per person and their health complaints and sometimes some people respond very quickly whilst others are a little slower. To really cleanse the bowel of waste build-up and to re-train the bowel we need four sessions. You will notice further improvements with each treatment and, if you are having any difficulties, we can improve them immediately. We will also be giving advice on eating habits, diet, and life-style and these can be more difficult to change. When you have completed your initial four treatments, you may then be recommended one treatment a month decreasing to one every six months to ensure that no waste deposits or toxins become trapped in the colon and cause further build-up.

For appointment costs, please visit the individual practitioners’ pages.