What is the colon? What does it do?
The functions of the colon is to re-absorb digestive juices, water-soluble salts and bile back into the bloodstream and then to the liver, to store and desiccate food and other bodily wastes prior to elimination, and to house a vast array of beneficial bacteria. The latter helps our immunity from infection, keep high blood cholesterol levels in check, produce a number of vitamins, and probably also acts in prevention of colon cancer. The colon is the last 1.5m or so of intestinal tube. Food waste enters into the colon from the small intestines in a fluid state and water, minerals and vitamins are then reabsorbed and toxins and other waste materials eliminated through the rectum, therefore if the colon is not functioning correctly, many disorders can result, including constipation, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, colitis and even bowel cancer. In 1912, the Royal Society of Medicine published a report stating that toxicity in the intestines can be a contributing cause to sleep disorders, mental and physical depression, skin problems, breast cancer, bladder infections, headaches, as well as digestive disorders. The report concluded by saying: “To no other single cause is it possible to attribute one tenth as many various and widely diverse disorders.”
What is a colonic?
Colon Hydrotherapy or “colonic” is a safe, sanitary, and gentle irrigation of the colon with purified, temperature controlled water. It is an internal bath that helps cleanse the colon of accumulated fecal matter, preventing the build up of bacterial toxins and gas. A colonic is different than an enema. An enema only cleanses the lower part of the colon usually with tap water that can have chemicals and possible parasites. A colonic cleanses the 1.5 meters of the colon. The water goes through several filters before entering the body.
What is the purpose of having a colonic?
Waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time, (i.e. impacted feces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc.), may pose several problems. First this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream, possibly making us feel ill, tired or weak. Second, impacted materials may impair the colon’s ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria- produced vitamins. And finally, a buildup of material on the colon wall may inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation, and the result of these disorders.
It sounds to me as though intestinal toxicity is 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. Colonics effectively eliminate large quantities of toxic waste, affecting the condition of the entire body.
But 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. Colonic hydrotherapy has been found to be the most effective process available to accomplish this work quickly and easily.
Are there any additional benefits I might expect from a colonic?
Yes, there are several. Working with an experienced 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 eliminations. 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 center 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 fecal 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.
Exactly what does a colonic do?
Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:
- Cleanse the Colon: During colon hydrotherapy, toxic waste material and debris that has built up over a long period of time is broken down and eliminated throughout the process of a series of colonic treatments. Once the impacted waste material has been removed, your colon can again begin to function as it was intended to.
- 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 muscular contractions by which the colon naturally moves material.
- 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.
- 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.
How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?
Common signs include: headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odor, irritability, confusion, skin problems, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhea, sciatic pain, and so forth.
What are the signs of a healthy colon and normal elimination?
- Having a bowel movement shortly after each meal.
- Elimination should be easy and take no more than a few seconds.
- Stools should be long, large in diameter, light brown in color, without offensive odor and should float or sink very slowly.
- When the toilet is flushed, stools should immediately begin breaking apart by the action of water movement.
What can I expect after my first session?
Most people remark about how great, light and clean they feel and how they have amazing energy and vibrancy after their sessions. If your body is extremely toxic, you may feel a bit fatigued as old toxins that have been stored throughout your body are now re-circulating into the colon. 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 chilled for a few moments following a colonic.
What should I do to prepare for a colon hydrotherapy session?
24 Hours before your session, it is a good idea to:
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water or herbal teas
- Eat light natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains, eat soups and drink juices
- Avoid gas producing foods and drinks (carbonated drinks, white wine, and anything that gives you gas)
The day of your session:
- Drink water or herbal teas
- Don’t eat anything 2 hours before the session
- Have a healthy snack after the colonic if you are hungry or have fresh fruit juice
- Have a light healthy lunch & dinner
- It is a good idea to avoid alcohol, caffeinated tea & coffee, carbonated drinks, chocolate, processed & junk foods, dairy products, sugar and heavy foods
What should I do after a colonic?
It is recommended that your diet consist of a lot of water and juices as well as soup broths and puréed soups for twenty-four hours following your colonic. Raw vegetables should also be avoided for the next three days.
Can I work directly after having a colonic?
Yes, you can work just as you would after a regular bowel movement.
Is a colonic painful?
This might be the number one question that people ask! It does not hurt. You may feel some strange sensations like feeling like you need to have a bowel movement or like pressure building up and then being released. If you have gas, there may be some slight cramping. Most people are afraid to let go the first time as they think that the tube will come out and there will be an explosion. That does not happen even though it may feel like it will sometimes! I use some abdominal massage to facilitate the process and make it more pleasant for you. Many people report their colon hydrotherapy sessions as being both refreshing and relaxing. 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 managed with breathing and massage.
Is there any possibility of bacterial or viral contamination from prior use of the colon hydrotherapy equipment?
At 360 Health we use modern a colon hydrotherapy machine which utilise pre-sterilised, disposable hoses and speculums. These disposables are used only once during a single therapy session. Properly administered, there is absolutely no danger of contamination.
We use only FDA/TGA cleared ‘Closed System’ colonic devises with hospital-grade TGA cleared disposable tubing and speculums/nozzles.
What happens during a colon hydrotherapy session?
A Colon Hydrotherapy treatment will typically last 45 minutes. The session will begin with the therapist taking the clients case history followed by a thorough explanation of the procedure. During the treatment itself, the client relaxes on a treatment couch in complete comfort. From the hydrotherapy equipment, a small disposable speculum is gently inserted into the rectum, through which warm filtered water passes into the colon. The speculum has separate water and waste line that is attached to the hydrotherapy equipment. The warm purified water is run very slowly into the colon, when slight pressure builds up in the colon, the water is gently released along with waste matter from the colon. The Colon Hydrotherapy equipment used at 360 Health fills at a very low constantly monitored pressure. The process of filling and releasing is typically repeated 3 to 5 times during the treatment. Whilst the client is evacuating the therapist will use light massage on the abdominal area to increase peristalsis (the muscular action of the colon to move waste through). This in turn will loosen faecal impaction, dislodge toxic waste matter adhering to the walls of the colon and will assist in moving gas through. Just one colon hydrotherapy session may be equivalent to having 20 or 30 regular bowel movements. Eliminations during subsequent therapy sessions can be even more substantial as older, hardened, impacted faeces are dislodged from the colon walls. The Colon Hydrotherapist will carefully evaluate the client’s progress during their session to determine if additional sessions would be beneficial. After a therapy session, many people report a feeling of heightened energy, an increased sense of well being and renewed vitality.
How long does a treatment take?
Actual treatment time is about 25-45 minutes. The total time for most visits will be approximately 1 hour with the exception of the first visit which will take approximately 75 minutes.
How is it different than an enema?
An enema only reaches the rectum and lower part of the colon, whereas with colon hydrotherapy, the entire length of the colon (the large intestinal tract approximately 1.5 meters in length) is reached.
How many colon hydrotherapy sessions does one need?
The number of colon hydrotherapy sessions will depend on the individual. Just as some people exercise on a daily or weekly basis to tone and tighten their outer body, some people also have their ongoing cleansing, toning and rebuilding regimen for the inner body. We offer packages or series (of 4-10 sessions) at a slightly discounted price for those that choose to pursue a total cleanse or series. Colon hydrotherapy could be used as a part of any regular maintenance program.
When considering colon hydrotherapy since the intestines of the human body are about 7.9 meters long, is it enough to only clean those 1.5 meters? Is there a away to cleanse it all?
The large intestine is between 1.5-1.9 meters. The very beginning of it is the Cecum. The Cecum has a small valve called the Iliocecal valve. This valve is a one way valve. Food/waste can only travel in one direction, and that’s from the Small intestine (ileum) into the large intestine (Cecum). Most of your absorption of nutrients takes place in the small intestine. If water or waste went from your large intestine, (where most of the waste material is stored) back into the small intestine where most of the absorption takes place, your body would be absorbing waste, toxic, material. What most people do who are trying to address the entire digestive track do is take herbs or oils, in conjunction with colonics.
Can I get a colonic during my menstrual period?
Yes! At the time of your menstrual period, your body is already in a mode of cleansing so it is a good time to have a colonic. Many women report additional benefits during this time of month as pressure and bloating is relieved. Any fluids that are released from the body during your colonic session are immediately flushed through the drain system. You are also completely covered during your session to eliminate any embarrassment. Your flow will not interfere with the success of the treatment. There is a large absorbent pad underneath you during the session so you can go without a tampon or pad.
Should I consider colon hydrotherapy if my doctor has ordered a colonoscopy?
Yes, a study out of China conducted with 700 people indicated that colon hydrotherapy is effective 98 percent of the time in preparing people for a colonoscopy (seek advice from your doctor first).
Where does the waste material go after it is eliminated during a colonic session?
The equipment that we use is specially designed for waste to be flushed directly into the sewer system immediately as it is eliminated from the body.
Is it embarrassing to have a colonic?
Your colonic procedure is done in a private room with only yourself and your therapist. If you prefer to be alone for awhile, your therapist will honor and understand your request. You will be completely covered during the entire procedure and you can rest assured that there is no odor to be concerned about. During your first session, you may naturally feel a bit uncomfortable being in a position that you are not accustomed to being in, as having a bowel movement has become such a taboo subject in today’s society. However, your therapist is trained in helping you feel at ease and most people quickly become very comfortable with the procedure.
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.
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.
Do colonics remove the good bacteria from the colon?
In addition to the removal of old waste material, some of the friendly (probiotic) bacteria is removed from the colon during a colonic. However, the friendly bacteria grows back. A healthy colon has about 80% good bacteria and 20% “bad” (yeasts, E.coli, etc) bacteria. Most people have more “bad” bacteria than they should because of the over consumption of certain types of foods (including sugars and refined/processed foods and antibiotic use) in the diet and certain conditions in the colon that make it a favorable place for bad bacteria to overgrow. A probiotic supplement should be taken after a colonic or include some sauerkraut with your meals to help the good bacteria proliferate. Incidentally, every time you take a shower or bath, you are removing “good” bacteria from the skin which also replenishes itself.
Who is getting colon hydrotherapy?
People just like you! Men, women, students, housewives, pro athletes, construction workers, actors, models, lawyers, teachers, computer programmers, you name it!
What causes constipation?
Some of the main causes of constipation are sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, insufficient water intake, eating too many processed foods and not enough fiber, constant worry and frustration. There are others.
Will my colon be completely empty after the colonic?
No. The colon is in constant use. The more impacted matter you release, the further the water can get without obstruction. The aim is to have a colon that works effectively, not an empty colon.
Can I just use laxatives?
Laxatives are a short term solution that will empty the colon but can also act as an irritant to the body. With a laxative, the body manufactures a thin watery substance the passes through the body but can leave behind toxins and impacted waste. Colonic irrigation uses pure water which isn’t an irritant and in contrast to laxatives will actually hydrate the body.
Will the water pressure cause any damage?
No. The water is introduced very gently and always at your own pace. The bowel is a muscle, so it expands and contracts as the water is introduced and waste matter is evacuated.
I am in constant contact with you, to ensure that you feel comfortable at all times during the treatment.
Will the treatment help me lose weight?
A single cleanse may help you trim your waistline by simply removing accumulated waste which may be causing excessive bloating. If you add a good diet and regular exercise, colonic irrigation will help with ongoing weight loss, by helping to eliminate toxins from your body as your metabolic efficiency improves.
How long has this treatment been in use?
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. If we were able to ask our grandmothers about how they looked after the health of the family it is likely that a basic form of colonic cleanse would have been frequently used. While wide spread use of the home enema may have gone out of fashion nowadays, many people will remember having a ‘wash out ‘ or colon cleanse when younger.
I’m worried that I could become dependent on colonics. If I have too many, the colon may stop functioning on its own. Are the colonics habit forming?
Colonic Hydrotherapy is intended to create a clean and healthy colon and my goal is to help you achieve this with minimal intervention. I will not recommend any more treatments than I genuinely believe to be necessary in order to achieve this goal. One of the most important features of colonic work is that it can successfully retrain and tone the muscles of the colon so that they work better in the days, weeks and months after a session. Extended use of laxatives may make the colon dependant, hydrotherapy does not. However, many people have a sluggish colon and for them it may take several days for bowel movements to return after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming ‘dependant’. One good colonic can remove as much waste as 10 or so normal bowel movements, so it may take some days before faecal matter works its way round the bowel ready to be expelled. When the colon is sluggish like this it is an indication that more work needs to be done to retrain the bowel. The build up of faecal matter has decreased the natural muscular action and once a course of treatment has been completed, the bowel will be able to function like Mother Nature intended. 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.
With all this talk of bacteria, I wonder what effect colonic hydrotherapy has 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 cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.
Can a colonic clear up my skin?
Your skin “breathes” and is the largest organ of elimination. Therefore depending on where the ‘weakness’ in your body exists, if the colon is clogged or unable to eliminate waste fully, your skin may become congested. Surface eruptions (acne for example) happen when the skin helps to release toxins. When you cleanse the colon, the other organs of elimination (lungs, kidneys, liver, colon) can do their job properly, and your skin very often clears up.
When would colon hydrotherapy not be appropriate for me?
If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of colon hydrotherapy you should consult a doctor.
What are the contraindications for colon hydrotherapy?
You should not have colon hydrotherapy if you have any of the following: Severe Cardiac Disease, Severe haemorrhoids, Uncontrolled hyper tension, Recent colon or rectal surgery, Aneurysm, Renal insufficiency, Congestive heart failure, Carcinoma of the colon or rectum, GI hemorrhage perforation , Severe Anemia, Fissures/Fistulas , Ulcerative colitis, Acute diverticulitis , Abdominal hernia , Crohn’s Disease, Cirrhosis, Pregnancy, Abdominal Hernia. If you are in any doubt about your suitability for the treatment, please contact the therapist directly. Please be aware that if you have any doubts or serious health concerns you are advised to seek the advice of your GP as a first port of call, I make no claims to be a medical practitioner. Consult your physician if they approve colon hydrotherapy.