Colonic Hydrotherapy
THE COLON
The colon, or large intestine, is an important part of the digestive system; some 5 feet in length and 2½ inches in diameter, situated at the end of the alimentary canal, it completes the digestive process and handles food waste and much other bodily waste. It is normally populated by billions of friendly bacteria, which assist to detoxify waste, synthesise certain vitamins and help us guard against infection. These same bacteria make up nearly 70% of the dry weight of our faecal waste.
The colon structure is of smooth muscle and it is broadly divided into three segments; the caecum and ascending colon, into which food waste enters in a fluid state through the ileo-caecal valve, the transverse colon where water, minerals and vitamins are re-absorbed, and the descending colon where mucous is secreted to coat the faeces prior to defecation through the rectum and anus.
In health, bowel transit time from eating to defecation is 24 hours or less and bowel movement is at least once daily. In disease, poor digestion, yeast overgrowth, spastic colon, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and diarrhoea are usually accompanied by auto-intoxication, literally “self poisoning” – the re-absorption of soluble wastes into the bloodstream – which places a heavy burden upon other organs of the body, i.e. kidneys, liver, lungs and skin.
Chronic constipation can lead to further direct complications such as diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, spasticity, prolapse, colitis and even bowel cancer, as well as chronic toxic conditions in the rest of the body like the skin, the cardio-vascular system, the nervous system and the liver.
Correct function of the colon is a necessity for health, for truly “disease can begin in the colon”. It has been said that colon malfunction can lead to 80% of all diseased states.
WHAT IS COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY?
Colonic Hydrotherapy is an internal bath that helps cleanse the colon of poisons, gas, accumulated faecal matter and mucous deposits. Such techniques were first recorded in 1500BC, and have been used in traditional and naturopathic medicine since that time.
Using sterilised equipment, filtered water is gently introduced into the rectum, which progressively softens and expels faecal matter and compacted deposits. Unlike an enema, water is not retained. It is a steady flow in and out, which stimulates the colon helping to regain the natural tone, shape and peristaltic action. It also reaches the length of the colon whereas an enema only reaches the first section of the colon.
WHY HAVE COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY?
The purpose of colonic hydrotherapy is essentially to re-educate the bowel, which it does by re-establishing a more normal shape and form, emptying pockets/diverticuli, decreasing toxic effect and increasing overall energy and well-being. It is best used as a complementary technique to other therapies and best results are gained following a course of bowel cleansing herbs.
Poor elimination can lead to many chronic conditions that Colonic Hydrotherapy can help: Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, mucous colitis, colitis, spastic colon, diverticulitis, liver sluggishness, halitosis, headaches, flatulence, haemorrhoids, skin problems (eczema, psoriasis), abdominal bloating, asthma, allergies and feeling tired all the time. It can also help with emotional/psychological conditions such as depression and lethargy.
Some complex conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and intestinal candida are also helped by the resultant detoxifying effect of Colonic Hydrotherapy.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Your first appointment will take half an hour. This appointment offers the client an opportunity to ask questions and the therapist a chance to assess the client’s suitability for the procedure, following completion of a medical history questionnaire. A subsequent appointment will be made for the colonic procedure, which will take approximately ¾ hour.
The procedure involves the gentle infusion of warm filtered water into the rectum. The abdomen is massaged at stages throughout the colonic, which can help loosen impacted faeces and mucous which is then piped away in the waste water. There is no physical exposure to the waste product by either the client or the therapist during the procedure. It is not painful and only slight cramping may occur when gas or waste has accumulated.
The number of treatments required will vary according to the individual and the condition being treated, though deposits built up over a lifetime cannot be shifted in one or two irrigations only.
IS ANY PREPARATION REQUIRED?
It is strongly recommended to follow a programme of bowel cleansing herbs prior to the colonic procedure and this will be discussed during your initial consultation. Better results are achieved more rapidly following a bowel cleansing programme.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. Equipment is disposable or sterilised using approved sterilisation solutions, which kill all prevalent bacteria, viruses and fungi in minutes. Countless thousands of colonics have been given safely. The water pressure is very low, so there is no danger of bowel perforation and the water used is pre-filtered.
Unlike regular use of laxatives, which encourage bowel laziness and have many negative side effects, colonic hydrotherapy is not habit forming and in fact, improves muscle tone.
…AND THE RESULTS?
Most people quickly experience improved mental clarity after colonic irrigation. With their toxic load diminished and elimination improved, a greater feeling of well being and lightness is experienced.
Obviously relief from bloating and constipation are welcomed but because of the broader effects of cleaning the colon, there will be other positive responses such as a healthier complexion, brighter vision and increased energy and vitality.