Frequently Asked Questions
What is colonic hydrotherapy?
What is a colon?
What is the purpose of having a colonic?
Are colonics dangerous in any way?
How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?
Is intestinal toxicity a common condition?
As the colon isn't the only organ of elimination,
what makes the colonic so important?
Why not use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead?
What will colonics do to the colon?
Are there any additional benefits I might expect
from a colonic?
What are the characteristics of a healthy, well
functioning colon?
How can I tell if I would personally benefit from a
colonic?
Is a colonic painful?
Is it embarrassing to have a colonic?
Is there anything I need to do to get ready for
a colonic?
What can I expect afterwards?
If colonics are so good, why haven't I heard about
them before?
Are colonics habit forming?
Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhoea?
Suppose I have been suffering from constipation
for a long time, will colonics help?
Some people say that colonics wash out intestinal
flora and valuable nutrients. Is this so?
What effect does colonic hydrotherapy have on our
immune systems?
How long does a colonic take?
Is there a special kind of water used for colonic
hydrotherapy?
Will it be okay to eat after having a colonic?
Will one colonic completely empty the colon?
How will I know when the colon is empty?
Will a colonic clear up my skin?
What is colonic hydrotherapy?
Also known as a "colonic", "colon lavage", colon irrigation", or "high
colonic", colonic 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, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive
tract (food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus).
The colon is approximately 5 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 such
as vitamins "K" and portions of the vitamin "B" complex.
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.), poses 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.
Are colonics dangerous in any way?
You may have heard scare mongering stories about bowel perforation but
I have never heard of this happening in any colonic hydrotherapy
treatment being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no
danger with a colonic. 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.
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,
fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin problems,
abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhoea, 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. Colonics effectively eliminate large quantities of
toxic waste, affecting the condition of the entire body.
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.
Why not use enemas, suppositories or laxatives
instead?
Well, every thing 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, etc. But the Rolls Royce of colon cleansing
without question is colonic hydrotherapy.
What will colonics do to the colon?
Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:
1. Cleanse 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 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.
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 fibre and water available to the colon, one characteristic is a bowel movement shortly after a meal is eaten. Once the urge to eliminate is honoured 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 odour 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, one or more sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring
you great dividends.
Is a colonic painful?
No. 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 honoured. 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?
It is a good idea to eat or drink lightly in the 2 hours immediately preceding
a colonic. Also helpful, but not essential, emptying the rectum with a
bowel movement just prior to the colonic saves time and permits more to
be accomplished.
Most likely, you'll feel great. Probably you'll feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well-being. Not infrequently, someone having their first colonic will remark that it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their life. As soon as the colonic is finished you can carry on with daily routine. 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.
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, 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 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 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 fulfilment 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 diarrhoea?
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 diarrhoea 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 diarrhoea 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 it's
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.
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 and cancer. 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 35- 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. There will also be about 15 minutes required before the colonic for the therapist to go over your medical history, another 15 minutes should be allowed for changing. On a first colonic you should expect to spend about an hour at the clinic. 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 at your normal meal time, and consume a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. 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 it's 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.
