How great! I keep hearing about colonies and how great they are, but I’ve
never been able to find out much about them. Maybe for starters, I should ask
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.
And colon, what is that again?
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 ½ 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 “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 feces, 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 in 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, fatigue, bad
breath, body odor, 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.
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 eliminates 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.
Okay, it appears to be important to cleanse the colon, but why not use enemas,
suppositories, or laxatives instead?
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, etc. But
the Rolls Royce of the colon cleansing without question is colonic hydrotherapy.
What makes a colonic so special?
In a 45-minute session, approximately 15 gallons of water is used to gently
flush the colon. Through appropriate use of massage, pressure points, etc. the
colon therapist is able to work loose and eliminate far more toxic waste than
any other short-term technique.
What will colonics do to the colon?
Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:
- 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 cooperate as
it was intended to. In this very real sense, a colonic is a rejuvenation treatment.
- 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.
- 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. Colonics stimulate 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 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 then 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.
You’ve been talking a lot about messed-up colons, and I can certainly
relate to some of the signs of toxicity you mentioned. What I would like to know
is 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 chacteristic 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 then a few seconds. The stool will be long, large in
diameter, light brown in color, 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 well functioning colon? If not, one
or more sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends.
Okay, it sounds like a colonic may be good for me, but will it be painful?
It 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 odor 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 proceeding 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.
And what can I expect afterwards?
Most likely, you will feel great. Probably you will 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, 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 the hospitals
as well. Articles dealing with colon health frequency 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 anyway?
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.
I’m worried that I could become dependent on colonics. If I have too
many, the colon may stop functioning on its own. Is 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 sluggishly. Many people have sluggish colons.
It may take a few 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 fecal material to build up 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 fecal
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, they’re maybe 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 indications that the colon
requires strengthen 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 if very
short duration. However, since diarrhea dehydrates the body, it must be carefully
monitored.
Suppose I have been suffering from constipation for along 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 amounts 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 newborn 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 own natural media.
It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean
environment then in a putrefied one.
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 percent 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 AIDS. 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 percent of all colonics take about 45 minutes. It could also be
shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgment 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
an hour and a half at the clinc.
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 mealtime, and consume a moderate amount
of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Just as it doesn’t make
sense to have your 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 feces
in our colon. It 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. The number of treatments needed 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.
How expensive is a colonic?
This varies dependent upon location etc. Although cost is obviously relevant,
far more important is your health. A knowledgeable colon therapist can help you
on the road to vital health.
