FAQs:
What is Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon hydrotherapy is the gentle cleansing of the colon. A trained therapist uses gentle flows of filtered water alternating between warm and cool. This practice removes fecal matter, gas, and mucus, promoting a healthy internal ecosystem that is abundant in healthy gut flora. A healthy gut will allow vital nutrients to be absorbed easily and will leave you feeling rejuvenated, healthy, and light.
How Does Colon Hydrotherapy Work?
A small tube, called a speculum, is gently inserted into the rectum which allows it to introduce warm filtered water into the colon. As the water enters the colon, it causes a feeling of fullness for a short amount of time, followed by a relaxing feeling as the colon is emptied. The speculum allows for the safe entrance of water and the release of waste and toxins.
The treatment is repeated several times and the therapist will massage your abdomen in order to ensure that the colon receives a full, effective cleanse. The treatment generally takes around 30 to 45 minutes, and results in a cleaner colon with a loosening of old fecal debris.
Prior to treatment, the therapist will conduct a full consultation and medical questionnaire, also providing a full explanation of the equipment and procedure. With most patients, there’s usually a lot of concern and embarrassment about the treatment and the exposure of the body. However, it’s careful to remember that therapists are fully qualified at performing this procedure and completely understand the sensitivity and need to preserve the patient’s dignity at all times.
This means that you will be given privacy to get changed, and only a few moments of exposure will happen while the speculum is inserted into the rectum, and after that, you will be covered completely for the entire treatment. Rest assured, the waste is always discreetly drained away and releases no mess or odors.
Depending on the outcome of your consultation, your therapist will recommend how many colon cleansing treatments you should undergo. This varies from person to person and can be as little as just one treatment in a period of 1 to 3 months, or a course of up to 6. Following your initial treatments, it’s advisable that maintenance continues every 6 to 12 weeks to keep the colon free from any harmful waste and ensure the effectiveness of the first few treatments.
How Do You Know If You Need a Colon Cleanse?
The body tells us it needs to detox in many ways. Here are the top 6 signs the body needs to cleanse:
1. You have gained weight and it’s not going away
High body toxins slow metabolism, leading to weight gain. Struggling to manage the high toxin content and prevent the toxins from reaching vital organs, the body expands fat cells to absorb some of the toxic load. Once created, these fat cells are very difficult to eliminate. If you find that even with careful attention to your food quality and intake, the fat stays on, this is a warning sign your body needs deeper cleansing to trim and purify.
2. You feel generally tired or fatigued
In the morning, perhaps there’s no sense of excitement for the day; you drag yourself out of bed. By evening, you feel depleted.
3. You don’t have a full night’s sleep
Somehow your body’s clock has gone awry. You toss and turn at night; the sleep you have is light and restless. Your mind churns as you lie awake in the wee hours. You wake up feeling stiff, sometimes with pains in your joints and muscles.
4. You have minor but constant shifts toward imbalance
It could be a sudden case of acne, rash, or a boil on the skin. Perhaps you keep sneezing out of the blue, or a small dry cough. Your skin might be dry and appears to be newly wrinkled. Your hair is suddenly dull or thinning – increasingly. These are signs of toxin overload.
5. Your bowel movements aren’t right
Sometimes constipated, sometimes bloated, sometimes too loose. You feel that whatever you eat you are always at risk of indigestion. Increasing the fiber in your food and water intake is generally beneficial, but also keep in mind that the bowels need seasonal detox, especially after the rich foods of winter.
6. You don’t feel good emotionally
The fatigue, the lethargy, possible insomnia – it all adds up and affects your mental and emotional state as well. Do you find it difficult to focus at work? Do you feel ‘low’ even when there is no obvious cause? Easily depressed, perhaps anxious, nervous or insecure, or moody? Cleansing could help get you back in the groove!
What is the Best Time to Do a Colonic?
An ideal time to have a colonic is during a cleansing/fasting program. With the decrease or elimination of food intake, the body now has an opportunity to retrieve stored toxins and expel them from the system. Due to the lack of food intake, as in a fasting or cleansing program, the peristaltic action of the digestive system is decreased and elimination will be drastically reduced. It is very important that the elimination process continues in conjunction with the fast to support the body’s cleansing effort. A series of colonic treatments will improve the effectiveness of the cleansing and provide the necessary medium for the rapid elimination of waste from the system. It is recommended that a colonic be done at the beginning and the end of a fasting /cleansing program. If the fasting extends more than four days then one or two colonics sessions per week is ideal.
How Many Colon Hydrotherapy Sessions Do I Need?
Each person will experience a different result from an individual colon hydrotherapy session or a group of sessions. The Colon Hydrotherapist will make recommendations regarding follow-up sessions based on the results from the initial session and each client's self-reported goals. The Naturopathic approach recommends two sessions within two weeks. Following this initial detoxification, the therapist will recommend a program based on your needs and goals.
How Long Does a Colon Hydrotherapy Session Last?
Each session will vary based on the individual. The goal is detoxifying the body which is performed by responding to the body’s natural responses. Once situated on the device, a session lasts anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes. Each session is adjusted to the individual and the duration is ultimately determined by the body. It is recommended the client be prepared to spend 60-90 minutes at the center on their first visit to ensure enough time for a thorough consultation, health history, and a question and answer session.
Is Colon Hydrotherapy Safe?
Colon cleanses and enemas are safe only when prescribed by a licensed physician before a colonoscopy or for treatment of constipation. They can come with their own set of side effects, including bloating, dehydration, and cramping, but these are temporary and last for just a day before a colonoscopy.
Non-prescription colon cleanses may make big promises, but the truth is that they’re more likely to cause harm than good. Some of the risks associated with colonics include:
1. Colon perforation. A perforation is a small tear or hole in the wall of the large intestine, which can lead to severe infection. A colonic device or enema can lead to perforation when done at home or by an unlicensed individual.
2. Pain and cramping. Laxatives and enema solutions can lead to severe abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. These can last hours or even days afterward.
3. Electrolyte imbalances/dehydration. At-home cleansing can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. In turn, these can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
4. Bacterial infections. It’s possible to introduce harmful bacteria into the body when using tools that aren’t sterile. This can disrupt healthy bacteria in the colon and potentially lead to infections that your body can’t fight off on its own.
When not prescribed or administered by a licensed physician, a colon cleanse can make you sicker or put you at risk for serious medical complications.
Is Colon Hydrotherapy Painful?
Only in the case of an impacted colon, you may experience slight discomfort. Some cramping may occur as the colon contracts to expel waste. Once the major impaction is removed, you will find the session pleasant and relaxing.
How Much Does Colon Hydrotherapy Cost?
According to the Colon Therapists Network, prices for colon irrigation range between $55 to $95 per treatment, varying between locations and centers. Depending on the facility, packages and discounts can increase the affordability of this treatment since it is not traditionally covered by medical insurance.
Is Colon Hydrotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Because this therapy is considered a form of alternative medicine, most insurance policies will not cover or discount the cost. However, it can be more affordable by making payments through a health Flex spending account. This type of account allows individuals to set aside part of their paycheck tax-free to cover health-related expenses.
A Brief History of Colonics
The practice of using water as a form of therapy to flush waste from the colon dates as far back as 1300 B.C. An ancient Greek medical text called the Eber Papyrus (named after George Eber, a German professor who had the text translated in 1873) extols the virtues of cleansing the colon via the rectum. Early fathers of medicine Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) and Galen (129-210) were strong proponents of colon cleansing as a medicinal tool. Ambrosio Paré (1517-1590), a French physician, was the first to describe colon hydrotherapy (also known as colon irrigation or colonics) in detail and to differentiate it from an enema. The 1906 edition of the Larousse Illustrated Medical Dictionary includes information on the uses of enemas and colon hydrotherapy.
Into the 20th century, pioneering physicians including Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (of Kellogg's cereal fame), Dr. Norman Walker, and Dr. Bernard Jensen stressed the importance of receiving regular colonics as part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, until the 1930s, colon hydrotherapy was commonly practiced in many hospitals and doctors' offices, attesting to its legitimacy. Regrettably, the advent of pharmacology and the ensuing ubiquity of pharmaceuticals relegated colonics to virtual obsolescence for several decades.
Who Should Avoid Colonic Irrigation
Colonic irrigation is CONTRAINDICATED for those who have:
- Diverticulosis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Hemorrhoids
- Tumors in your rectum or colon
- Heart disease or kidney disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Diabetes
- Had prior colon surgery
The risk of side effects from colon cleansing is high for individuals with such conditions. In light of your pre-existing ailments, it’s paramount to consult your doctor before any intervention.
10 Benefits Of Colon Cleansing
Colon cleansing can help improve your body’s overall health and wellness, and may even reduce your risks for colon cancer. Read the benefits of cleansing your colon below.
1. MAKES THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MORE EFFECTIVE
As the colon is cleansed, it pushes waste through your system, clearing the way for good nutrient absorption. A clean colon from a colon detox allows waste to pass easily.
2. MAINTAINS REGULARITY AND PREVENTS CONSTIPATION
Constipation — especially when it's chronic — causes a sluggish digestive response, which in turn leaves waste in the system longer. This increases the likelihood of certain conditions and irritations, such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
3. COLON CLEANSING INCREASES ENERGY
Releasing the toxins from your body is rejuvenating because it refocuses the energy usually used for forcing waste through your intestines to other parts of your body. People who have undergone colon detoxification say they have better blood circulation, more restful sleep, and a boost in energy.
4. INCREASES THE BODY'S ABSORPTION OF VITAMINS AND NUTRIENTS
A colon that's been cleansed allows only water, vitamins, and nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream, creating an unobstructed path for essential nutrients to filter into your body.
5. IMPROVES CONCENTRATION
Poor diet and ineffective vitamin absorption can cause you to become distracted and lose your concentration. The buildup of mucous and toxins in your colon can keep your body from getting what it needs to function, even if you eat a consistently healthy diet. Cleansing the colon with a detox diet can be the difference between feeling alert and not being able to focus. This has far-reaching ramifications for work, your relationships, and your overall health.
6. COLON CLEANSES CAN KICK-STARTS WEIGHT LOSS
Foods lacking in fiber move through the digestive tract at one-quarter the pace of high-fiber choices. This slow-moving food produces excess mucous that literally sticks to the intestinal walls, weighing the intestinal tract down with pounds of decaying fecal matter. Colon cleansing has the potential to aid weight loss; some people claim to have lost up to 20 pounds over the course of a month. The average human colon weighs about four pounds empty and can hold up to eight meals' worth of food before digestion finally occurs. A colon cleansing can result in significant weight loss and kick-start your metabolism, as well as refocus your attention on better food choices and whole-body wellness.
7. DECREASES RISK OF COLON CANCER
All the toxins that you eat, drink, breathe, and absorb through your skin end up being processed by your gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and liver. If they're not forced from your organs as quickly as possible, they can wreak havoc on your body's systems. By releasing stagnant body waste, you reduce the causes and the risk of polyps, cysts, and cancerous growths in your colon and gastrointestinal tract.
8. COLON CLEANSES CAN INCREASE FERTILITY
Colon cleansing, as well as increased fiber intake and healthy food choices, improves regularity and helps keep your weight under control. Fat is estrogen-based, and if too much is present, becoming pregnant becomes more difficult. A colon that is weighed down by years of buildup can also press on the uterus and surrounding reproductive organs in women, causing strain. Colon cleansing rids the body of many chemicals and toxins that affect the egg and sperm. Many naturopaths recommend that both partners undergo colon cleansing before attempting pregnancy.
9. MAINTAINS PH BALANCE IN THE BLOODSTREAM
Foods that cause colon blockages are acid-forming — particularly high-protein diets without enough fiber. This leads to general malaise in the body. The colon's tissue eventually becomes inflamed, reducing its ability to do its job, which is to allow only water, minerals, and vitamins to pass into the bloodstream. If yeasts, molds, fungus, bacteria, parasites, or fecal material enter the bloodstream and connected tissue, the body's pH will be thrown out of balance.
10. COLON CLEANSES IMPROVE WHOLE-BODY WELL-BEING
Ridding the colon of waste and toxins by releasing layers of colon buildup can lead to feelings of lightness, increased energy, and overall good health.
How to Prepare for Colon Hydrotherapy
Many people attend a colonic appointment without making any dietary changes beforehand but it can be really helpful to make some small changes to get the best out of your colonic hydrotherapy treatment.
1. Keep hydrated
In order for the waste to move more easily during a colonic cleanse, it's best to be well hydrated beforehand so aiming for 2 liters is a good thing to do, water, herbal teas, or cordial are all fine. When trying to lose weight or increase your energy, increasing how much water you drink can also be extremely helpful.
Eat plenty of vegetables
Vegetables contain plenty of fiber which is helpful for constipation and helping the bowel to move more regularly. Before having a colonic, increasing your vegetable intake will begin to gently cleanse the bowel lining ensuring you’ll get the most out of your colonic treatment. As these fill you up without adding too many calories they are also a great addition when you’re trying to lose weight.
2. Avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can act as a diuretic so this means they get rid of water via the kidneys. As it's better to be well hydrated before having colonic irrigation it's better to steer clear of too much alcohol and caffeine. So filtered water, herbal teas, diluted fruit juice, or vegetable juice are all good choices. Don’t worry if you find it hard to steer clear of tea and coffee totally, just reducing them will also help. Alcohol also contains lots of calories so if you’re trying to reduce your weight lowering your alcohol intake will also help.
3. Don’t take laxatives
Even if you take laxatives regularly you don’t need to take them just before a colonic. The warm filtered water in the colonic bath or colonic lavage as it is also known will hydrate any stubborn to move waste and gently and effectively ensure that the colon cleanse is comfortable and relaxing.
4. Don’t eat fast food
It's much better for your bowel and microbiome (the health of your gut flora) health if you eat a whole-food diet that is rich in nutrients and natural fibers. Processed, fast food can often be very low in essential nutrients and dietary fiber. So before having a colonic irrigation treatment eating making healthier choices. Don’t worry if you haven’t made those changes though, many people use a colonic treatment as a kick-start to a more healthy way of life and make changes gradually.
The above points serve to show how making some easy changes to your diet can help you to get the most out of your colonic irrigation appointment and treatment. I always discuss diet and lifestyle when you attend so we can discuss any concerns you have in regard to diet.
What Happens During Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon Hydrotherapy is the safe, gentle infusion of water into the colon via the rectum. The process begins with the client side lying on the treatment table. The next step is for a small speculum tube to be gently inserted. It is through this device that warm, filtered water is passed into the client’s colon.
Our skilled colon hydrotherapist will use a number of fills and releases of warm, filtered water, as well as light abdominal massage techniques, to dislodge the waste matter from the walls of the client’s colon. Once the faecal material is dislodged it flows down the tube into the waste system.
The therapist will monitor the water temperature as therapy proceeds. This is done to enable the therapist to change these factors in order to stimulate the muscular contractions in the colon known as peristalsis. This is a key factor in stimulating a sluggish colon.
A typical colon hydrotherapy session will utilize between 25 and 35 gallons of water to flush the colon. The therapist may employ a number of different techniques to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. These can include massage of the abdomen (with the client’s agreement), breathing, and relaxation techniques.
The hydrotherapist will determine progress during the session and recommend additional therapy if thought to be beneficial. Clients often report an increase in energy and vitality after a colon hydrotherapy session. Afterward, you can expect to feel refreshed, energized with an improvement in abdominal discomfort.
What to Expect After Colon Hydrotherapy
It’s natural to ask what to expect after colon hydrotherapy when you have never been through the procedure before. Understanding what happens afterward will help prepare you for certain conditions that might occur. However, keep in mind that in most cases what happens after colon hydrotherapy is not much at all. What follows are some of the more common questions that people ask about colon hydrotherapy and its aftermath.
1. How Will I Feel?
Everyone seems to have a slightly different outcome in terms of how they feel. For many, they feel lighter and ready to take on the world. With all the waste gone from their gut, they feel wonderful and energetic. Others may feel a little tired or not the same simply because the waste material in their gut is gone. For those who have recently experienced constipation and used colon hydrotherapy to rid the gut of the waste material, they may feel more tired, but that is a temporary condition.
2. When Will the Next Bowel Movement Occur?
There is no exact timing, but what can be said is that hydrotherapy will wash away the waste material in the colon. Generally speaking, because the waste is washed from your colon, it may be from two to five days before you experience the next bowel movement. Sometimes, it takes a few days of eating meals before enough is present to eliminate. However, it is ideal that you eliminate waste every 24 hours rather than have it sit in your colon for two to five days.
3. Right After the Hydrotherapy
There are those who experience this type of treatment will go to the bathroom right after the hydrotherapy takes place to eliminate excess water. This is because some people have a redundant colon which has some loops or coils that may trap some water which later needs to be eliminated. The more hydrotherapy sessions you have, the less likely you will need to eliminate any waste or excess water from your colon immediately afterward. However, with about 5% of people having a redundant colon, it is always a possibility.
4. Can I Start a New Diet?
A great time to start a new diet is after colon hydrotherapy. With your gut cleansed, you can start eating a new, healthy diet and begin to feel the results faster. It is best if you choose a diet that does not include refined sugars which have a negative effect on your weight, health, and how you feel. For some, colon hydrotherapy allows for the introduction of a diet free of complex carbohydrates. However, you can choose to not start a new diet if that is your desire. All told, what to expect after colon hydrotherapy starts with removing the waste buildup in your colon. It is a great way to begin a new diet or change in lifestyle as many will feel refreshed and renewed. Along with the physical relief, a colon hydrotherapy treatment may help you see the world in a new light.
Effective Ways to Promote Good Colon Health
Doctors agree: you don’t need a colon cleanse to have good colon health. Instead, there are easier ways to have a healthy digestive system, reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, and manage chronic illness.
1. Eat more fiber. Getting enough fiber in your diet can help regulate bowel movements, reduce constipation, and control your cholesterol and blood sugar. Good sources of fiber include whole-grain foods, fruits, vegetables, and legumes/beans.
2. Limit red meats and processed meats. Science has shown that eating red meats (beef, pork, lamb, etc.) and processed meats (bacon, sausages, ham, etc.) is associated with higher risks of colorectal cancer. You don’t have to cut out these foods entirely—but limit them to a few times a week instead of eating them every day.
3. Get cancer screenings on time. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. The CDC recommends that you get your first colonoscopy at age 45 and then again every 10 years. Colonoscopies can identify and remove cancerous polyps before they become a serious problem.
4. Stop smoking. Smoking is proven to increase the risk of colorectal cancer and can aggravate chronic illnesses like Crohn’s and IBS. Quitting smoking has whole-body benefits.
5. Talk to your doctor about chronic illness management. Sometimes, patients turn to colon cleanses when it feels like their chronic illness isn’t well-managed and they don’t have any other option. Tell this to your doctor—they’ll help you find better ways to manage symptoms in ways that don’t have the potential to cause harm.
Potential Risks of Colon Cleansing
The list of potential risks associated with colon cleansing is much longer than the list of benefits.
1. Dehydration
While some of the weight loss associated with colon cleansing is due to the removal of waste, it also causes the removal of fluids. Dehydration can lead to kidney failure in extreme cases.
2. Electrolyte imbalance
Colon cleanses can upset the balance of electrolytes like potassium and sodium in your body. These chemicals carry electrical signals across cells, and an imbalance can lead to a loss of consciousness as well as kidney damage.
3. Bacterial imbalance and infection
Colon cleanses can potentially invite unhealthy bacteria into the lower digestive system with the instruments and fluids used. They also remove the healthy bacteria that can fight that infection.
4. Bowel perforation
Bowel perforation happens when a tear occurs in the wall of the lower intestine. It’s considered a medical emergency. Though symptoms begin with fever, pain, chills, and nausea, they can progress and even be fatal.
What to Eat After Colon Hydrotherapy
According to many experts, colon hydrotherapy can be a great way to cleanse the body and improve overall health. However, it is important to know what foods to eat after colon hydrotherapy in order to maximize the benefits and avoid any negative side effects.
Here are some of the best foods to eat after a colonic:
1. Probiotic-rich foods: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of gut flora, which can be helpful after a colon cleanse. Some good probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso soup.
2. Fiber-rich foods: Fiber is essential for regular bowel movements and helps bulk up stools so they can easily pass through the digestive system. Some good sources of fiber include whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
3. Fruit: Fruits are among the best foods to eat after colonic. Fresh fruits are rich in fiber and water, both of which can help prevent constipation. Eat various fruits such as apples, pears, berries, and melons.
4. Foods high in magnesium include dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. Magnesium helps relax the muscles in your gut and can be helpful if you’re feeling bloated or constipated after your colonic hydrotherapy.
What Not to Eat After Colonic
The question of whether can you drink coffee after colon hydrotherapy is pretty common among patients. In fact, patients need to know what not to eat or drink after colonic hydrotherapy. This will help prevent any discomfort or irritation.
1. Coffee: Coffee is a diuretic and can cause dehydration. It can also irritate the lining of the intestines.
2. Alcohol: Alcohol can dehydrate the body and irritate the lining of the intestines. It can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
3. Spicy foods: Spicy foods can upset the intestines and cause discomfort.
What to Look for in a Colon Hydrotherapist Near Me
You will want to find a certified, experienced, and skilled colon hydrotherapist. Colon hydrotherapy is currently not a licensed profession. Practitioners are usually certified, though it is not required. The skill level and training can greatly vary from practitioner to practitioner.
1. Find a colon hydrotherapist certified through I-ACT, the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapists.
2. Look for a colon hydrotherapist who has a safe and gentle approach to colonics and who avoids radical cleanses. Some doctors recommend purified water only for the colonic process.
3. If possible, locate a colon hydrotherapist who has trained with a medical doctor. There are many good I-ACT-accredited training programs for practitioners that don’t require studying with an M.D. However, an internship with a medical doctor provides a broader scope of education, a more varied clinical experience, medical perspectives, and considerations for the safe practice of colon hydrotherapy.
4. Look for a colon hydrotherapist with a background in nutrition who can guide you through the colonics process and help you make healthy nutritional changes. This is an essential part of your success with colon hydrotherapy.
5. Find a colon hydrotherapist with whom you feel comfortable. If you don’t feel at ease, it won’t matter how credentialed they are.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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