Colon Hydrotherapy: A Step by Step Guide
Since spring is a prime time for detoxing, talking about the digestive system seems extremely fitting this time of year.
Gastrointestinal problems are one the most common health complaints challenging our society. These include indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, and constipation, just to name a few. Many live with these discomforts and take pills or other drugstore remedies, never really knowing what more can be done. Some may go to the doctor, and they are either dismissed, given yet another pill or told to take a laxative. Many have never heard of colon hydrotherapy and consider it a new modality. Yet it has been around for centuries, dating back to 1500 B.C. in the Egyptian medical document Ebers Papyrus. Most notably, it was first used by Cleopatra and credited for her porcelain skin.
In modern times, medical professionals like the American surgeon Dr. John Harvey Kellogg have advanced colon hydrotherapy. His experience performing thousands of bowel surgeries led to the conclusion that 90% of the diseases of civilization were due to improper functioning of the colon.
Facts of digestive disorders
· Digestive diseases affect 60-70 million people.
· Digestive disorders account for 50 million visits to physicians’ offices per year.
· 13% of all hospitalizations are for digestive disorders.
· Digestive disorders cost $87-107 billion in direct medical costs and $20 billion in indirect medical costs per year.
(Source: Brenda Watson, N.D., author of “Essential Cleansing for Perfect Health.”)
What is colon hydrotherapy (colonic)?
Once the colon is overrun with old waste, toxins and parasites, a colon hydrotherapy session (colonic) may be needed to return the system to its normal, healthy state. Colon hydrotherapy is a very safe—and often very pleasant—procedure. If more people actually knew how toxic the colon can be, they may be inclined to get a colonic more frequently. During the course of the day, the body can come in contact with all kinds of toxins and unwanted bacteria in addition to normal body waste. If your colon isn’t working a peak performance, these elements can sit stagnant in the system… sometimes for years! Colonics can help bring the balance back to your system and make it a healthy environment. Each colonic session will be roughly the same, and every effort is made to allow the person getting the colonic to remain in a relaxed state for the duration of the session.
What happens during a colonic?
A colonic session is 40-45 minutes in length. Approximately 15 gallons of filtered water are gently infused into the colon using a disposable speculum. The speculum allows for the insertion of filtered water and the removal of waste. The speculum used may vary from therapist to therapist, but they all basically work the same way. As the patient inserts the speculum (with the aid of the therapist) into the rectum about two inches into the rectal canal, a gentle flow of hot and cold water is used to create contractions of the colon muscles. The water breaks down the waste, which then exits the body through the speculum. Gentle massage is applied to the abdomen to help loosen impacted material for a more complete elimination. For personal comfort, most people keep their bodies covered during the session. The use of disposable instruments and tubing is employed to secure total sanitation and hygiene. The waste can be seen in the tube. Over subsequent visits, the entire length of the colon can be cleansed this way. The therapist monitors the water temperature and waste as it exits the body. Often, the therapist can tell a great deal simply by observing the waste—including much about the patient’s bodily health, dietary lifestyle and what may be causing the issue or issues at hand.
How many colonics are recommended?
One colonic, although helpful, is not necessarily enough to effectively cleanse the colon. A comprehensive program with nutritional input, colon management techniques, and a series of five to ten colonics is recommended for a thorough program. The first three colonics should take place over a period of ten days, followed by weekly colonics thereafter. Seasonal maintenance colonics are also recommended. Additionally, a colonic is suggested before a colonoscopy (a medical examination by a gastroenterologist). It is also good to perform before, during and after a long term fast. Working with a therapist on a regular routine can help anyonemove toward a clean, healthy body and lifestyle.
What are the other benefits of colonics?
Colonics tone the muscles of the bowel while removing waste matter from the colon. They recondition colons that have become distorted due to poor eating habits. Colonics also stimulate reflex points, which positively affect other organs.
How do I prepare for a colonic?
To prevent cramping during the session, AVOID ALCOHOL COMPLETELY. To increase chances for success in each session, avoid bread, pasta, coffee and heavy meals. Fruit, vegetables, and grains are good choices to eat. Drink plenty of water, fresh juice and non-caffeinated tea. Also, it is wise to refrain from eating anything two hours prior to the colonic. Your personal therapist can advise you on what to eat following the colonic session.
19 Comments
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for this information….
What’s always prevented me from colonics is that I hear while they do remove much of the bad bacteria in our body, they also remove the good bacteria’s we need. I’d love to hear your thoughts on that. Thanks!!
Thank you Tracy! it was a great read! I hope more people would be aware of this amazing therapeutic method. I definitely know it has changed my life, after years of pain and gastrointestinal problems.
Sending you all my Love!
thanks for the article…I am one of those people who avoided having a colonic like the pest, until I realised I could not continue with my mostly raw diet without removing some of the waste that was coming up – I was having tons of symptoms.
The first two or three treatments were awkward for me, but once I got past it (and my body started to work like I never knew) I have become very disciplined and still have monthly treatments. So if I could do it, it can be done :)
Do you have any recommendations of colon therapists in the D.C. area?
Is this recommended for people who have had colon surgery? (I had colon cancer 2 years ago and had a right hemicolectomy, so only have half the colon left..)
Danielle you are right. Good and bad bacteria are removed from the colon during the colonic. But if someone does not maintain a proper diet or cleanse regularly or even take daily probiotics (good bacteria), the bad bacteria can over crowd the colon and the good bacteria has no chance. While you are getting a colonic, the body is actually replacing the good bacteria at the same time. At my center, when your session is done, we give you a 50 billion enteric coated probiotic to help the body replant. The reason i choose enteric coated is that it protects the probiotics from stomach acids and allows them to open up in the colon where they belong. Great question and always one that is a debate. Remember that movie 300? it doesn’t matter how great they were they could not win the war against 10 million bad warriors. Same concept.
Thank you Ran. I hope I will be able to get that across to many others. As much as colonics may be intimidating, the serious gastrointestinal issues people face are worth trying this amazing modality.
Thanks for checking in. You can check on the website I-Act.org. It is the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy and put in your zip code, There you can find reparable therapists that belong to an association that makes sure that their therapists are properly educated. There you can see the level of training the therapist have. Good health to you.
Lynn, no it is not recommended for your situation. It is contraindicated. What you can do is work on your diet, discuss a juice fast as well as appropriate foods to cleanse you colon and keep it in good working order. Always make sure your colon is hydrated and lubricated
Lauren, i cant wait till i can get you on my table and detox not only your colon but your liver. We will talk about healing the lining of the intestines and reducing inflammation. We will go over your situation with a gastroenterologist as well before embarking on any cleanse for you. kiss kiss
Thanks Tracy, That is really helpful information!!
I am planning on doing this during the summer. The therapist I found recommends 3 within 7 days, so I’m saving up to do this. I’ve been very naughty this winter, lol, so this spring I’m consuming a detoxing diet and a colonic is the icing on the cake.
Hi Lauren, im glad that you are taking your health seriously. Nice time frame. When your colon is more cleaned ten its time to do a liver cleanse since it is springtime. I’ll blog on this next time.
Hi Tracy. Believe it or not, I happen to be one of those syringe people wishing for a great colonic! I have Fibromuscular Dysplasia, a disease (in short) which causes narrowing of the arteries. I have stenosis in multiple arterial sites, including renal, mesenteric, iliac, and carotid (just to name a few). Because of the mesenteric and iliac, impaction is a common problem. Of the research I have done, I have read that colonic hydrotherapy may not be appropriate for some vascular patients (which has been my primary concern). Can you please discuss why this is? I am so (literally) tired of feeling heavy, sick and bloated all the time. I have tried everything from prescription laxatives to enemas… NOTHiNG seems to work and the meds just seem to cause terrible pain, but no results. Is colonic an appropriate choice here? I am at my wits end and would be grateful for your input on this. Thank you.
not applicable
Is it safe to have a colonic cleanse eventhough my father had colon cancer?
Tina, no. the only way is with a prescription from a doctor who can supervise.
I used to see a colon hydrotherapist, but in the summer of 2008 I had a foot of my colon removed. It is my understanding that colon hydrotherapy is no longer an option for me. My question is “What are my options at this point?”
Thanks for any advice.
Yay, Tracy!! So nice to learn what you are planning on doing to me after I give birth! LOL, I am scared! HAHA! All kidding aside, this was very informative, I am nervous and excited all at once. I hope it helps my crohn’s!
April 16, 2010