Guest guest Posted July 4, 2003 Report Share Posted July 4, 2003 Colonic Hydrotherapy Frequently Asked Questions What is colonic hydrotherapy? Also known as a " colonic " , " colon irrigation " , " colon lavage " , or " high colonic " , colonic hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method for cleansing the colon of waste material by repeated, gentle flushing with water. Is colon hydrotherapy completely safe? Yes. Modern colon hydrotherapy equipment is manufactured through compliance with strict FDA guidelines that dictate rigorous accountability. Is there any possibility of bacterial or viral contamination from prior use of the colon hydrotherapy machine? Modern colon hydrotherapy machines utilize pre-sterilized, disposable hoses and speculums. These disposables are used only once during a single therapy session. Properly administered, there is absolutely no danger of contamination. Do treatments hurt? No. In fact many people report their colon hydrotherapy sessions as being both refreshing and relaxing. Where can I find a colonic hydrotherapist? Check your local phone book under colonic irrigation, alternative health directory, health food store, or The Colon Health Network at colonhealth.net What is the price of a colonic? Price can vary upon colonic therapist. An initial visit with consultation may be about $90.00. Each follow up visit may be about $65.00. 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 hydrotherapist 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 sterile, closed and pressurized system. The mess and odor sometimes present during an enema simply does not exist with a colonic. How much of the intestines are actually cleansed during a colon hydrotherapy treatment? During a treatment it is possible for a professional colon therapist to cleanse the full length of the colon (large intestine). The small intestine is not specifically involved in a colon hydrotherapy treatment. The small intestine may be cleansed with the help of an oral (herb-based) intestinal cleanser. Should I see my doctor before my first colon hydrotherapy session? If you are diagnosed with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, rectal or intestinal tumors, you would not be a candidate for colon hydrotherapy treatments. How long does a treatment take? Actual treatment time is about 45 minutes, but you should plan a total session visit of one hour in duration. Does having a menstrual period at the time of a colon hydrotherapy session have any effect on the treatment? No, in fact it's usually a good time to receive a treatment, since your body is already cleansing. Your flow will not interfere with the success of the treatment. What should I do to prepare for a colon hydrotherapy cleansing? Refrain from eating before the cleansing, be as relaxed as possible and maintain a positive, cheerful attitude. Will I experience any intestinal discomfort or fatigue after the cleansing? Usually not, but since the cleansing will stir up a lot of old debris and toxins, you might experience some minor nausea or fatigue. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to rest and apply a warm heating pad to the abdomen. If you wish, a mild vegetable broth or peppermint tea is usually soothing at this time. Any discomfort will usually pass within 24 hours. Do I need to take acidophilus after a colon cleansing because intestinal flora has been washed out of the colon? It is recommended to use acidophilus, but not because the treatment washes out intestinal flora. Colon hydrotherapy cleansings do not wash out intestinal flora. Taking acidophilus subsequent to a colon cleansing is beneficial, because it helps to improve the bacterial balance in the colon. Can I work directly after having a colon hydrotherapy? Certainly. You can work just as you would after a regular bowel movement. How does a colon hydrotherapy treatment compare to an enema? An enema only reaches the rectum and lower part of the colon, whereas with colon hydrotherapy, the entire length of the colon (the large intestinal tract approximately 5 to 5 1/2 feet in length) is reached. Colon hydrotherapy is many more times effective. According to learned centenarian Dr. Norman Walker, One colon irrigation is equivalent to 30 enemas. 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 rectum). 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 reenter 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 buildup of material on 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 USA. 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 eliminate large quantifies of toxic wastes, 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, 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 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 hydrotherapist 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: 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 cooperate 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, coupled with the massage techniques of the colon hydrotherapist 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. 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 hydrotherapist 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 than 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 ongoing 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 a messed-up colon; 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 " refinement " 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 characteristic 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 than a few seconds. The stool will be long, large in diameter, light brown in color, without offensive odor and should float or sink 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 hydrotherapist may bring you great dividends. 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 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. And what can I expect afterwards? 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 lightheaded 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 hospitals as well. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930's. At that time modem 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. I'm worried that I could become dependent on colonics. If I have too many the colon may stop functioning on its own. Are colonics habit forming? The colonic is a tool intended to be used to create a clean and healthy colon. A colon hydrotherapist 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 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 fecal 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 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. 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 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 purified one. How long does a colonic take? Probably 90% of all colonics take about 45 minutes. It could also be shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgment of the hydrotherapist and sometimes, the wishes of the client. There will also be about 15 minutes required before the colonic for the hydrotherapist 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 clinic. Is there a special kind of water used for colonic hydrotherapy? We use highly filtered water, which passes through three seperate 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 broth, fruit, or juices are the best choice. 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. References The Colonic Health Network www.colonhealth.net Evergreen Hydrotherapy www.evergreenhydrotherapy.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2003 Report Share Posted December 30, 2003 Really?? I thought many skin disorders were our body's reaction to stress. I'm new here and have a touch of rash that comes and goes. I thought I was the only one that got results from the removal of toxins. A balenced diet of fresh foods and PLENTY of water usually does it for me as far as being healthy. But, when the rash visits it is a sign to clense. Several of you have mentioned colonics. I don't have that much money, so, an enema in the evening for a period of seven to ten days coupled with a good water and fruit fast clears up my skin, my headachs, depression, lethargy, and I drop a few pounds. How long?? Your body will tell you. I usually go about eight or nine days, once I went a full two weeks. Get back to me, and Happy New Year, Bubba Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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