FAQ about Colon Hydrotherapy

 Yes.  The colonic equipment used today is FDA approved.   All tubing is disposable and the water filtration system is state of the art, removing all toxins, microorganisms and chlorine from the water.  

 No. In fact most people are very pleasantly surprised at how relaxing and comfortable a colonic treatment is.  The only discomfort one may experience during a colonic is some cramping which is the result of peristaltic action (muscular contractions) of the colon.  This is a healthy sign telling us that the colon is working, doing its job to move waste out of the body.  

If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of colon hydrotherapy you should consult a doctor. 

 Auto intoxication is a process where the body literally poisons itself on its own toxic juices.  If the colon is toxic, this can contribute to many different problems than can be associated with colon toxicity.  Some possible signs are: bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, leaky gut syndrome, colitis, fatigue, depression, poor memory, weakened immune system, skin   problems, lower back pain, excess weight, bad breath, coated tongue and body odor.  

During a treatment it is possible for a professional colon therapist to cleanse the entire length of the colon.  The small intestine is not directly cleansed by the water of a colonic because of the presence of the ileo-cecal valve.  The ileo-cecal valve is a one-way valve which does not allow water or waste to pass from the large intestine back to the small intestine.  Although we do find that some waste from the small intestine will release during a colonic, to specifically address cleansing the small intestine an oral form of cleansing, using herbs, is necessary.  Talk to us for more details.   

An enema is a home administered treatment, useful when you cannot get in for a colonic.  The water from an enema directly reaches and cleanses the lowest part (6-8 inches) of the large intestine (colon).  A colon hydrotherapy session allows water to reach and clean the entire 5-6 feet of the colon.  According to Dr. Norman Walker, one of the original Medical advocates of colon cleansing, “One colonic irrigation is equivalent to 30 enemas.”  

 Unlike many years ago when colon therapists attempted to insert the tubing very deep or high into the colon, hence the name “High Colonics”, today the rounded, lubricated tube is gently inserted only 1-2 inches into the colon. Clients do their own insertion and the therapist will then set it in just the right place and connect all the tubes for an easy, effective treatment.  And no, the insertion doesn’t hurt although it may feel a bit odd the first time.

I use the modern Dotolo Toxygen hydrotherapy instrument which utilizes pre-sterilized, disposable tubing and speculums.  These disposables are used only once during a single therapy session. Properly administered, there is absolutely no danger of contamination.  This has a state-of the-art water filtration system that removes particles, microbes, bacteria, viruses and any chemicals using carbon and ultraviolet light. Following a colon hydrotherapy session, the Dotolo Toxygen instrument is high temperature cleaned and disinfected with hospital grade germicidal solution after each use. 

 First of all, regular, long term use of laxatives can destroy the nerve endings that innervate the colon allowing for strong   peristaltic action and easy bowel movements. Laxatives (even herbal laxatives like Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Turkey Rhubarb or various forms of Aloe) are all irritants to the colon. The colon   perceives them as irritants and will force contractions of the colon to get rid of the irritant and at the same time and almost   by default move stool out of the body. When the nerve endings are destroyed through long term use of laxatives the colon becomes exhausted and sluggish and often requires greater potency and frequency of laxatives to get the bowels moving. Our goal is to help break the cycle of laxative dependency and allow a person to move their bowels without the use of laxatives.  To accomplish this challenging goal we need to come at it from a number of different angles. Your willingness to work together with us on a consistent basis will pay off. 

 The simplest way is to refrain from eating or drinking for two hours prior to your treatment. For those who want to do a more involved preparation, others options such as juicing, fasting or an herbal cleansing program can be helpful. Anything you do to put your body in a cleansing mode can be beneficial but not essential. If you haven’t begun any special preparation and are confused as to where to start then just do the simple preparation and come in for your first colonic and we will discuss the many options for deeper cleansing.  Other than that, keep breathing, relax as best you can and keep a positive, upbeat attitude. Remember, coming in for your first colonic can be a little scary. We all went through that.  You will do great and remember the gift you are offering to your body is profound!  

During the treatment you are lying comfortably on a plush massage table, propped up and covered at all times.  A   “slow-fill” technique is used which allows the colon to thoroughly soak and saturate with pure water, this allows the removal of encrusted fecal matter to be gradual, comfortable and effective. The water coming into the body enters so gently that   you can hardly feel it. During the fill cycle you may feel a little rumbling in your tummy or gassy or crampy or you may feel   relaxed and peaceful. Many of our clients report that the most relaxing time of their entire week is when they come in for their colonic. Whatever you are feeling during your treatment is perfect. Any sensations are signs that the water is doing its job of loosening and softening accumulated waste in the colon.  Remember, the colon is a muscular system and moves waste out of the body by a series of muscular contractions known as peristaltic action. When you feel crampy during a colonic treatment your colon is getting ready to move waste out of the body.  The crampiness may feel a bit uncomfortable but it is a sign that the colon is doing exactly what we want it to do and that is to move waste out.  People with a history of constipation have, for whatever reason,   lost some or all of their peristaltic action. Our job as therapists is to help the muscular system of the colon regain its ability to contract which makes for regular, easy bowel movements.   

  We always recommend starting your cleansing program with cleaning the colon through colonics.  Cleanses help support detoxifying and rebuilding the liver.  

 Actual treatment time can be 30-40 minutes usually averaging 30 minutes.  Total treatment time with changing and finishing in the bathroom is one hour.  

 No, in fact it is usually an excellent time to receive a treatment, since your body is already cleansing.  Your flow will not interfere with the success of the treatment.  Often during a colonic the flow will become lighter.  Wear a pad. 

The top four are:  

1. It aids in the release of toxins and fecal matter from the gastrointestinal tract 
2. Cleanses the blood 
3. Jump starts and empowers the immune system 
4. Helps to restore the proper PH balance in the colon and the body 

Some other reported benefits  with periodic colon hydrotherapy are: improved overall bowel function, better nutrient absorption, improved digestion, purification of the liver, reduction of bloating and intestinal gases, more energy,   relief of toxic headaches, smoother, tighter skin, reduction of skin rashes/acne, better poster, weight control, clearer mind and overall feeling of improved health and vitality. 

Prior to treatments our bodies are generally so toxic that it is questionable how much good bacteria has survived and is present in the gut.  We usually recommend taking some form of “friendly bacteria” following a treatment but not because the treatment washes out intestinal flora. Colon hydrotherapy treatments do not wash out intestinal flora.  When colon hydrotherapy washes the bad   bacteria, it allows the colon to balance the good bacteria. 

 Usually not, but since the cleansing will stir up a lot of old waste and toxins, you might experience some minor symptoms of residual cleansing such as fatigue, nausea, headache, cramps, bloating, etc.  For some, the treatment may trigger subsequent bowel movement over the next 24 hours, but there should not be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort. Generally people find the procedure quite gentle and comfortable, and frequently report feeling a sense of lightness, clarity, renewed energy, and well being. If you can rest for a short while after a colonic that is recommended but most people feel fine and continue on with their day.   

Yes you can absolutely go to work after a colonic.  

 Follow any recommendations we might have for you regarding specific supplements or dietary suggestions. Also drink lots of filtered, purified water and avoid processed foods and drink.  

 This will depend on the client. For the first time client it is estimated that 6 sessions will be recommended and not unusual to   take up to 12 or more depending on the client. There are many years of deposit build up, it can not be removed in one session.  It is recommended to receive 3 consecutive sessions for optimal cleansing, but this will depend on the individual recommendations I might have for you regarding specific supplements or dietary suggestions.  Also drink lots of filtered, purified water and avoid processed foods and drink. 

Colon hydrotherapy is not a cure or treatment for disease, but can be a valuable procedure to assist the body in the detoxification process. 

The following are goals for colon hydrotherapy: 

• Hydrate the body                                 
• Soften and remove hardened toxic  fecal matter
• Stimulate and strengthen the nerves, muscles, glands, circulatory and immune components of the digestive   system
• Stimulate peristalsis (the natural wavelike muscular movement that moves the waste through the intestines)   

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• The history and physical examination of the patient (by his/her physician) would dictate the need for colon hydrotherapy in the overall treatment plan.  Colon hydrotherapy has been shown to be beneficial for the following conditions:    

• Acute Fecal Impaction                                 
• Constipation Colitis                                      
• Diarrhea                                                         
• Parasitic Infection          
• Atonic Colon (loss of muscle tone)  
• Mucous Colitis                                              
• Fever Therapy                                           
• Hyper/Hypothermia                   
• Abdominal Distention                                 
• Bloating/Flatulence               
• Intestinal Toxemia             
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome  
• Leaky Gut                                                      

Indications under prescription and 

            direct physician supervision                                                      

• Diverticulitis                                     
• Prevention                                                    
• Balance Physiologic                                     
• Flora of Colon (Friendly Bacteria)  
• Preparation of diagnostic study of the      large intestine               
• Preparation for a Barium Enema  
• Preparation for a Sigmoidoscopy  
• Preparation for a Colonoscopy   prior to Surgery                    
• Hemorrhoids (present but not currently inflamed)                                
• Nutrient Supplementation via Rectum      
• Diverticulitis                                   
• Ulcerative Colitis                 
• Crohn’s Disease            
• On site Preparation following Trauma  
• Early Pregnancy (up to four months)         

Contra-Indications for Colon Hydrotherapy 

• Severe Cardiac Disease                                (uncontrolled hypertension of                  congestive heart failure)                         
• Aneurysm                                
• Severe Anemia                      
• GI Hemorrhage/perforation                           
• Severe Hemorrhoids                                   
• Cirrhosis                                                         
• Carcinoma of the Colon (Colon Cancer)  
• Fissures/Fistulas                      
• Advanced Pregnancy                    
• Abdominal Hernia                     
• Recent Colon Surgery  
• Renal Insufficiency                                        

1. Colonics- the first step is to thoroughly clean out the old waste of the colon.  With old debris still present it is difficult for the colon to work at its maximum efficiency.  Be prepared to do a series of 12 or more colonics.  Regular colonics   over time helps to rebuild the peristaltic action of the colon.  
2. Restore a healthy environment in the colon.  We may suggest the use of a probiotic (friendly bacteria).  
3. Diet- We will address diet and its vital   importance to colon health and assess how your diet is either helping or hurting your progress.    
4. Exercise- exercise increases metabolism.   A sluggish colon can be a sign of a slowed down metabolism.  We   will not only look at the possible causes of a sluggish metabolism but ways to help increase its efficiency.  Exercise is   one important step.  
5. Emotions and Stress- these two factors alone play a crucial role in the health and vitality of your whole being let alone the health and vitality of your colon.  The colon represents the ability to “Let Go”. Or, “What are you holding on to”?  For those who are willing to look at these aspects of themselves this can make a huge difference!