What is colon hydrotherapy?
Colon hydrotherapy, also known as a colonic, is a safe and gentle flushing of the large intestine, or colon, with filtered water. My clients recline on a comfortable massage table with a heating pad behind them during the 35 - 55 minute session. Water is slowly introduced into the colon as the client relaxes. When the water is released, it flows out of the body through a tube and is flushed directly into the septic pipes. There is no mess, no running to the restroom. Most people are relieved at how easy the experience is compared with their expectations!
What are the benefits of colon therapy?
Colon hydrotherapy is recommended for constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, IBS, headaches, lower back pain, acne, allergies, colds and more. Four to twelve sessions can improve the muscle tone of a spastic or sluggish colon, permanently alleviating chronic diarrhea or constipation. Many women find that a monthly session minimizes the symptoms of PMS. Anyone cleansing benefits from colon therapy, as it can help alleviate symptoms such as headaches, joint pain and nausea associated with fasting or cleansing. Clearing the large intestine out may give your body some extra energy to dedicate to boosting the immune system. Most people say they feel lighter and more energetic after colon therapy sessions.
Does it hurt?
Colon therapy can be uncomfortable at times, although not painful for most people.
Can a colonic remove the black tar or rubbery snakes lining my intestinal walls? The body produces a mucus layer to protect and lubricate the large and small intestines. Over time and under stress, mucus can build up, trapping waste with it. I do not believe that colon therapy alone can remove this “mucosal plaque.” Many people use colon therapy in conjunction with fasting and supplements to loosen and wash away any old material.
How often do people receive colon therapy?
I recommend that people start with two sessions in the same week for maximum benefit. After that, it depends on your particular situation. For long-term constipation you may need as many as 12 sessions. I suggest a monthly session to keep the colon in great shape.
Is there anyone who should not receive colon hydrotherapy?
Anyone with unregulated high or low blood pressure, serious heart conditions, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis should check with their doctor before receiving colon therapy. Pregnant women should not receive colon therapy.
Does it wash away the friendly bacteria?
Friendly bacteria like to live in a clean, healthy environment. The “bad guys,” who cause discomfort and sometimes illness, thrive in waste. Cleansing the colon gives the “good guys” a boost by clearing out the potentially toxic material. Just as it does not wash away all of the good bacteria, it cannot by itself wash out all of the bad bacteria or parasites. Many herbal products are available for that purpose.
Do I need to do anything special to prepare for colon therapy?
Many people come in without changing anything. Some people use colon therapy to help them transition into a healthier diet. Some people receive colon therapy while fasting or doing other dietary cleanses. You should not eat two hours before a session and should not drink for an hour before a session.
What is a colon hydrotherapy session like?
Colon hydrotherapy is a simple process that takes about an hour. You will recline on your back in a semi-upright position on a massage table, dressed in a full-length medical gown, for the duration of the 35 - 55 minute session. The colon therapist will usually palpate the abdomen to identify areas where there may be impaction of fecal matter.
The process of a colonic is very simple. The part of the session that scares people the most is the insertion of a tube into the anus. Each client receives a wrapped, new tube. The tube is well lubricated before we begin and goes only a few inches into your body. It is certainly a strange experience for most people, but not painful unless the client has severely inflamed hemorrhoids.
The most commonly used instruments are plumbed like a sink with hot and cold water and a drain. I control the water temperature and the pressure of the water coming into your body. When I close the “drain,” water slowly fills your large intestine. When I open the “drain,” water and waste flow out of the body through the tube and are flushed directly into the septic pipes. There is no mess, no smell and no running to the restroom.
At the end of the session you will go to the restroom and release whatever did not come out during the session. Some people hold some water in the large intestine and release it later in the day. You will be able to go about your normal daily activities.
Heather McKenzie MacGumerait has practiced Colon Hydrotherapy for four years. Visit her online at http://www.ojaicolontherapy.com