What are the benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy?
Modern diets of processed foods, lack of exercise, and prolonged mental stress stops the body from functioning optimally. The colon in particular becomes a repository of accumulated waste or toxins, these toxins end up re-entering our blood stream and getting deposited into our cells. As a result we become susceptible to disease and feel or act far below our potential. Colon Hydrotherapy is beneficial for removing this accumulation of waste. Thus, the process of detoxification is improved because the harmful bacteria that is produced by encrusted fecal matter is removed from the body. It also helps to re-shape and re-tone the colon, it encourages the body's natural peristalsis while hydrating the body.
Other benefits one may notice are:
- Improved digestion
- Increased immunity
- Increased energy
- Weight loss/normalizing weight
- Relief from bloating/heaviness
- Better assimilation of nutrients
- Mental clarity
- Clear skin and eyes
- Helps improve joint pains, headaches, allergies
- Maintains regularity
- Improves overall well-being
Is there any downtime?
No, you can continue on with your day after the session. However, if you are new to colonics, it is a good idea to go home and rest for a few hours after as there may be some detox symptoms such as a little fatigue or headache but these feelings quickly subside.
Every person is different, some have come in for the first time and felt energized immediately afterward and went on about their day normally. It is a good idea to have time to relax after a session and your body will tell you what is best.
Will enemas and laxatives achieve the same results?
The colon is 5 to 6 feet long and enemas only clean out the lower part of the large intestine (sigmoid colon) which leaves approximately 4 feet of colon untouched. To clean out the entire colon, colon hydrotherapy is necessary.
Laxatives are irritants to the body and can cause electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, and mineral deficiencies if overused. It can also lead to chronic constipation and cause damage to the digestive system overall.
Are there any side effects?
There are no known negative side effects. Usually a client will feel lighter and more energized after a session. It is possible to have slight fatigue, headaches, brain fog and emotional sensitivity but this is likely due to toxins being flushed from the system. This feeling will pass quickly, and with more sessions the client will feel the benefits right away.
Will I be regular after a colonic?
It is common to have a light delay in bowel movements after a colonic and then the continuation of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. If the colon is sluggish or weak, there might be no bowel movement for a day or so but this isn't due to the colonic, rather the weakness in the colon that will resolve on its own.
What about possible contamination?
Following a Colonic session, the device is thoroughly sanitized and disinfected using professional grade virucide/fungicide/germacide disinfectant solution. These solutions are approved by the FDA for each manufacturer of Colon Hydrotherapy devices. After disinfecting, the device is generously cleansed with water clearing the disinfectant solution completely from the device. The Colonic device has several check valves in it to prevent waste water from returning to the water supply. In addition, the single-use disposable, sterilized packet containing a disposable nozzle is disposed of following each session, ensuring against any possible contamination to clients.
What is the difference between a Closed and Open system?
There are 2 types of devices used for Colon Hydrotherapy, while both systems are beneficial, here are some of the differences between the open-system and closed system:
Open-System
- Nozzle used - (size of pencil) 1 inch inserted.
- Waste - no matter what size waste is passed around rectal nozzle freely.
- Evacuation - go freely without interference.
- View tube - 4 foot view tube so client can see for evaluation purposes.
- Client controlled - water is gravity-fed and can be continuous or stopped by client. The pace is at the client's discretion and client can have privacy if desired but it is recommended to have the therapist in the room for most of the session.
Closed-System
- Speculum used - 1 inch width, 3 to 5 inches inserted.
- Waste - must fit exactly into 1 inch width tube.
- Evacuation - must notify therapist so they may properly administer.
- View tube - small window on wall unit.
- Therapist control - water flow (1/2 - 2 psi) and evacuation pace is controlled by therapist at all times.
Here at Healing Frequency Center we use the open-system called the LIBBE (Lower Intestinal Bottom Bowel Evacuation). The open-system colonic allows more freedom for the client, which can result in a more relaxing, effective, and deeper reaching colon cleanse.
Unlike with the open-system, waste in the closed-system must fit through the 1 inch speculum for removal. The size, consistency, mass, and frequency of release is not an issue on the LIBBE. Also women can freely use the open-system during menstruation, and if one needs to urinate, the open system allows for this.
With the closed-system colonic if the client can’t wait to go, they have to remove the speculum, get up and go to the restroom. Once the client has returned the speculum must be reinserted, this causes you to lose time from your session. On the open-system the client can go as needed, no time is lost in the session. Although the open-system colonic does allow the client to be left alone, we are committed to each client having some time with the therapist for an effective session. The therapist stays with the client throughout much of the appointment encouraging the most efficacy through stimulating peristalsis.
Does Colon Hydrotherapy deplete healthy gut bacteria?
No it doesn't. If your colon is not functioning properly because of possible encrusted fecal accumulation, then your body has issues creating healthy gut bacteria and flora on its own. Once the large intestine is free of these toxic burdens, the body can easily maintain homeostasis with the assistance of a fiber rich diet and proper hydration.
Still, we give the client a probiotic after their session if they so desire.
What are the contraindications for Colon Hydrotherapy?
- Abdominal Hernia
- Abdominal Surgery
- Abnormal Distention
- Acute Liver Failure
- Anemia
- Aneurysm all types
- Carcinoma of Colon
- Colitis
- Colon Surgery
- Crohn's Disease
- Dialysis
- Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis
- Hemorrhaging
- Hemorrhoidectomy
- Intestinal Perforations
- Lupus
- Currently Pregnant
- Renal Insufficieny
- Currently on medications that may weaken the intestinal wall
While the presence of these conditions may not disqualify you, a prescription from your physician may be required.
Is it safe?
Colon hydrotherapy is very safe when performed by a qualified therapist. We only use FDA approved medical devices for the procedure and all of the equipment used is sterilized or disposable and the water goes through an advanced filtration process prior to entering the colon. Our therapists are I-ACT (International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy) trained and registered and meet the highest professional and ethical standards.
Is it embarrassing?
No, despite being an open-system there is no odor. The fan remains on throughout the session and pulls any odors, the waste goes directly into the sewer system and there is a flusher jet that the client uses when releasing. The client is draped with a towel in a private room and the client's dignity is always maintained.
How many treatments do I need?
Every person is different so there is no standard number of treatments that are recommended. It depends on your personal health objectives and your lifestyle. Even though a person feels relief even after an initial session, it is necessary to take additional colonics to properly cleanse the colon. We suggest you book a single treatment initially and discuss with your therapist during the consultation what their recommendations are.
Will just one session completely empty my colon?
Typically, one colonic will not completely empty the colon. Due to modern living (processed foods & stress) most of us have a considerable amount of impacted feces in our colon. This impacted fecal matter are hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material. Substantial work must be done to remove it.
As you become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns how to allow the cleansing experience to occur, you are better able to relax into that process, and therefore more material is released.
One colonic will move some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. How many you wish to have will depend on your personal objectives.