I keep hearing about colonics and how great they are, but I’ve never been able to find out much about them?

Also known as a “colonic”, “colon irrigation”, or “high colonic”, colonic hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method for cleansing the colon of waste material by repeated, gentle flushing with water.

And a colon, what is that again?

The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract.

The colon is approximately 5-6 feet long and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. 

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 feces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc.), poses several problems. First this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter 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. 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 quantities of toxic waste, 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. Colon 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 colon 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 therapist 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 co-operate 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 therapist 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 therapist 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 elimination’s. 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 on-going tightening of the colon muscle results in diminished movement of faecal 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 messed-up colons, 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 “refinements” of civilization 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 very 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, sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends.

Okay, it sounds like a colonic may be good for me, but will it be painful?

It rarely is. Usually, painful experiences are the result of resistance and tension. A professional colon therapist is skilled at putting you at your ease and minimizing discomfort. Most people actually enjoy the colonic and are especially pleased with the unaccustomed sensation of feeling lighter, clean and clear afterward. Sometimes during a colonic, the colon muscles will contract suddenly expelling considerable amounts of liquid and waste into the rectum. This may feel like cramping or gas, and may create a feeling of urgency to empty the rectum. Such episodes, if they do occur, are brief and easily tolerated.

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 therapist, 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 in a gravity pressured system. The mess and odor sometimes present during an enema simply does not exist with a colonic.

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 light-headed 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 modern 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.

Are colonics dangerous in any way?

Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe and healthy service so that you do not have to worry. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as normal procedure and clean linen is used for each colonic as well.

I’m worried that I could become dependent on colonics. If I have to 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 therapist 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 tone 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.

Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhea?

The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. Sometimes if the colon is weak and sluggish, there may be no bowel movement for several days following a colonic. However this is not due to the colonic, but rather to the weakness of the colon, and should be interpreted as an indication that the colon requires strengthening and healing. Very infrequently diarrhea or loose bowels may be experienced. This could be due to the extra water introduced into the colon or to the stirring up of toxic waste. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. However, since severe diarrhea dehydrates the body, it must be carefully monitored.

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 its 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 putrefied one.

With all this talk of bacteria, I wonder what effect colon hydrotherapy has on our immune systems?

The removal of stagnant waste material and hardened, impacted toxic residue could rejuvenate the immune tissue that resides in the intestines. Recent European studies speculate that over 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. This is much higher than previously thought and makes it logical to believe that this type of therapy could influence such immune deficiency diseases as Cancer and A.I.D.S. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.

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 judgement of the therapist and sometimes, the wishes of the client. There will also be about 15 minutes required before the colonic for the therapist 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 colon hydrotherapy?

We use highly filtered alkaline-based water, which passes through seven separate 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 broths, fruit, or juices are the best choice.

Will one colonic completely empty the colon?

Almost never. Firstly, many of us have a considerable amount of impacted feces in our colon. This is hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material. Substantial work must be done to remove it. Secondly, there is a subtle learning process involved in receiving colonics. As you become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns how to allow the cleansing experience, you are better able to enter into that process, and therefore more material is released. One colonic will remove some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. How many you may wish to have will depend upon your personal objectives.

How will I know when the colon is empty?

It will probably never be completely empty, as its an organ in continuous use. As more of the old impacted material is released you will actually feel the water enter higher regions of the colon without any sense of obstruction. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.

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.

How expensive is a colonic?

This varies dependant upon location etc. Although cost is obviously relevant, far more important is your health. A knowledgeable colon therapist can help you on the road to vital health.

Most people have no any idea how much old, hardened, fecal matter is lodged within their colons. Many experts believe that the average person has 10 to 20 pounds of accumulated waste matter in their colon. While not a weight loss procedure . . . it is interesting to note that many people who complete a series of colon hydrotherapy sessions, often report significant weight losses.

Colon toxicity can be the underlying cause of many of these commonly reported health problems and may indicate the need for colon hydrotherapy:

• Constipation• Headaches• Hemorrhoids• Backaches• Arthritis• Allergies• Diarrhea• Distended Abdomen• Bad Breath/Halitosis• Skin Problems• Chronic Fatigue• Asthma• Irritability• Depression• Prostate Trouble• Difficult Weight Loss• Frequent Colds• Hypoglycemia• Insomnia• Food Cravings• Abdominal Gas• Hypertension• Foul Body Odor• Menstrual Problems

If you have any of the above health problems, you may benefit from a series of colon hydrotherapy sessions. An unhealthy colon can adversely effect your total health, including all your body systems.