Colonic Hydrotherapy Explained
Session Details
Concerns
Guidelines and Recommendations for Digestive Health
What is Colon Hydrotherapy and what does it involve?
Colon hydrotherapy, also called Colonic Irrigation, is a natural method for cleansing and hydrating the large Intestine (Colon, Bowel) using only pure water, no chemicals, drugs or irritants.
During a treatment it is possible to cleanse the full length of the large Intestine. The water does not enter the small intestine.
Water is introduced into the colon through a small sterile rectal tube which is inserted a small way into the rectum. The instilled water gently circulates through the colon acting as an internal bath that helps to soften and loosen the waste material that reside in and layer the intestinal walls. The water stimulates the muscular movement of the large intestine, peristalsis, by which the colon naturally moves material and results in evacuation.
The "LIBBE" Equipment is Specialised To Ensure Safety, Dignity & Comfort.
For more information on the colonic equipment and what happens during a colonic treatment see the Equipment page.
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Is a special kind of water used?
Yes, the water passes through a Cartridge Filter and a Ultra-Violet Purification unit to filter out chemicals and contaminants too 99.9% pure. it is also temperature regulated to around body temperature.
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Is it A Medical Procedure?
No. It is a cleansing process and is a general health modality, not a treatment for any specific medical condition. Colon cleansing is complementary to other recommended treatment programs. If in doubt about having this procedure, consult your Primary Healthcare Professional or Physician.
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What are the goals and benefits of a colonic treatment?
The Goals of Colonic Treatments are:
- Cleanse the Colon and the intestinal wall of Hardened waste and impurities which can build up if the colon is sluggish.
- Reduce of the total volume of the colon, relieving the pressure it exerts on surrounding organs and areas such as the lower back, bladder and hips.
- Improve bowel function to allow for better assimilation, elimination and nutrient absorption.
- Exercise and Strengthen the Colon Muscles to improve peristalsis (the natural wavelike muscular movement that moves waste through the intestines) The colon is a muscle and has stretch receptors which respond by working harder to expel waste when stimulated. Much like fibre works to stimulate the colon so does the water.
- Relax abdominal muscles through the action of water temperature and massage.
- Reshape the Colon: help eliminate protruding pockets of waste and narrow, spastic constrictions, enabling the colon to resume its natural state.
- Stimulate and strengthen the nerves, muscles, glands, circulatory and immune components of the digestive system.
- Hydrates the colon and because the colons main job is to absorb water the whole body is hydrated.
- Detoxification - of the colon and ultimately the body.
Some benefits that have been reported with periodic colon cleansing are:
- Improved bowel function and regularity.
- Clearer skin complexion.
- Increased energy and alertness.
- Reduction of mucous.
- Improved energy levels.
- General improvement in health and vitality.
To Learn About the Digestive System and Some Signs of Inefficient Elimination and a Toxic Colon visit the Digestive System Page.
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What is the history of colonics as a treatment?
Historically, colon cleansing using water in its most basic form, the enema was first recorded in 1500 B.C. in the ancient Egyptian document, Ebers Papyrus, which dealt with the practice of medicine, and may have been around earlier.
There are reports of frequent use of enemas as a mode of treatment by Egyptian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hindu, Greek, Roman, Nigerian and early African races. The English also used enemas and during the middle ages it became a popular vogue of the wealthy and even reached the highest levels of royalty.
Hypocrites, the father of modern day medicine, in the fourth century B.C. recorded using enemas for correcting fevers and hundreds of other medical conditions. Galen in the second century AD was a proponent of enemas for almost every known medical condition.
By the early 20th Century, with the advent of rubber, the enema slowly gave way to the present-day colonic equipment, providing a significantly improved method of accomplishing colon cleansing. Colon Hydrotherapy is an extended, safer and more complete form of an enema.
Around 1910 the therapy gained the attention of such physicians as James A. Wiltsie M.D., and Joseph E.G. Waddington M.D. who placed great value on the therapeutic benefits of this modality.
Dr Kellogg reported in the 1917 Journal of American Medicine that in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease in over 40,000 cases, he had used surgery in only twenty cases. The rest were helped as a result of cleansing the bowels, diet, and exercise.
Up to the late 1920's many doctors offices and hospitals had colonic equipment and articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930's. At that time modern medicine began focusing on drugs, laxatives and surgery.
Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in using natural approaches for healing the body, and colonic's have rapidly been regaining popularity.
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What does a session cost and how long does it take?
For Session Costs please refer to our Clinic & Rates page. A Cancellation Policy applies.
Actual treatment time is about 35 - 45 minutes, but you should plan a total session visit of at least one hour in duration. On the first visit the therapist will go over your health history questionnaire. The first visit usually takes an hour and a half.
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How often and how regular are sessions required?
Every person's needs and goals will differ. The number of colon hydrotherapy sessions required will depend on the condition of your digestive system, your general health and what you want to achieve. It generally takes a series of colonic's to get your system substantially cleansed and detoxified. For most people a weekly colonic over 3-6 weeks is recommended, but this will need to be discussed with the therapist. A treatment plan is usually discussed during and at the end of the first session.
Some common treatment plan options:
- For most people a weekly colonic over three weeks is recommended.
- For those who have a sluggish digestive system with constipation, discomfort or general health problems a series of 3 - 6 sessions are usually needed.
- For those who are generally regular and in good health a colonic maintenance programme like a colonic at the changing of the seasons or during the cold and flu season is beneficial.
- During detoxification programmes and fasting activity, a colonic at the beginning, middle or end is of value.
- Some women find a monthly colonic prior to menstruation helpful for pain, bloating and discomfort.
View the Appointments page.
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How should I prepare for a colonic?
On the day of your scheduled appointment we recommend that you:
- Arrive early. Allowing time to relax before a colonic will facilitate better results.
- No foods at least 2 hours prior to receiving a Colonic Hydrotherapy session. It's more comfortable if you have an empty stomach.
- Eat lightly and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids, esp. water several days before your treatment.
- Encourage good intestinal flora by eating unsweetened Yoghurt or taking probiotics.
- It may be more comfortable for you to wear a two piece garment to your appointment.
If your diet is medically supervised, please disregard any contradictory suggestions and adhere to your doctor's requirements.
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What should I do after the colonic?
After receiving colon hydrotherapy, you may experience a heightened sensitivity to what you ingest and the following suggestions may help:
- Drink plenty of liquids:
- Mainly purified water
- Herbal teas
- Unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices
- Encourage good intestinal flora by eating unsweetened Yoghurt or taking probiotics.
- Eat soft or mashed foods for 24 hours after the procedures.
- Cooked mashed vegetables or Soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Stewed fruit
- Avoid eating raw vegetables for 3 days. Cooked vegetables and raw fruit are fine.
- Reduce or avoid heavy meat consumption for 2 - 3 days. Fish and chicken are fine.
- Chew food thoroughly.
- Avoid Gas producing foods such as Beans, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Onions and Peppers.
As soon as the colonic is finished you can carry on with your normal day. Certainly you can work just as you would after a regular bowel movement.
After a colonic most leave feeling empty and relaxed, some experience further bowel movements. A small number temporarily feel tired after a treatment.
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Is it embarrassing or messy?
Naturally, there will be those who feel embarrassed, so with that in mind, we do all we can to help you feel comfortable, safe, and at ease. Your dignity is completely maintained with proper draping in a private room.
The equipment is designed to provide a clean and comfortable experience with no offensive odour or mess to worry about.
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Is the Procedure painful or uncomfortable?
Most of the treatment is very relaxing and painless but sometimes, there may be some cramping or discomfort before a release, some may feel a little nauseous. Such episodes, if they do occur, are usually brief and easily tolerated. Some people have this feeling during a regular bowel movement.
The therapist uses various abdominal massaging techniques along with heat pads to add to the client's comfort and to help facilitate an easy thorough cleansing.
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Are there any risks or contraindication?
Advancements in colon hydrotherapy and strict guidelines dictate rigorous accountability, particularly with regard to Hygiene and safety. In fact treatments are safer than the common enema.
The equipment is manufactured through compliance with the USA, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and utilizes pre-sterilised, disposable tubes, features temperature controlled water mixing and back flow prevention valves, pressure and temperature sensors, and a built-in sanitizing and water purification unit.
If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of colon hydrotherapy you should consult a doctor. Follow any medical guidelines you have been given if you have diabetes or any other compromising illness. Continue to consult with your physician for your health concerns.
Colon Hydrotherapy should be used with caution if you have been diagnosed with or suspect you have the following: (Unless directed by your medical health care provider).
- Recent abdominal surgery
- Recent bowel surgery
- Carcinoma of the colon
- Diverticulitis
- Fissures & Fistulas
- Haemorrhaging
- Haemorrhoidectomy
- Intestinal perforations
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Severe or internal haemorrhoids or tumours in the rectum or colon
- Regular treatments should be avoided by people with heart disease
- Kidney disease (renal insufficiency)
- Pregnancy in the first and last trimester
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What are the main misconceptions about colonic treatments?
Isn't it just a glorified Enema?
As beneficial as an enema is, it is very limited in its effect because only a very small amount of water can be introduced and only reaches the first lower part of the colon, whereas with colon hydrotherapy, the entire length of the colon can be reached. It would take many enemas to equal one colonic in water volume alone.
The colonic is designed to restore the colon's natural peristalsis, which is often lost after years of faulty diet, drugs, or constipation. The biggest benefit of all is the therapeutic strengthening effect of every muscle in the entire colon.
Will it make me constipated or give me Diarrhea?
Very infrequently diarrhea or loose bowels may be experienced. This can be due to the extra water introduced into the colon. If this occurs, it is usually of short duration.
Some may experience a slight delay in bowel movements. One colonic is worth a few regular bowel movements, so it may take some time for faecal material to build up again especially if one has a sluggish colon. This is when people think they are becoming constipated or dependent on colonic's.
Wont it wash away good bacteria?
Healthy bacteria in the average colon can become overrun and have difficulty surviving when the colon is impacted. one of the aims of colon hydrotherapy is to create a more healthy and balanced environment where good bacteria can flourish.
In 1988 the National College of Naturopathic Medicine did an in-depth study of seventeen patients doing three colonics a week over an extended period of time. Their conclusion: Colonics produce no appreciable change in electrolytes.
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Guidelines and Recommendations for Digestive Health
- Hydration. Water is necessary to sustain fluidity of blood and to soften stool.
Focus on consuming 6 - 8 glasses of water daily.
Fresh vegetable juices nourish the body without working the digestive tract, are high in enzymes and electrolytes.
Chamomile or Peppermint tea is relaxing
- Exercise - MOVE! Any form of exercise that pleases you is important, whether its swimming, walking, cycling, running, dancing, gardening, playing with children, cleaning, yoga, tai chi or Walking is excellent.
The movement stimulates intestinal circulation and encourages regularity.
Rebounding is great for toning the colon and other organs and for stimulation of the lymphatic system.
- Diet. In this day and age what constitutes a healthy Diet can be confusing.
A Balanced diet guided by the food pyramid is recommended with the following observations:
- Make fruits and vegetables the foundation of your nutritional pyramid at least 50% - 60% of your diet, if possible.
- Fill in the pyramid with unprocessed natural foods such as Whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy, fish, fowl and meat.
- Use seasonings such as sea salt, Herbamare, olive oil, lemon juice, raw vinegar and homemade mayonnaise
- Chew your food thoroughly!
Foods and Beverages we recommend you avoid:
- Avoid foods you know are hard for you to digest or bring you pain, gas and bloating.
- Avoid Fatty and Fried Foods, junk foods, additives, chemicals and preservatives, and processed foods such as white sugar, White Flour, Chocolate, Ice Cream, processed Cheeses and meats.
- Avoid a high concentration of complex carbohydrates such as grain, flour, soy, and potatoes.
- Avoid Alcohol, Coffee, Carbonated beverages and milk.
- Supplementation. Focus should be on gaining nutritional value from the food in your diet and supplementing only if specific ailments or deficiency require it.
- Where possible introduce raw vegetable and fruit juice into your diet to add electrolytes, vitamins and minerals.
- Add foods such as Yoghurt for the probiotics and sprouts for the enzymes.
- Food based supplements such as Spirulina and bee pollen.
- Relaxation. Resolve the issues that are harming you in any way emotionally and mentally. Massage therapy, deep breathing, Exercise, yoga and meditation are great ways to focus on and train ourselves to relax and reduce stress.
- Fasting. Fasting is a superior way to detoxify the body but one does not have to fast to cleanse. They can be 2 separate processes. However, one can combine the fast and the herbal cleanses with potent results. If you are familiar with fasting you know it is a good thing to do in unison with colonic's. For more information on Fasting go to: http://www.aiowira.org.nz/.
- Laxatives. Laxatives are not recommended because they irritate the whole of the Digestive tract and can disrupt the natural balance and they can become habit forming. Its more beneficial to introduce foods which have a natural laxative effect like Orange juice, prunes, kiwi fruit, olive oil ect.
- Acupuncture. Courtesy of the Sandringham Acupuncture Centre.
The Digestion of food requires:
- Good food and an appropriate amount.
- Regular Eating.
- A calm emotional state.
- A Regular and Rhythmic flow of energy.
If the energy has been affected by illness, overwork, poor dietary habits to name a few. Acupuncture can balance the energy and aid optimal digestion. Good digestion encourages fewer problems at the other end of the digestive tract. Like constipation and diarrhea.
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