Frequently Asked Questions

Colon Hydrotherapy Common Questions and Answers

What is Colon Irrigation?
Also known as a “Colonic”, “ Colon Lavage,” or “High Colonic”, colon irrigation is a safe, effective method for cleansing the colon of waste material by repeated, gentle flushing with water.

What is the Colon?
The Colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract (food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to anus). The colon is approximately 3 to 5 feet long and 2 ½ inches in diameter). Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. There are bacteria living in the colon, which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamins “K” and a portion of the “B” complex. More info

What is the purpose of getting a Colonic?
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 material impairs the colon’s ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria- produced vitamins. A build-up of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements and constipation.

How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?
This condition is prevalent in all civilized societies, and particularly in America. Common signs include: headaches, back aches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odor, irritability, confusion, skin blemishes, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhea, sciatic pain, distention of the abdomen, overweight. As you can see, intestinal toxicity is part and parcel of many people’s everyday experience.

What will Colonics do for the colon?
Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:

• It cleanses 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. Your colon can begin again to cooperate as it was meant to. In this very real sense, colonics are a rejuvenation treatment.
• It exercises the colon muscles: the build up of toxic debris weakens the colon and impairs it’s functioning. The gentle filling and emptying of the colon improves peristaltic (muscular contraction) activity by which the colon naturally moves material.
• 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.
• It stimulates reflex points: Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points. Colon irrigation stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body part in a beneficial way (similar to reflexology).
• It hydrates the colon: This assists with elimination.

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 education 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 eliminations. You will find that you even 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 produced effects seen elsewhere in your 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 ongoing tightening of the colon muscle results in diminished movement of fecal material through the colon, which is experienced as constipation. Not only do colonics alleviate constipation, they can assist you in recognizing and releasing the stored emotion causing the problem. In effect, colonics assist you in creating a fully holistic view of your body’s functioning, leading to a better quality of life.

It sounds like intestinal toxicity is a common condition?
Yes, it is, but toxicity is not limited just to the colon. Toxic material is found throughout the body, particularly in fat tissue, joints, arteries, muscles, liver, etc. Colonics effectively eliminates large quantities of toxic material, affecting the condition on the entire body.

The colon isn’t the only organ of elimination, what makes the colonics 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. Colonic irrigation has been found easily, especially combined with detox and other therapies.

It is important to cleanse the colon, but could you use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead?
Everything has it proper place, but those things really aren’t substitutes for the colonics. Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum and the lowest 8 to 12 inches of the colon. Usually, one or two quarts of water are used to do that. Suppositories are intended to empty the rectum. 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. The fastest and most effective way of colon cleansing without question is colonic irrigation.

What makes a colonic so special?
In a 30 - 45 minute session as much as 20 to 35 gallons of water is used to gently flush the colon. Through appropriate use of massage, pressure points, reflexology, breathing techniques, suggestion. The colon therapist is able to work loose and eliminate far more toxic waste than any other short-term technique.

I can certainly relate to some of the signs of toxicity you mentioned. What I would like to know is what are characteristics of a healthy, well- functioning colon?
Healthy babies, animals, adults not subjected to the “refinements” of civilization (i.e. aboriginal peoples) 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 10 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, one or more sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends.

It sounds like a conic it might 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 ease and minimizing discomfort. Most people actually enjoy the colonic and are especially pleased with the unaccustomed sensation of feeling lighter, clean, and clear afterwards. Sometimes during the colonic, the colon muscles will contract, suddenly expelling considerable amounts of liquids 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.

It is embarrassing to get 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 small 3- inch speculum into the rectum, you are completely covered.
Disposable equipment carries clean water in and waste out in a mildly pressured system. The mess and odor sometimes present during an enema simply do not exist during 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, emptying the rectum with an enema prior to the colonic saves time and allows more to be accomplished with ease.

And what can I expect afterwards?
Hopefully, you’ll feel great. Probably you’ll feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well being. Not infrequently, someone getting his or her first colonic will remark that it was much better than they imagined. Any activity you would ordinarily be doing, such as work or exercise, is just fine to do. For some, the colonics 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 minutes following a colonic.

I have been told that, to be beneficial, one needs to “ take a series” of colonics. What does this mean, and is it true?
It’s important to be aware of your objective when working with a colon therapist. For example, if your objective is to quickly recover from the flu, or lower a fever, or eliminate a lower backache or headache, very possibly one or two colonics may be all that is needed. However, perhaps your objective is to overcome a life-long habit of constipation, to learn to create multiple daily bowel movements, and to achieve vital health. To do this may require, in addition to possible dietary, exercise, and attitudinal changes, regular colonics for some time. How many depends on the condition of your body and how well it responds to treatment. Having colonics regularly for a while, such as daily, weekly, or multiple times per week, is what is referred to as a “ series “. Many colon therapists believe that to obtain a result of lasting benefit, a series of colonics must be undertaken. Again, this can only be properly considered once an objective has been identified.

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 lifestyles. 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 medical 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 essentially a natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. A skilled therapist will always exercise care. Also, colonics are never performed on a pregnant woman, a person with currently active ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, or following recent colon surgery. There has never been a reported medical complaint about a colonic.

I am a woman. What if I’m having my period?
No problem. It’s perfectly safe and beneficial to have a colonic during your period In fact, some women find having colonics on the day their period starts reduce the amount of menstrual discomfort experienced. While we’re on the subject, many women have noticed that after completing a cleansing program (also known as detoxification) that menstrual discomfort had been eliminated or substantially reduced from that time on.

I’m worried that I could become dependent on colonic. If I get too many, the colon may stop functioning on its own. Are colonic habits 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 better features is that a colonic can be used to tone the colon muscle so that the colon doesn’t perform so sluggishly. Many people who have sluggish bowels 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 to 30 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 more like Mother Nature had 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 are usually necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health.

Will a colonic make me constipated or give diarrhea?
The most frequent post- colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and the resumption of somewhat larger, easier –to- move stools. 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.

I have been suffering from constipation for 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”, while a typical American has 5 or 6 bowel movements per week, it is not unusual for a rural African to have 3 a day. If you eat 1 large meal a day, you should have 1 bowel movement a day, 2 meals 2 bowel movements, 3 meals 3 bowel movements.

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 stool, and frequently, constricted by chronic tension in the colon.

The process of colonic irrigation 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 their relief provided by a colonic stimulates the motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle.

I’ve heard that I shouldn’t get a colonic because it upsets the electrolyte balance. What’s that all about?
Electrolytes are the minerals in the body (mainly sodium and potassium salts), which maintain the proper electrical charge, and pH balance (acid and alkaline balance) in the various organs and tissues of the body. Each one of these tissues, organs, and body cavities has a certain proportion and balance of minerals to maintain the necessary pH balance. For example, the stomach should maintain an acid pH and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) should be alkaline (basic) for proper digestion to occur. If this balance is disrupted, then digestion will be impaired.

The pH electrical balance in the colon is very near neutral, ideally being slightly acid. A strong acid or alkaline environment is not necessary because digestion does not take place in the colon. Rather, a major function of the colon is to re-absorb the fluid from the unformed stool, which is passed into it from the small intestine. After the fluid is reabsorbed and stool is formed. The colon moves the stool into the rectum and out of the body.

The majority of material released during a colonic is formed stool that has already had fluid and electrolytes removed form it, so the amount lost is very minimal and easily replaced by the body from the food and fluid we ingest.

Some people say that colonics wash out intestinal flora and valuables nutrients. Is this so?
The truth is that the washing - out of putrefied material in the large intestine, which is only partially reached in any colon irrigation, increases the good intestinal flora. Good bacteria can only breathe in a clean environment, which has been washed free of putrefaction and its accompanying harmful bacteria. That is why the intestines of a newborn baby immediately begin to grow good intestinal flora. Each time you clean out the putrefying garbage and make a better environment than a putrefied one.

With all this talk of bacteria, I wonder what effect colonic irrigations have 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 80% of 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 patient.

How long does a colonic take?
Probably 90% of all colonics take between 50 minutes. It could also be shorter than that, based upon the judgment of the therapist and, sometimes, the wishes of the patient. There will also be about 5 minutes required before the colonic for changing into the gown and 5 to 10 minutes afterwards.

Is there a special kind of water used for colonic irrigations?
The best type of water to use for colonics is filtered water. 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 particulate matter. Tap water already has numerous chemicals and inorganic substances present.

Will I be able to eat after getting a colonic?
What we suggest is that you eat a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Salads, vegetable juices are the best choices.

Will a colonic completely empty the colon?
Almost never, first of all, 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. Second, 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 to allow the cleansing experience, you are better able to enter into that process, and therefore releases 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 it is an organ in continual 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 ought not to 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 on the other organs of elimination: lungs, liver, and kidneys. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up.

What do you think about getting a colonic as part of a fasting program, and do you think it’s better to get one in at the beginning or end of the fast?
Whenever you do anything that increases the rate at which toxins are released into the bloodstream, it is essential that you eliminate whatever you can through the colon. If you don’t, you may unnecessarily experience increased discomforts of toxemia (poisonous toxins in the bloodstream). Instead of being expelled from your body, toxins may merely re-circulate and settle elsewhere in organs, muscles, or tissues. Whether you use colonics or some other elimination aid, you must do something daily. A knowledgeable colon therapist can be of great assistance during any cleansing program. You may find it beneficial to schedule a colonic at the beginning of your fast and ask the therapist to comment upon your plan.

What is it I should be looking for when choosing a colon therapist?
Since getting a colonic is an intimate experience and is involved with emotional and mental releases as well as physical healing, you will do best working with someone with whom you can develop a good rapport and in whose environment you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Sensitivity, skills, knowledge, and experience are important to consider as they vary widely among therapists. Anyone you contact should be willing to discuss his or her professional background and health philosophy with you.

QUESTIONS TO ASK A COLON THERAPIST

• How long have you been a therapist?
• Where were you trained?
• Do you use disposable equipment?
• Do you do implants?
• Do you do any massage?
• How long does a therapy take?
• How much do you charge?

Depending on where you live and the equipment the average cost of a session is approx $85 to 100 US dollars Some places will give you a discount if you make appointments for a series.

What Some Doctors have to Say about Colon Hydrotherapy: (Link to What  Doctors have to Say about colonics.doc)

Most Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Colon Hydrotherapy

1. Is it safe?
   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. All of our therapists are certified by the International Association of Colon Hydro therapists at http://www.i-act.org.
2. Does it hurt?
   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 campiness which is the result of the 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.
3. How does a colon hydrotherapy treatment compare with an enema?
   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.”
4. How much of the intestines are actually cleansed during a colon hydrotherapy session?
   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.
5. Should I see my doctor before my first colon hydrotherapy session and are there any contra-indications for doing treatments?
   If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of colon hydrotherapy you should consult a doctor.
6. What about the insertion of the tubing (speculum)? Does that hurt and how far into the body does it go?
   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. Most of our 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.
7. Is there any possibility of bacterial or viral contamination from prior use of the colon hydrotherapy machine or tubing?
   Our modern FDA approved colon hydrotherapy equipment 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. There is state-of the-art water filtration and the machine is high temperature cleaned and disinfected after each use.
8. How about the treatment itself? What is it like and what will I feel?
   During the treatment you are lying comfortably on a plush massage table, propped up and covered at all times. The process is one of gently filling the colon with water which may last from 30 seconds to 5 minutes or more. Each fill time will be different. 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. 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.