Frequently Asked Questions

What is colonic hydrotherapy?

Also known as a colonic, colon lavage, 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.

What is a colon?

The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract (food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus). The colon is approximately 5 feet long and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. Also, there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamin K and portions of the vitamin B complex.

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 faeces, 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 build-up of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation, and the result of these disorders.

How long does a colonic take?

Probably 90% of all colonics take about 35- 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 about 1 1/4 hours at the centre.

Is there a special kind of water used for colonic hydrotherapy?

We use highly filtered water which is then re-energized using the Grander water system. 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.

Is Colonic Irrigation Safe?

Yes. As A trained therapist-conducted treatment, the insertion is in expert hands, the filtered water is at low gravitational pressure so there is no danger of perforation. All equipment is either disposable or sterilized using hospital -approved sterilants which kill all viruses, bacteria and fungi. Although some friendly bacteria are expelled during treatment, the environment after treatment is better than before due to cleansing out old stagnant waste, they quickly breed back up to strength thus leading to a better balance. Colonic hydrotherapy unlike the use of laxatives or enemas is not habit forming and actually improves the tone of the colon.

How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?

This condition is prevalent in all civilized societies, and particularly in the U.K. Common signs include: headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odour, 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.

Is intestinal toxicity 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.

As 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. Colonic hydrotherapy has been found to be the most effective process available to accomplish this work quickly and easily.

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 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 colonic stimulates 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. Colonic hydrotherapy helps you to become more in touch will and aware of your digestive system. When people are less congested they are better able to sense what and how much they need to eat. Emotional events can result in physical tension being stored in the solar plexus and this can affect the colon and cause constipation or IBS. 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.

What are the characteristics of a healthy, well functioning colon?

Healthy babies, animals and 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 fibre and water available to the colon, one characteristic is a bowel movement shortly after a meal is eaten. Once the urge to eliminate is honoured 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 colour, without offensive odour 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.

Is a colonic painful?

No. 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 honoured. After the insertion of a small speculum, you are completely covered. Rubber tubing carries clean water in and waste out in a gravity fed system. The mess and odour 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?

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.

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, artefacts 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 habit forming?

Colonic hydrotherapy unlike the use of laxatives or enemas is not habit forming and actually improves the tone of the bowel.

Suppose I have been suffering from constipation for a long time, will colonics help?

Constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. Constipation is one of what may be called "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.

Do I need to take probiotics after the treatment?

Your body will replace the friendly bacteria within 48hrs. The practitioner may implant good bacteria at the end of the treatment or will sometimes recommend the taking of probiotic cultures and a diet which will encourage the friendly bacteria to multiply.

What effect does colonic hydrotherapy 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 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 M.E and cancer. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.

Will one colonic completely empty the colon?

Almost never. Firstly, many of us have a considerable amount of impacted faeces 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 it's 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.

Can I have a colonic during my monthly periods?

Yes, it is not a problem to have a treatment whilst you are menstruating.

Can I go to work after a treatment?

Yes many people come for treatments before work or during their lunch break and return to work feeling refreshed and revitalized.