Questions & Answers About Colonics
1. What is actually cleansed during a colonic session?
A colonic cleanses the “colon” which is the entire large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum. It is the source of absorption of electrolytes, such as calcium, phosphorus and sodium. It also allows the body to reabsorb water that can then be cleansed and recycled by the liver, rehydrating the body tissues. It is approximately five feet in length and the adult can hold up to two quarts of liquid at any given time within the large intestine although only a few ounces at a time are introduced during a colonic session. In each session, a section of the colon can be emptied and cleansed, progressing gradually through the entire colon over a sequence of sessions. Eventually the entire colon can be addressed in a single session at which point having a session once every few months is generally sufficient to maintain colonic health and proper bowel rhythm.
2. What Is A Healthy Bowel Movement?
Therapists agree that the average adult should have two to three eliminations each day. They should be two to three inches in diameter and about six inches in length, light in color and pear-shaped. They should break apart easily in water and float. There should be no strain, and you should be able to actually feel the muscular contraction of your colon as you eliminate. So if you are eating three meals each day, and eliminating only once, it might be good to ask yourself where are the remains of the other two meals?
3. How are colonics different from enemas?
An enema is the introduction of a large quantity of water into the lower portion of the colon and held for a period of time, before being eliminated, thereby missing about four feet of colon. A colonic uses small amounts of water gradually over the course of the session which reduces the internal pressure common with an enema. At the same time a colonic provides for simultaneous and continual release of softened material so colonics actually stimulate the natural peristalsis, or muscular contraction of the intestines. This is very different from an enema which actually prevents the contraction of the intestines making an enema a passive body experience. This is why enemas can become addictive and your muscles over time can weaken becoming dependent on the action of the enema and muscle stimulants such as Cascara Sagrada or Swiss Kriss. This is not true for colonics.
4. How are colonics different from laxatives?
Laxatives actually relax muscles while at the same time irritating the lining of the gut which draws water into the gut to produce a rapid release similar to diarrhea. This thin watery result will only clear the most recently digested waste from the colon and leaves behind the impacted organic residue on the intestinal walls. Many physicians have concerns about the addictive nature of laxatives making colonics a much more effective and natural choice.
5. Is colonic hydrotherapy embarrassing or painful?
The procedure is not in the least bit painful. Sometimes during the treatment there can be some discomfort, as when the muscles of the colon will contract suddenly producing a cramping sensation, accompanied by some slight nausea, but this is more common with those who have had long-term chronic constipation and it will quickly pass as the material is released. The scope that is inserted in the rectum is also very small, and generally feels perfectly comfortable. Hemorrhoids can cause some discomfort during insertion, so please notify your therapist if that is a concern.
Our treatments are designed to make the client as comfortable as possible, with maximum concern for modesty and sanitation.
6. How many colonic hydrotherapy sessions will I need?
That is dependent on your goals. Most individuals require more than one session to remove all of the stagnant organic residue lining the colon. The majority of clients feel relief in one to three treatments, although it may take a number of sessions to completely alleviate toxicity. For this reason we provide a reduced price for a series of six treatments to enable the client to more comfortably afford to care for their body. Remember, colon problems tend to be the result of many years of improper diet and lack of exercise, and cannot be corrected in just one session.
7. How will I feel after my treatment?
How you feel will depend on the level of toxicity you maintain in your colon. If there are extensive amounts of toxicity, you may feel fatigued, slightly bloated or abdominally sore. However, this is not the general rule. Most people feel energized, lighter, thinner and amazingly relaxed. There is no problem with returning to your activities immediately after treatment.
8. What if I have my period?
There is no problem with receiving colonic hydrotherapy during your menstruation. However, we do ask that you remove any sanitary protection during the procedure, and then apply fresh protection following the treatment. Colonics are not advisable within two days of beginning your menstruation, as the uterus tends to swell, inhibiting release of material through the rectum. If you do have a tendency to feel uncomfortable during parts of your treatment, it will be more intense during your period, when your nervous system is more sensitive.
9. I have heard that colonics can injure my colon and remove all the healthy bacteria?
Actually there is no physical way in which colonics with a gravity flow system can injure the colon. There also is no documented case anywhere in the world where the colon was damaged from any form of colonic hydrotherapy. As for the natural bacteria: your small intestines has the ability to reflorinate your large intestines unless you are already deficient in natural flora or the pH balance of your intestinal tract is a problem. We do offer one week intensive powder formulas for restoring your gut flora after a colonic session. At least once each season we recommend following our Gut Flora Restorative Plan.
