Colon Hydrotherapy aka Colon Irrigation / Colon Cleanse or Colonic is an ancient form of cleansing the colon ( large intestine ) and rectum with temperature and pressure controlled filtered water. It is a drug-free, safe and effective method of removing impacted fecal matter, retained gas,mucus and other waste materials from the colon. The procedure has definitely evolved with time,with modern technology ensuring both, the safety and the sanitation of this popular cleansing practice. Many doctors are now embracing colon hydrotherapy as an adjunct to their traditional medical treatments, or as part of an overall regimen of complementary and alternative medicine designed to cleanse and detoxify the patient’s gastrointestinal system.
A diet that lacks fibre combined with a sedentary lifestyle leads to a sluggish metabolism. The result is a slow moving intestine with weak peristalsis ( wave-like movement of the intestines that propels the food forward ). Consequently, there is an increased incidence of constipation, gases, bloating and irregular bowel habits which further points out to the fact that waste products are not moving smoothly out of the body; there is more fermentation and putrefaction of undigested food by bacteria and yeast. These microbes produce toxic waste in the form of acids and gases, which in turn cause inflammation. The toxic substances damage the intestinal tissues, as well as the nerves and glands in and around the gastrointestinal tract. Toxins can then be absorbed through the walls into the blood and lymph and ultimately to other body cells, tissues and organs. Studies have shown that these toxic substances can promote abnormal brain function, as well as cognitive, mood, and behavioural problems. Thus, although the human body does a pretty good job detoxifying itself on a regular basis, at times, some toxins remain in the body due to a sluggish metabolism and thus require some help to facilitate removal.
During the procedure, the water that is used to irrigate the colon, basically, hydrates its walls. As a result, any old impacted fecal matter, mucus and other substances are loosened and washed out. Thus the production of toxins is inhibited and any existing ones are eliminated. Long term practitioners of Colon Hydrotherapy have observed that it improves the function of the muscles in the colon, leading to more effective peristalsis. This is called Colon muscle retraining. Thus it is especially beneficial to those who suffer from a sluggish intestine. Besides an improvement in the intestinal muscle function, it is believed that a colon cleanse improves the capacity of the intestines to absorb nutrients. As a result, a lot of people experience an increase in energy levels and feeling of well-being.It is also hypothesised that the the immunity level may improve, as the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in the production of immune cells.
Three steps of Colon Hydrotherapy:
1. HYDRATION - Delivers water safely and comfortably to irrigate the colon
2. ACTIVATION - Hydration activates peristalsis of the colon
3. EVACUATION - Peristalsis evacuates the contents of the colon
Colon hydrotherapy may not be a curative procedure. However, it may help those suffering directly or indirectly from a malfunctioning gastrointestinal system.
These include :The most important benefit is that many clients immediately feel lighter and report leaving with an increased feeling of well-being, more energy and renewed vitality.
At Healing Hands Clinic, we use the state-of-the-art Angel of Water® system for a colonic. The use of sterile disposables coupled with the implementation of the Angel of Water’s multi-stage sanitation protocol leaves no danger of contamination. After the client has been comfortably positioned on the basin ( with the pillow and cushioned backrest in place ), a soothing flow of purified warm water is instilled gently into the colon through a pencil-sized, disposable nozzle, that is inserted into the rectum. The water gently rinses the colon and once the inflow of water is stopped, all the water along with the waste matter is evacuated by the natural peristaltic movement of the intestines ( in the same manner that you pass stools ). The entire procedure is painless. Rarely, in the case of an impacted colon you may experience a slight discomfort. Slight cramping may occur as the colon contracts to expel waste. Once the major impaction is removed, you should find the session pleasant and relaxing. Each session takes about 30-40 minutes.At Healing Hands Clinic we conduct colon hydrotherapy in a professional, comfortable, private setting and utmost care is taken to protect the dignity and modesty of the client.
The number of sessions may vary from one individual to another. Typically, those with gastrointestinal complaints may require more sessions than say someone looking for just a detox program. How many sessions you need will usually be a decision your doctor takes after a thorough discussion with you, regarding your reason to go in for colon cleanse.
An enema only reaches the rectum and lower part of the colon, whereas with colon hydrotherapy the entire length of the colon is reached. With the advancements in technology the hydrotherapy sessions are much safer and easier than the common enema. The benefits of detoxification seen with a hydrotherapy are absent in a common enema. Thus, Colon Hydrotherapy is much more effective and beneficial than an enema.
Colon Hydrotherapy can be said to be a modified version of the regular bowel movement that you have. It is that simple! Immediately after the procedure, you can work just as you would after your daily morning chore. However, there are a few recommendations we advise you to follow to reap the maximum benefits of this procedure. To ensure that your intestines are in a dynamic state, consume a high fibre diet for about a week before the day of treatment. It is best to have a light meal 2 hours prior to your scheduled time. This meal should be devoid of any oily or spicy food. Refrain from eating any solid food for the 2 hours just before the procedure ( you can have fresh juice/water during these 2 hours, although that too is best avoided ). Following the procedure, a high intake of liquids is recommended. Your first meal 2 hours after the procedure should include food that is easy to digest. The best results are obtained when Colon Hydrotherapy is done in conjunction with fluids, exercise and a high-fiber diet with very few animal products.
Colon Hydrotherapy is a very gentle, safe procedure with no side effects that one can really point out at. There is one drawback though, that the beneficial bacteria in the gut may be washed away. This is the same effect that a dose of antibiotics can have on the gut. However, it is an issue that is easily tackled by having probiotics in the form of curd, buttermilk and probiotic supplements.
The procedure is not done in case of people who are suffering from conditions like Crohn’s disease, Diverticulosis, Ulcerative colitis, Intestinal tumours etc.
Colon Hydrotherapy may sound like a new health fad, but it dates back to ancient Greece.The famous Greek physicians, Galen and Hippocrates, were major proponents of colon cleansing. References to cleaning the colon are also found in Egyptian medical texts dating back to 1500 BC. In the earlier times, people performed an enema in a lake or river using a hollow reed to allow water to flow into the rectum. However, with advancements in technology, sophisticated colonic irrigation machines have been developed, making the procedure way more safe, hygienic and comfortable. In fact Hollywood legend Mae West, Princess Diana and John Lennon have been amongst the therapy's most famous adherents. It’s health benefits have been endorsed by the likes of Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Gillian McKeith.
The growing awareness about health and the realisation of a need for detoxification has lead to the resurgence of this popular ancient technique.
A Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure wherein a tube like colonoscope with an inbuilt camera is introduced into the intestines to study its inner lining. Prior to the procedure the intestines need to be evacuated by making sure there is no waste matter that would obscure visualisation of the walls of the intestine. Traditionally, a chemical laxative is used to prepare the colon for the procedure. Unfortunately, many report that the chemical laxative pre-cleanse is very unpleasant and sometimes painful. It can be highly inconvenient as it often requires multiple trips to the washroom for as long as a full day. There may be abdominal cramping and burning in the rectum area. Fortunately, Colon Hydrotherapy may offer a drug-free alternative to the cleanse by using warm filtered water to flush the colon off waste. This allows for little to no cramping, no burning at the rectum, and allows you to go about your normal activities afterwards. This, along with its inherent benefits, makes Colon Hydrotherapy a wiser choice over laxatives for colonoscopy preparation. Kindly note that Colon Hydrotherapy may not be appropriate before every colonoscopy, therefore you need talk to your doctor first to obtain an approval prior to this method of preparation.
We live in a time where toxins are all around us. They enter our bodies from the food we ingest, air we breathe or may be absorbed through the skin. In fact our body itself produces toxins as a part of the normal metabolic process. With the alarming rise in the use of pesticides, preservatives, colouring agents, growth hormones and chemicals, the need for a detoxification program is ever increasing. No matter how clean one’s diet is, toxins are a reality we all need to deal with. The increasing incidence of cancer, digestive diseases or liver disorders is testimony to the unhealthy food our body has to cope with. To add to this, we binge on sugar, alcohol, aerated drinks, oily food, packaged and preserved foods. How then can the body endure the constant onslaught of these toxins??? In view of this comes the role of a detoxification program. A detoxification is a necessary process to promote full body health; this is especially true if you are not the healthiest eater.
