Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes, the water is introduced at a low gravitational pressure
so there is no danger of bowel perforation. Colon hydrotherapy,
unlike the use of laxative, is not habit forming.
Q:
Are there any contra-indications?
A: Yes, you cannot have colon hydrotherapy in any of the following
situations: 1) When you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant
or think you may be pregnant. 2) When you suffer from uncontrolled
high blood pressure (if the high blood pressure is controlled
then it is okay to have the treatment), 3) If there is an
inflamed state of colitis or diverticulitis or any other from
of bleeding, then you cannot have colon hydrotherapy (if the
inflamed state is receding and/or in remission then it is
okay to have the treatment).
Q: Is
there any special preparation?
A: Not really. It is not good to miss a meal before the treatment
but equally you do not want to have eaten a large meal just
before the treatment. A light meal a couple of hours before
is best. Drinking a lot of water during the days before the
treatment will be beneficial.
Q: What
will I feel during the treatment?
A: Warm filtered water is gently introduced – via a speculum
– into the rectum and up into the colon where it soaks away
and cleanses the unwanted material. The water stimulates peristalsis
(i.e. the contraction of the colon) so the colon then pushes
the water and matter out through the tube. You experience
the peristalsis as a strong urge to go to the toilet. You
do not have to push and you do not need to hold on, relax
and the body will do the work for you.
Q: Can
it be painful?
A: No, it is not painful. But there may be some discomfort.
Especially people with IBS or candida may experience this.
The therapist is however at any time able to release the water
pressure to reduce discomfort immediately. A woman may compare
this type of discomfort - if it does occur - to the contractions
that come with the periodic cycle.
Q: How
might I feel after the treatment?
A: How people feel after the treatment varies enormously.
Some are ready to play for England, others would like to climb
under the duvet for the rest of the day. You can feel a bit
cold or shivery. Sometimes the treatment initiates emotional
release as our feelings are often stored in the gut. You can
then feel a bit vulnerable. After the first one or two treatments
it becomes easier and people often fit it in their lunchbreak.
Q: How
many sessions do I need?
A: It really depends on the condition of the bowel and how
it responds to the treatment how many exactly are needed.
It has taken a lifetime to build up the matter in the colon,
so it is reasonable to expect that it will take a number of
sessions to remove it. For healthy people 4 to 6 sessions
will usually give a good clear out. Clients who take it further
will always gain more! People with IBS sometimes respond quite
well whereas others need more sessions. For any serious condition
a treatment plan can be made in consultation with the therapist.
Q: Would
enema’s help me as well?
A: Yes, as an addition to colon hydrotherapy enema’s can work
quite well. Enema’s cannot be compared to colon hydrotherapy
though. Colon hydrotherapy inserts 20 or 30 gallons of water
into the colon in one treatment and cleanses the bowel far
better and far deeper. It is like comparing a bike with a
car. Internet sites may sell home colonic sets but do not
be fooled! These are enema kits.
Q: Will
it make the bowel lazy?
A: No, it is an exercise for the bowel. Stimulation, contraction
and relaxation will help tone and reshape the colon to aid
incomplete elimination.
Q: Will
it wash out all the good bacteria?
A: It will wash out some good bacteria as it will wash out
lots of bad bacteria. In a healthy person the good bacteria
will reproduce itself within 2-3 days especially now that
the environment is cleaner. Probiotics or prebiotics may be
recommended if it seems appropriate. Accumulation of encrusted
feces in the colon makes it impossible for the glands to produce
the necessary intestinal flora, resulting in increased constipation.
Cleansing the colon helps bring the acid-alkaline ratio back
into balance, allowing friendly bacteria to thrive, while
inhibiting disease-causing organisms. We can reintroduce friendly
bacteria back into the colon with a probiotic implant, or
by orally taking acidophilus capsules
Q: I am on my period. Should I come for my treatment?
A: If you have very strong period pains and you don't feel
well enough to come then try to avoid making your appointment
on your period. But if it is not so bad, then it can actually
be a very good time for a colonic as it will help release.
So for most clients we say it is best to come even when on
your period. In fact, it's usually a good time to receive
a treatment, since your body is already cleansing. Your menstrual
flow will not interfere with the success of the treatment.
Flushing the colon will also reduce abdominal pressure associated
with menstrual cycles.
Q: Is Colon Hydrotherapy completely safe?
A: Yes. Using FDA approved equipment, individual disposables
which are used once and then thrown away, and sterile procedure,
there is no danger of contamination. In fact, treatments are
much safer than the common enema.
Q: How does Colon Hydrotherapy compare to an enema?
A: An enema only bathes the lower part of the colon, whereas
Colon Hydrotherapy bathes the entire length of the colon.
According to Dr. Norman Walker, “One colonic is equivalent
to 30 enemas.”
Q: Can I be constipated even if I have 1, 2, or 3 bowel movements
a day?
A: Yes. Accumulated wastes, mucous and gas in the colon may
inhibit its natural peristaltic action, resulting in incomplete—though
frequent—bowel movements. This backup of toxic waste can cause
a wide range of problems in the digestive tract and throughout
the entire body.
Q: How many times do I need Colon Hydrotherapy?
A: {The number of treatments varies with each individual and
his/her condition. Often, waste is so hard and deeply lodged
in the colon that it may take a series of colonics to sufficiently
soften and loosen it. Colonics also stimulate the liver, kidney
and lymph system to dump toxins. Body Basics recommends at
least a minimum of four sessions your first time.
Q: Do treatments hurt?
A: No. In fact, with the advanced equipment and training of
our fully trained and certified colon hydrotherapists, treatments
are refreshing and relaxing.
Q: Is Colon Hydrotherapy habit-forming?
A: No. The purpose of cleansing the colon is to allow it to
relax and rejuvenate, ad to promote better peristalsis. The
colon cannot heal when it is constantly working to get rid
of accumulated wastes, gasses, and poisons.
Q: How much of the intestines are actually cleansed with Colon
Hydrotherapy?
A: During a session we are actually able to bathe the full
length of the colon, approximately five to five and a half
feet. We are not able to cleanse the small intestine because
nature provides a little “one way door” called the ileocecal
valve that prevents water and waste from washing up into it.
The buildup in the small intestine is cleared with the help
of nutritional supplements taken orally during a series of
cleansings.
Q: Should I see my doctor before having Colon Hydrotherapy?
A: If there is something organically or internally wrong,
it's always a good idea to consult your doctor, but a medical
examination is not required. Colon Hydrotherapy is safer than
home enemas, and at Body Basics, we only use state-of-the-art
equipment professionally administered by a certified colon
therapist.
Q: What should I do to prepare for Colon Hydrotherapy?
A: A cleansing diet of fruit and vegetables for one day before
your appointment is recommended. Drink 8–10 glasses of water
a day. Avoid eating two hours before your appointment; avoid
carbonated beverages—they will add gas to the colon. Come
relaxed, and maintain a positive, cheerful attitude.
Q: Can I work after a treatment?
A: Certainly. Colon Hydrotherapy should not interfere with
your scheduled day.
Q: How long does a treatment take?
A: Between 30 and 45 minutes, but you should plan for an hour
stay.
Q: Will I experience any intestinal discomfort or fatigue
after the cleansing?
A: You should not feel any intestinal discomfort, but cleansing
will release a lot of old debris and toxins which might cause
a brief healing crisis. If so, resting is recommended. This
will usually pass within 24 hours.