ABOUT COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY

WHAT ARE COLONICS?

Colonic hydrotherapy uses water to gently cleanse the large intestine or colon.  In the past, colonics have been called "high enemas" because of their ability to cleanse the colon entirely, including the ascending colon and cecum.

Colonics are used to cleanse the body of toxins that build up in the colon.  When these toxins can no longer be effectively eliminated through the large intestine, they can cause "autointoxication" (the poisoning of one's own system through uneliminated toxins).  This results in a wide variety of symptoms which may include aching joints, headaches, poor concentration, mood swings, PMS, lethargy, fatigue, etc.  Many diseases may also be linked to autointoxication.  Colonics themselves are not a cure for any disease, but they can aid the body's natural ability to heal itself by temporarily removing the overload on the system caused by the toxins.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST VISIT

The first visit includes a brief history, an abdominal and digital rectal exam.  This is to rule out any conditions that are contraindicated for this therapy.  Such conditions include active rectal bleeding, an acute episode of ulcerative colitis and possibly pregnancy.

The machine used is a closed system which is run under an absolute maximum pressure of 2 PSI.  We use all disposable speculums and tubing to eliminate any possibility of contamination between patients.

As the recipient of the treatment, you will be lying comfortably on your back on the treatment table as the therapist administers the colonic.  Your only job is to relax as much as possible and remember to breathe!  The colonic should never be painful--the most discomfort will probably be some cramping, somewhat like you would experience with diarrhea. 

Some people complain of a slightly "toxic" feeling after their first treatment.  This is most likely due to the toxins that can get stirred up and reabsorbed into the bloodstream.  To eliminate these toxins, it is recommend to drink several glasses of water throughout the day after the initial treatment.  Generally, after the first visit, people report feeling much better after their colonics.

WHAT SHOULD I EAT BEFORE/AFTER THE COLONIC?

We recommend you do what is most comfortable for you.  Many people find that eating only lightly before or after the colonic, or even fasting the day of the treatment helps them feel that the cleanse has been more complete.  Perhaps the best way to cleanse the digestive tract is to fast and to take 1-2 colonics during the fast.  Many naturopathic physicians use fasting as a mode of treatment and would be able to supervise you during a fast.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A COLONIC?

Opinions on this vary widely.  If you have a chronic condition that stems from poor colon health, it is recommended a series of four to six treatments, one week apart.  Like many therapies, one treatment will bring some relief, but in order to have a lasting improvement generally more than one colonic is needed.  After having a series of treatments you will know what it feels like to detoxify.  We usually leave it up to the patient to come back when they feel the need to detoxify again--for most people, this may be around six months to one year.

ABOUT ACIDOPHILUS

During the colonic many harmful toxins are washed out of the colon.  At the same time helpful bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, are removed.  It is important to replace the healthful bacteria to restore the natural, healthy balance of the intestinal flora.  Your physician may recommend taking a supplement with high numbers of L. acidophilus with each meal for up to one week after the colonic.