ORIGINS

Cleansing the colon with the use of hydrotherapy is not a new concept. Forms of colonic irrigation have been used successfully for centuries to relieve chronic toxicity and enhance health.

 We all have different lifestyles and our nutritional regimes, metabolic activity and other daily factors differ considerably. However, if we do not empty our bowels regularly, then we do not eliminate wastes completely. If input exceeds output, then we will surely suffer the consequences at some point.

 Impacted faecal matter can cause an imbalance of the natural organisms that normally populate the bowel, causing what is known as dysbiosis. Decomposing matter can cause a toxic condition and may lead to many health problems, as constipation causes backed up pollution of the body cells. The process of repair and elimination of wastes enters a downward spiral which at best will cause fatigue, lack of energy and premature ageing, and, at worst, can cause degenerative diseases, among them allergies, and even cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Removing large amounts of toxic matter relieves the patient and can lead to the alleviation of symptoms such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, candidiasis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease/IBS, leaky gut syndrome, heart problems, migraine, allergies, bad breath, asthma and cancer, particularly of the bowel.  The main benefits, however, include:

·         Hydration of the large intestine

·         Relieving stagnation by removing wastes from the colon

·         Helping to decrease gut permeability

·         Increasing bowel motility

·         Encouraging peristaltic action

·         Improving nutrient absorption

·         Rebalancing gut bacteria

·         Contributing to liver, blood and kidney cleansing

·         Prevention against degenerative diseases

·         Management of IBS, bloating and alternating constipation and diarrhoea

·         Helps to clear the skin, symptoms of acne and to remove dark circles from under the eyes

·         Increasing energy levels, stamina, reducing the need for long sleeps

·         Encouraging weight loss and long-term weight management

·         Helping to manage food, alcohol and cigarette cravings

·         Helping the release of emotional wastes stored in the large bowel

·         Helping to manage intolerances, such as gluten, processed wheat etc

·         As a kick-start to a healthy living

·         As a visual reinforcement of the need to eat healthy and hydrate the body

·         As a contribution to knowledge about the body and establishing connections between one's physical, intellectual and emotional being.

If one suffers from constipation or other chronic conditions, two or three treatments at least will be required to achieve desired results regarding the elimination of impacted matter, and restoration of bowel regularity. Initially only gas and recent faecal matter may be expelled.

The treatment

During colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy, a small speculum is passed into the patient's bowel through the rectum. This is attached to a tube, which leads to a tank or machine that allows temperature-controlled filtered water into the colon at a controlled rate by the practitioner. The temperature of the water should ideally be kept as close to body temperature as possible. The patient will temporarily be filled with water up to the level of the entire colon. This process, although sometimes uncomfortable, is not painful. It triggers peristaltic action and the patient will begin to expel the water along with faecal matter back through the tube. The faecal matter is flushed out via a transparent pipe or viewing tube, so that what is eliminated may be monitored. During the treatment, the therapist will gently massage the patient's abdomen to help dislodge impacted faecal matter. In addition to massage, sometimes acupressure, reflexology, or lymphatic drainage techniques may be used to loosen deposits and stimulate the bowel.

Sanitation is vital to this process. The tubes, robes, pads, and of course the speculums that we use are fully disposable.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The contraindications of Colon Hydrotherapy include: severe cardiac disease, severe anemia, active fissures/fistulae, recent colorectal surgery, cirrhosis or abdominal hernia,GI haemirrhage or perforation, pregnancy, renal insufficiency, colorectal carcinoma, unmonitored high blood pressure, diverticulosis/diverticulitis, recent childbirth/C-section,advanced Crohn's disease (doctor's approval), severe internal haemorrhoids, Rectal and Anal Prolapse and ulcerative colitis.

After the Colonic

Since the colon has been cleared of solid matter, it may take up to four days before it fills up again and normal bowel movements are resumed. Some water is absorbed through the colon wall during a colonic, and one may notice an increased need to urinate for a few hours afterwards. This beneficial effect of flushing the kidneys may also be enhanced by drinking a few glasses of water with the juice of half a lemon added to each glass.

 A colonic has a profound cleansing effect on the body and many people feel so good afterwards that they want to double their jogging or workout time. Caution is advised here, for it can be overdone. Although light to moderate exercise is good if you are used to it, any strenuous activity should be avoided 24 hours after the treatment.

 If a condition, such as habitual constipation or irritable bowel, has existed for a while, tiredness may be experienced for a couple of days after the first colonic.

 A light diet of fruits, vegetables, salads, soups and chicken or fish should be followed for two to three days, taking care to avoid anything that causes gas. Avoid drinks with gas, natural or added. Rich or heavy food, flour products, spices and alcohol should also be omitted.

 Although irrigating the colon does not remove all of the intestinal bacteria, it is still helpful to take probiotics to maintain bacterial balance. Live yoghurt with acidophilus is also advised because it is an active cleanser that also adds vital forces to the colon.