What is a Colonic?
Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonic irrigation ,colonic lavage or colonics is a gentle and effective way of clearing out waste materials, faecal matter, gas and mucus which have become trapped in the colon.
Warm, purified water is used to gently flush the lower bowel helping this waste to be eliminated. The whole system is totally enclosed, right from where the water goes into the into the filtration system to where the wastes go straight from the therapy session into the drains. There is therefore no smell or mess.
All equipment used is absolutely safe and a new disposable kit is used each time.
Colonics may be useful for the following conditions ;
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Digestive problems
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bloating /flatulence
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constipation
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irritable bowel syndrome
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headaches
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skin problems
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candida
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fatique
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poor concentration
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detoxing (if you are on or wanting to do a detox programme ...colonics will help the process)
Modern living and eating habits combined with stress inhibit the self cleansing ability of the bowel. When the elimination process slows down for any reason toxins are reabsorbed into the body causing toxicity. Most people leading a typical western lifestyle need a helping hand from time to time.
What to Expect
Your first visit
On your first visit, a detailed case history will be taken to discuss any health issues that you may have. The practitioner will explain how the colonic will work, and answer any questions you may have prior to the treatment.
Your consultation my include modalities such as an iridology assessment and/or nail and tongue diagnosis.
The therapist will leave the room to allow you to undress from the waist down and lie face up on the table, with a towel draped over your lower half to protect your modesty.
The treatment itself
When the therapist returns to the room, she will ask you to roll over onto your side to allow her to gently insert a lubricated, single use speculum into your rectum. It is quick and gentle!
You will roll gently back to begin the treatment.
During the treatment your therapist will introduce warm, filtered water into your bowel/large intestine. The water works its way around the large intestine and you will feel a gradual feeling of light pressure. Only around ½ to 1 litre of water is introduced at a time.
The water will then be released and allowed to pass out through a waste tube, through the machine, and into the waste water system. The machine is designed to contain the waste and gas; therefore there are no embarrassing sounds or smells with this system!
Gentle abdominal massage is applied throughout the treatment to help facilitate the release of gasses and waste matter.
The treatment will last approximately 40 – 45 minutes with the therapist staying by your side and operating the machine throughout the treatment.
After your treatment
Following your colonic treatment you will be able to go to the bathroom to evacuate any left over water or waste.
After your treatment, a treatment plan can be discussed. It is usually recommended that you do a minimum of 3 colonics, spaced over 3 – 6 weeks, depending on your requirements.
How to Prepare
It is possible to have a colonic without any of the following preparation but the dietary changes listed will help eliminate as much gas formation as possible ensuring a smoother, more comfortable treatment.
1. Hydrate yourself
a) start your day with a glass of warm water with juice of half a lemon squeezed into it
b) drink at least 2 litres of water per day .You can add the recommended supplement Liquid Chlorophyll to it as this helps the bowel to clear more efficiently
c) Include a fresh vegetable juice daily .I recommend carrot/celery/beetroot/apple/lemon and ginger
d) Do not drink too much on the day of the actual colonic
2. Avoid the following for at least 2 days prior to your treatment
Alcohol especially wine /champagne and beer
Bread and wheat especially white flour products
Fizzy drinks including mineral and soda water
sugar /chocolates /cakes and biscuits
baked beans
pizza
red meat
cabbage /onion
dried fruit
NB chew food well and try to eat slowly eat smaller meals and eat regularly
3. Supplements
a) Liquid Chlorophyll I recommend that this be taken prior to your colonic. As it is recommended that you do at least 3 colonics over a 3-6 week period the chloropyll will be taken for the duration.
b) Probiotic supplement
Other supplements and dietary modifications may be recommended at your consultation according to your individual requirements
4. Herbal teas
The following herbal teas will help with the digestion in general and are also a great way to boost your water intake. Try to use these instead of your normal tea and coffee.
Suggestions: fennel, peppermint, lemon and ginger detox teas
5. What to expect after the first treatment
The aim of the colonic is to help improve elimination and therefore you may experience symptoms which may seem unusual for you. These may include a difference in bowel motions and skin . These may last only a short time and as you progress on your detox you may notice an improvement in previous symptoms and general wellbeing
Please contact Naomi if you have any questions.
6. Maintenance
After your initial series of treatments it is recommended that you maintain optimal bowel health by having a colonic treatment every 4-12 weeks . Every body is different and has different bowel habits .You will know when it is time to repeat the treatment .
About the Colon.
The colon, also called the large intestine or bowel is situated in the abdomen and forms the last part of the digestive tract.
It is an extremely important organ, some 5 feet in length and 2.5 inches in diameter, which handles our food waste and much of our body waste.
A normal colon is populated by billions of friendly bacteria which assist in detoxifying waste, synthesise certain vitamins and minerals and help protect against infection.
However, the delicate balance of this internal ecosystem is easily disturbed by a number of factors;
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stress
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processed food
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pollution
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fizzy drinks
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electromagnetic influences
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drugs/smoking and exposure to toxic substances
Correct functioning of the colon is a necessity for health. The average transit time from eating to defecating should be less than 24 hours with a bowel movement at least once a day. In disease, poor digestion, yeast overgrowth (candida), irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and diarrhoea are usually accompanied by auto-intoxication which places a heavy burden upon the other eliminative organs of the body, the kidneys, skin and lungs.
Chronic constipation can also lead to further complications, such as diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, fissures, colitis and even bowel cancer as well as chronic toxic conditions in the rest of the body such as acne and eczema.
It can lead to a general state of feeling heavy and slow.
Colonic Hydrotherapy can help to clear the colon of unwanted gas and toxic build-up, and train it to function more effectively. It can hydrate your whole body, relieve constipation, and rid the body of parasites.