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Common Questions And Answers
What is Colonic Hydrotherapy?
Also known as colonic irrigation, colonic, colon lavage or high colonic, Colonic Hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method of cleansing the colon of waste material by gentle, repeated flushing with water.
What is a colon?
The colon, (also known as the bowel or large intestine) is the end portion of the human digestive tract. This is the tubular passageway, (alimentary canal) that carries food from the mouth to the anus.
The colon is approximately 5 feet long and 2 ½ inches in diameter.
Its major functions are to eliminate waste and conserve water. Also, there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamin ‘K’ and some of the vitamin ‘B’ complex.
What is the purpose of having a colonic?
Waste material can build up in our colon and the muscular action of the colon can be diminished resulting in constipation and inadequate bowel movements.
Whilst our body is very well adapted and able to deal with the consequences of our modern lifestyle, sometimes the delicate balance can be affected by diet, stress and health. This doesn’t just apply to our colon, and we are not suggesting that a colonic is the answer to all health issues.
We always encourage a healthy balanced diet along with rest and exercise as the basis towards good health.
It is a fact however, that many people suffer with bowel problems and there are many drugs that are regularly used to treat symptoms of bowel problems.
Colonic Hydrotherapy is an effective way of removing waste matter by using the gentle introduction of water into the bowel which stimulates the muscle to contract thus emptying itself.
As the colon isn’t the only organ of elimination, what makes the colonic treatment so important?
The colon is part of the body’s excretory system. The other excretory organs, i.e. the lungs, skin, and kidneys are important and work together and have different functions to eliminate toxins. For example, our lungs need clean fresh air and regular exercise to function properly. It is the job of our colon to be able to excrete waste efficiently and absorb water and salts properly. Water is important for proper functioning of the kidneys and to keep us hydrated and to cleanse blood, as well as being the major constituent of most cells. The liver, as an organ of detoxification is also closely linked to the bowel through veins.
Why not use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead?
Everything has its proper place. Many people take pain killers and then become constipated or being away from home or on holiday can upset the natural rhythm of our bowel movements. Laxatives can be useful for relieving the symptoms of temporary constipation.
Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum, (the lowest 8-12 inches of the colon) usually 1-2 pints of water are used to do that. Suppositories are also used to accomplish the same task.
Colonic Hydrotherapy has the ability to release waste from all areas of the colon. Robert Gray M.D. estimated one colonic treatment is equivalent to thirty enemas.
What makes a colonic so special?
During a 45 minute session around 60 litres of filtered water is used to gently flush the colon. Your therapist will take time to discuss with you any particular issues or problems you may have and give you information on any diet or lifestyle changes that may help you. A colonic treatment will help to empty your colon, and may be used as one way of helping your bowel function. They will also advise you if you may need to consider other adjustments in order to help.
How can I tell if I would benefit from a colonic?
The best way to find out is to experience a treatment and see how you feel afterwards.
Colonics are very safe and gentle. There is no reason why you would not be able to have a treatment unless you have any contra-indications.
Is a colonic painful?
Very rarely there is more than a minor and transient discomfort experienced by some people. ARCH therapists will be able to put you at ease and answer any of your concerns. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, please tell your therapist. Occasionally the colon may contract and give a colicky sensation but such episodes are usually brief and easily tolerated.
Is it embarrassing to have a colonic?
No, you will fully maintain your dignity at all times. You will be in a private room with your therapist who fully appreciates the sensitivity of the colonic procedure and will help you feel relaxed and at ease. Your emotions and feelings will be acknowledged and honoured. After the gentle insertion of the speculum into the rectum, you are completely covered. The mess and odour that some people envisage does not happen since the whole system is enclosed.
Is there anything I need to do to get ready for a colonic?
We would recommend you eat and drink lightly a couple of hours before a treatment, but essentially you need make no adjustments to your normal routine. You do not need to fast.
What can I expect afterwards?
Generally speaking as soon as your treatment is completed you can carry on with your normal routine. Occasionally some people may have more bowel movements over the next few hours, but there shouldn’t be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort.
If colonics are so good why haven’t I heard about them before?
Historically, artefacts and records show that people have regularly purified their bodies, including cleansing the colon. Around the turn of the 20th century, the present day colonic equipment was developed. Up to the late 20's many doctors had colonic systems in their surgeries and similar equipment was found in hospitals too. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930's. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in alternative therapies as a natural approach to health and colonics has regained popularity.
Are colonic dangerous in any way?
Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe, healthy and worry free service. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as a standard procedure and clean linen or gowns are used for each treatment.
Are colonics habit forming?
No. A colon therapist who is dedicated to your health, will encourage you to set a goal of having a well-functioning colon. It may take a little while before your next bowel movement after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming "dependent" on colonics since it may take some time for faecal material to occupy the colon once again. Dietary and lifestyle changes may be necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health.
Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhoea?
The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. Sometimes there may be no bowel movement for some days following a colonic. However this is quite normal and should be interpreted as such. Very infrequently diarrhoea or loose bowels may be experienced. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. If you are at all concerned do contact your therapist.
Suppose I have been suffering from constipation for a long time, will colonics help?
In many cases constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. There are three factors involved in having a well functioning colon: diet & hydration, exercise and emotions. All three must be balanced for the colon to function well. The process of Colonic Hydrotherapy is an aid for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise, and attitude are then able to manifest the desired results. Many people find the relief provided by colonics inspires motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle.
Some people say that colonics wash out intestinal flora and valuable nutrients. Is this so?
Good bacteria can only breed in a balanced environment. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one. The important bowel bacteria are present on the bowel wall and are not removed during Colonic Hydrotherapy treatment, thus leaving a large nucleus to grow naturally. If your bowel bacteria are out of balance, your therapist may implant a pro-biotic after treatment and/or recommend a course of probiotic treatment.
What effect does Colonic Hydrotherapy have on our immune systems?
Recent European studies speculate that 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.
How long does a colonic take?
Probably 90% of all colonics take about 45 minutes. It could also be shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgment of the therapist and your individual wishes. Additional time will be required before the colonic for the therapist to go over your medical history, and around 15 minutes should be allowed for changing. At a first colonic appointment you should expect to spend an hour and a half at the clinic.
Is there a special kind of water used for Colonic Hydrotherapy?
We use drinking quality water meeting E.U. standards. The water is then further filtered before being warmed to the correct temperature.
Will it be okay to eat after having a colonic?
We suggest that you eat at your normal meal time, and consume a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Just as it doesn't make sense to have you car cleaned and then immediately drive it through mud, eating a meal known to cause trouble in your abdomen directly after a colonic isn't an intelligent choice. Steamed or cooked vegetables, salads, vegetable soups or broths, fruit, or juices are the best choice.
Will one colonic completely empty the colon?
This will depend on many factors and will vary from one person to another. Everyone has different reasons for having a treatment so this will depend upon your personal objectives and can be discussed with your therapist.
How will I know when the colon is empty?
It will probably never be completely empty, as it is an organ in continuous use. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.
Will a colonic clear up my skin?
Your skin actually "breathes" and is an important organ of elimination of waste material. Sometimes, if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will suffer. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up.
How expensive is a colonic?
This varies dependent upon location etc. Please see our list of therapists with contact details where you can call for information, prices etc.
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