Colon Hydrotherapy FAQ'S

What does the treatment consist of?

A colon hydrotherapy treatment consists of slowly introducing warm filtered water into the colon under low pressure, via small tube. When the colon is filled, water is allowed to flow out through a larger tube, bringing with it any loose debris. This process is carried out a number of times during the treatment, which lasts from 30 minutes to an hour. The result is a gentle flushing of the colon, and a loosening of old faecal debris.

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment is not painful. You may feel a slight discomfort as if having diarrhoea.

Where in the colon is the old faecal debris?

It can be in pockets in the colon wall, or diverticula’s or can simply be stored because of bowel dysfunction. More than a third of the UK population regularly consult their GP because of bowel disorder.

How much old faecal debris can be stuck in the colon?

3-5lbs of debris is probably an average amount that can be lodged in the colon although sometimes as much as 25lbs can be present (This does not include the “transient matter” present at any time).

Why doesn’t the debris in the colon move through in the normal course of events?

Because poor bowel training/habit, diet, lifestyle and excessive stress all contribute to bowel dysfunction.

Do colonics help with diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is often caused by pathogenic organisms or an irritant. Colonics are often very helpful in flushing them out. Diarrhoea can also be another form of constipation.

How do I know if I would benefit from a colonic?

People will often display symptoms of toxicity before it turns into identifiable or serious illness such as fatigue & tiredness, skin problems, bad breath, joint pain, difficulties in loosing weight, bladder infections & recurrent thrush, irritability and low moods etc.

How long does it take to clean out the bowel completely?

It depends on the condition of the colon. People with minor problems may be “cleaned out” after 2-3 treatments. Someone who is seriously ill, however, may need many more.

Is it possible to go straight into intensive colonic therapy until the colon is clean?

Generally, not, because it could leave the client too weak and time between treatments is often desirable to allow the body to recover from “healing crises”. Short bursts of intensive therapy – a week or so at a time, with a recovery period in between - are however possible. The objective is to restore bowel function not to clean it out completely as this will only last a very short time.

Is it possible to perforate the bowel through colon hydrotherapy treatment?

No, due to the low pressures used and the very small device introduced into the rectum.

Is it possible to overstretch the bowel through colon hydrotherapy?

It is very unlikely if you are in the hands of a good practitioner. More often the bowel will already be overstretched or distorted because of retention of old faecal matter.

Does the bowel get lazy if you have a lot of colonics?

No, on the contrary, the internal “massage” provided by colonic irrigation, the variation in water temperature and the release of impacted matter from the colon should help tone the muscle of the bowel. Additionally, the deep visceral massage performed during the treatment also will contribute to better bowel function.

Does colon hydrotherapy treatment wash out all the good bacteria in the bowel?

Most of the loose bacteria living in the colon will be expelled (including putrefactive bacteria (“bad” bacteria) and parasites). With the removal of old waste there will be better chance of long-term colonisation of the “good” bacteria. In the short-term, your practitioner may recommend you to take a probiotic culture to “restock” the bowel flora, and diet which will encourage these good bacteria to multiply.

Does colon hydrotherapy treatment wash out essential vitamins and minerals?

Many people cannot assimilate vitamins and minerals properly through their colons anyway due to the toxic waste. In the longer term, removal of toxic matter should help the client to absorb more effectively through the colon wall.

If colon hydrotherapy is a painless treatment, why is the healing process so difficult?

It is not always difficult – some people experience immediate improvement. However, particularly when the client is very ill, the effect of “stirring up” old toxic debris can be to release toxins into the body which result in what are known as “healing reactions or crises”. How often these will occur, and how severe they will be, is unpredictable but never more than a few days.

Is there any other way of detoxifying the colon other than colon hydrotherapy?

Historically, herbs have been used to detoxify the bowel, but they are probably most useful in combination with the colonic irrigation, not as a completely effective substitute.

Is there any danger of transmitting disease through the equipment used in colon hydrotherapy?

Cross contamination is not possible because I only use single use disposable equipment.

Are there any circumstances in which colon hydrotherapy may not recommended?

Yes, if the client has severe cardiac disease, high blood pressure, severe anaemia, gastrointestinal perforation of haemorrhage, severe haemorrhoids, cirrhosis, carcinoma of the colon or rectum, pregnancy, abdominal hernia, recent colon rectal or abdominal surgery, renal insufficiency or a severe prostate condition, colon hydrotherapy is not recommended. I always take a detailed history and I should be made aware of any medical conditions in order to assess if colon hydrotherapy is not advised.

Is there anything I should do to prepare myself before receiving colonic therapy?

Increase your water consumption to 1.5-2L of water a day and cut out caffeinated tea, coffee and alcohol.
If constipated take 2 heaped Tablespoons of linseeds (available from health food shops) per day.
Two days before the treatment avoid eating processed foods and increase fresh fruits and vegetables.
Don’t eat 2 hours before the treatment.

What should I do straight after the treatment?

Rest and keep warm. Avoid vigorous exercise for 12 hours.
Drink 1-2 cups of herb tea or diluted soup if you are feeling cold.
Avoid drinking alcohol and eating meat, dairy, bread and excessive amounts of raw vegetables for 24 hours after treatments.

When will I have a bowel movement again after the treatment?

Usually 36-48 hours – keep eating lightly until then. Drink plenty of water and continue taking linseeds if you are constipated.