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Colonic hydrotherapy
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Most people hold a preconceived idea about colon
hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation and imagine the worst. Understandably
clients are a little apprehensive and anxious prior to a treatment;
however it is not unusual for clients to look forward to subsequent
treatments because it commonly leaves them feeling clean, revitalised and
well.
Colonic Hydrotherapy has been practised for thousands
of years in ancient Egypt, Greek, Chinese and Indian civilisations. The
treatment was used in hospitals until relatively recently when the cost
became uneconomic in the face of strong purgatives used before bowel
procedures. Colon hydrotherapy at the York Clinic is provided
by Claire Richards. |
Claire Richards is
the Colonic Hydrotherapist at the York Clinic
|
The Colon
The Colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, is the final
part of the digestive tract and is located in the abdomen. Its main functions
are to eliminate waste and absorb water. It is 5 feet long and 2½ inches in
diameter. It is inhabited by billions of ‘friendly’ bacteria which assist in
detoxifying waste, synthesising certain vitamins and minerals and helping us
guard against infection.
What is Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective way of cleansing the colon of
accumulated waste material, gas, mucous and toxins. Waste material, especially
that which has remained in the colon for some time (i.e. impacted faeces, dead
cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms. etc), poses several
problems. Firstly this material is quite toxic. These toxins can re-enter and
circulate in the blood stream making us feel ill, tired or weak. Secondly,
impacted material impairs the colons ability to assimilate minerals and the
bacterial produced vitamins. Finally, a build-up of material on the colon wall
can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements and constipation.
Cleansing of the colon is achieved by flushing the colon with warm, highly
filtered water, which stimulates the bowel to empty itself with waste and water
being piped away.
Is It Safe?
A comprehensive consultation prior to treatment ensures colon hydrotherapy is a
suitable treatment for you. Only a small amount of water enters the colon at any
one time during treatment. It is introduced at a low gravitational pressure,
which is actually lower than is normally generated during a bowel movement;
hence there is no risk of perforation of the colon. All equipment is sterilised
with a modern proven wide spectrum virucidal disinfectant. Clean linen and
towels are used as a matter of course and disposable gowns and covers are
provided. Although large numbers of the friendly bacteria which inhabit the
colon will be expelled during the treatment, they quickly breed back up to
strength and a probiotic tablet is provided to aid this process. The environment
in the colon after treatment is usually better than before, thus leading to a
better balance. Colon Hydrotherapy, unlike the use of laxatives or enemas, is
not habit forming and actually improves the tone of the colon.
How Long Does It Take?
As a consultation is included prior to your initial treatment you will need to
allow a total of 1 ¼ hours for your first session. Subsequent treatments allow
1 hour. Time is required for getting changed before and after treatments and
actual treatment time is 30 to 40 minutes.
Is It Painful?
It rarely is. Any discomfort during treatment is usually the result of
resistance or tension and can be overcome by trying to relax, this is helped by
deep breathing. Sometimes during treatment the muscles of the colon will
contract suddenly, expelling considerable amounts of waste. This may feel like
cramping or gas, and may create a feeling of needing to empty the bowels. Such
episodes, if they do occur, are brief and easily tolerated. All waste is
expelled immediately through the tubing and into the waste system so there is
never a delay or need to “hold yourself.”
Is It Embarrassing?
Not at all. You will fully maintain your personal dignity. Just you and myself
will be in the room which is quiet and secure. Each step will be fully explained
to you throughout your visit and your emotions or any anxieties will be
acknowledged and understood. You will get changed in private and wear a gown and
are covered by a towel during the treatment. Only the bottom half of your
clothing need be removed so you shouldn’t feel unnecessarily exposed. After
the first treatment the majority of people say they don’t know what they were
worried about.
Will I Be Okay Afterwards?
This is a common concern. Many people fit a colonic into their working day
and return to work straight afterwards. It is unusual to have urgency or a need
to be near a toilet after a treatment, however, for peace of mind some people
prefer to go home and rest. Most likely you will feel a lightness and enjoy a
sense of well-being. Some people feel tired but this shouldn’t be any more
than the tiredness experienced after exercise. For some, the colonic may trigger
several subsequent bowel movements for the next few hours but there won’t be
any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort. It is also possible that you may feel
light headed after treatment but if so, this quickly passes.
Is It Okay to Eat And Drink Before And After A
Treatment?
On the day of treatment I suggest you have a light diet and plenty of water.
A heavy meal is best avoided as your stomach is massaged during the treatment
and would be uncomfortable. I will advise you regarding aftercare at time of the
treatment including dietary advice; light nourishing food will be the most
appropriate.
How Many Treatments Will I Need? One treatment will
not completely clear the colon nevertheless it should remove a significant
amount of waste. Many people have a course of treatments while others just have
a one off treatment. It is up to the individual how they proceed and I will
offer advice based on the consultation and treatment outcome.
Are There Circumstances When Colon Hydrotherapy Is Not
Advisable? Yes. Certain conditions such as active infections, active
inflammation (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis),
a painful fissure or painful haemorrhoids mean treatment cannot be comfortably
carried out until they are healed or are in remission. Diseases such as
congestive heart disease, severe uncontrolled hypertension, severe anaemia,
liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, severe haemorrhaging and colo-rectal carcinoma
are also absolute contra-indications for treatment. Some physical conditions
such as severe abdominal or inguinal hernias make it an unsuitable treatment.
Pregnancy, especially the first three months is also an unsuitable time for a
treatment in my opinion.
What Conditions May Benefit From Treatment?
There are many conditions which may be helped by colon hydrotherapy
including:
