Your Questions Answered:
What does the treatment consist of?
Colonic irrigation consists of slowly introducing warm filtered water into the colon under low pressure, via a small tube. When the colon is filled, the 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.
Am I OK to leave straight after my appointment?
Yes. However new clients are advised to relax in our waiting area for 15 minutes after the therapy where you can use the toilet and drink plenty of water/ herbal tea.
Is colonic hydrotherapy safe?
Absolutely.
Should I avoid certain foods before my appointment?
No. Unless you are already on a detox programme, there is no need to ‘fast’ before the treatment or change your diet in any way. Your practitioner will advise you on diet and nutrition, if necessary, after your first treatment.
Can I drink alcohol before the appointment?
We strongly advise that you try to avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment and 24 hours post treatment.
How can I expect to feel after the appointment?
Everyone is different but common reports include an increase in energy and mental clarity, reduced bloating and a feeling of being ‘lighter’
How many appointments are needed?
This really depends on the client, their health, the state of their colon and the condition being helped. Anything from one or two treatments to a course of a few treatments may be recommended over a period of time and then treatments may be continued afterwards for maintenance, depending on the client’s needs
Are there instances when it is not advisable to have Colon Hydrotherapy?
Yes, there are contraindications to the treatment. Please look at our contraindications page for further afvice and information.
Is the treatment painful?
The treatment is not painful. You may feel a slight discomfort as if having diarrhoea.It rarely is. Generally speaking, the more relaxed you are throughout – the more comfortable it is. Most people are pleasantly surprised at just how comfortable it is.
What happens if I am having my monthly menstrual cycle?
If you are comfortable with being treated at this time of the month, the therapist has no problem with it.
Where in the colon is the old faecal debris?
It can be in pockets in the colon wall, or diverticula’s, or can be mixed with hardened mucus "glued" to any part of the colon wall.
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 stuck in the colon move through in the normal course of events?
Because the old matter will be lodged in pockets or stuck to the bowel wall.
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 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 6 treatments or less. 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 can 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.
Is it possible to perforate the bowel through colonic irrigation?
No, due to the low pressures used and the very small device introduced into the rectum.
Is it possible to overstretch the bowel through colonic irrigation?
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 wall of the colon should help tone the muscle of the bowel.
Does colonic irrigation wash out all the good bacteria in the bowel?
Most of the loose bacteria living in the colon will be expelled (including putrefactive bacteria and parasites). With the removal of old waste there will be a better chance of long-term colonisation of the bowel with "good" bacteria.
In the short-term, Ruth may recommend you to take a probiotic culture to "restock" the bowel flora, and a diet which will encourage these "good" bacteria to multiply.
Does colonic irrigation wash out essential vitamins and minerals?
Many people cannot assimilate vitamins and minerals properly through their colons anyway due to toxic waste. In the longer term, the removal of toxic matter should help the patient absorb more efficiently through the colon wall.
If colonic irrigation is a painless treatment, why is the healing process difficult?
It is not always difficult - some people experience immediate improvement. However, particularly when the patient 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.
Is there any other way of detoxifying the colon other than colonic irrigation?
Historically, herbs have been used to detoxify the bowel, but they are probably most useful in combination with colonic irrigation, not as a completely effective substitute.
Are there any circumstances in which colonic irrigation is not recommended?
Yes. If the client has severe cardiac disease, high blood pressure, severe anaemia, gastrointestinal perforation or 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, colonic irrigation is not recommended. Ruth will take a detailed history and should be made aware of any medical conditions in order to assess if colonic irrigation is not advised.
Is there anything I should do to prepare myself before receiving colonic therapy?
• Increase your water consumption to 1.5-2 L of water a day and cut out tea, coffee and alcohol.
• If you are 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.
What should I do straight after the treatment?
• Rest and keep warm.
• 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 amount of raw vegetables, for 24 hrs after the 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 your are constipated
Is there anything I should or shouldn't do at the same time as having colonic therapy?
It is good practice to use diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbs or homoeopathy, exercise (if possible), deep breathing and skin brushing at the same time as undergoing colonic therapy. Ruth will advise you accordingly.
Is it possible to add herbs, etc. to the colonic water?
Yes, as well as many other substances depending on the need of the patient.
For how long has colonic irrigation been practised or been known about?
There is reference to colonic irrigation in the Bible, and the Yogis in India were known to use their own method of physically cleansing the bowel. The first known use of colonic irrigation was by the Egyptians around 1500BC.
What is the difference between an enema and a colonic irrigation?
An enema simply retains water in the bowel. It cannot usually reach all the way up the colon, and does not have the same "flushing" action as colonic irrigation nor the same training effect on the peristalsis.
Call Ruth directly for more information: 0788 1425 412
