How can colon hydrotherapy help my digestive health?

Colonic hydrotherapy or irrigation is a gentle internal bath using warm, purified water that can help to eliminate stored faecal matter, gas, mucus and toxic substances from the colon. A practice dating from around 1500 B.C., colonics can also help retonify and reshape the colon. However, colonics have a much broader effect than simply cleansing the colon. Additional benefits can often be observed throughout the body in the form of clearer skin, more energy and mental clarity, fewer headaches, improvement in circulatory, immune and weight problems and many other positive side effects. Many people are referred to colonic practitioners by other alternative medicine therapists including homeopaths, acupuncturists, herbalists, etc., since by detoxifying the system using colonics, these therapies tend to be more efficacious.

What is involved in a colonic irrigation treatment?

Your visit to Kleen Kolonics will involve the taking of your case history followed by an explanation of the procedure. The colonic itself will take about 45 minutes during which time water will be gently introduced into the colon via the rectum whilst your therapist uses special massage techniques to stimulate the release of stored matter. Your modesty is preserved at all times. Herbal and probiotics implants may be used and your practitioner may advise beneficial dietary changes to further enhance your treatment.

Is it safe?

It is safe. The water is introduced at a low gentle pressure, so there is no danger of bowel perforation. At Kleen Kolonics, we use only disposable equipment; while other clinics have been known to use hospital-grade autoclave.These disposable colon hydrotherapy supplies are made in compliance with strict international regulatory requirements. The speculums used are made from DEHP and BPA free materials, are bio-compatibility and toxicity tested, and are disinfected by the Canadian manufacturer before packaging. Colonic hydrotherapy, unlike the use of laxatives, is not habit forming and actually improves the tone of the colon.

Will a colonic fix my bowel and my digestion?

Colonic hydrotherapy is a tool. It is a powerful tool that gives you a head start in improving your diet, lifestyle and exercise regime. However, a tool is only as good as the person using it. If you use colonics to help your body improve, feel younger and work more effectively, then this is what you will achieve. However, if you use colonic as roadside assistance only, then you will achieve a short-term rather than a long-term improvement.

What do I need to do to prepare for a session?

The more hydrated you are, the better your session will be. You may want to drink plenty of water in preparation for your visit. On the day of your session, we encourage you to stop eating at least 2 hours before your appointment time and avoid any foods or drinks that cause you excess gas.

Does it hurt?

The colonic irrigation procedure itself does not cause pain. At the start of the procedure, you may experience a “strange” sensation of wanting to go to the toilet, but most people get used to this feeling in the first few minutes, and even find the colonic treatment “unexpectedly relaxing and uplifting”. The therapist may use massage, vibration therapies, reflexology and Raiki, as well as other modalities, to make your treatment comfortable and effective.

How many treatments do I need?

It all depends on your condition and on the results of the first colonic. If a condition has been building up for years, it is unlikely that it will disappear completely after 40-50 minutes of cleansing, but most people feel improvements after the very first session. If you go on our maintenance programme between treatments, and you adopt dietary and lifestyle modifications, if they are required, then the number of colonics will be reduced, and the periods between colonics will be longer.

Will I lose weight?

You may lose some weight. Most people feel lighter after a colonic. Just bear in mind that you lose wastes only, not fat or cellulite. If you start eating less, increase your fibre intake, move or exercise more, chew better and drink more water, then you will achieve a permanent weight loss.

What will I feel like after the treatment?

After a colonic, you should be able to continue with your daily plans, drive, go back to work etc. Some people feel energised straight away, some feel tired “in a nice way” - in the same way as one feels tired after a good workout, some feel lighter, some feel very hungry, some don’t feel like eating for hours afterwards. Some may feel quite tired as the detoxification process kicks in deeper, and in these instances we recommend coming for a repeat colonic without delay.

Why do you recommend supplements after a colonic treatment?

In the ideal world, if you lived on naturally fertile farmland and ate organic home-grown freshly cut vegetables, berries and fruit, fish from the river, natural live yoghurt etc you would not need any supplements (and, as a matter of fact, you would not need a detox programme either!) However, in the real world we need to assist our bodies to self-cleanse, hence the need for supplementation.

What supplements would you recommend for maintenance between colonic treatments?

Probiotic supplements are recommended to give a head start to the good bacteria, that populate our bowel and that ensure absorption by the body of nutrients and vitamins from our food. Patrick Holford, Britain’s leading nutrition expert (author of the best-selling “Optimum Nutrition Bible”) says: “Supplements are needed to carry beneficial bacteria into the intestine to re-establish a healthy colony. The role of these Bifidobacteria is to increase acidity by producing lactic acid and acetic acid, and to inhibit undesirable micro-organisms that would compete against them… Tissues densely covered with beneficial organisms provide an effective blocking mechanism, deterring invading pathogens”.

Combined digestive enzymes, as well as betaine, soya lecithin, pepsin etc promote healthy digestion. Other supplements improve bowel tone, cleanse bowel walls, bulk up the stool, remove gases and provide quality and regularity of elimination.

Will I be able to drive home after the Colon Hydrotherapy session?

Most people do not find it difficult to drive back after their colonic treatment.

Do I have to leave my modesty at the door?

At Kleen Kolonics, we are committed to preserving clients’ modesty at all times. You will be provided with disposable shorts and would remain fully covered, protected and warm during your treatment. Toilet and washing facilities are usually in the room or very close, for your exclusive use.

Can I have a colonic if I am having a period?

You can have a colonic during your period. Please make sure you have a spare tampon or towel that you can use immediately after the treatment. Colon Hydrotherapy has also known in some cases to decrease the cramps and the bloating accompanying menstruation

Can I have a colonic if I am pregnant?

We would not recommend colonics at any time during pregnancy unless it is recommended and performed by a qualified medical practitioner specialising in pregnancy.

How soon after the childbirth can I have a colonic? Can I have it while I am nursing?

You can have a colonic 10-12 weeks after a regular childbirth, unless you had complications or a caesarean. You need to decide for yourself whether your body has recovered enough from the shock of the childbirth. Make sure your stitches have healed fully, talk to your doctor or nurse if in doubt. You can have a colonic while you are nursing.

What are the signs or symptoms when we first begin to omit toxic substances and begin to clean out the colon?

When a regular diet of stimulates such as coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar and others are eliminated from your diet, some clients comment about having headaches, flu-like symptoms and even mild depression. At this stage of a detox, cleansing through Colon Hydrotherapy helps to flush toxins are out of the system, hence Colon Hydrotherapy is recommended with back to back sessions for the first two weeks.

Why do the symptoms or signs happen?

This is due to the body discarding toxins which are removed from the tissues and then transported by the blood to the liver and then the colon for elimination.

All symptoms generally pass by the third or fourth session of Colon Hydrotherapy. Clients often comment on their increased energy levels after the second session.

Is Colon Hydrotherapy habit forming?

No, colon hydrotherapy is not habit forming. On the contrary, one of the features of colon hydrotherapy is the toning of the colon muscles, which helps in maintaining and resuming regular bowel movements.