Frequently Asked Questions
In response to numerous questions we receive, we have put together this
explanatory webpage to help you better understand Colon Hydrotherapy - the
method, the safety, and its potential.
Self-Education:
The following books will enhance your understanding of Colon Hydrotherapy and
related topics:
- Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates
- Invisible Illness by Gloria Gilbere
- Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas, MD
- Detox for Life by Loree Taylor Jordan
- Poisoned by My Body by Gloria Gilbere
- Heart of Nourishment by Halé Sofia Schatz
- Renew Your Life by Brenda Watson
Important Information and Common Questions:
1) To begin, it is helpful to understand the working of the colon.
The colon, or large intestine, is a tubular organ approximately 5 1/2 to 6
feet in length and 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. Although most absorption
occurs in the small intestine, the ascending colon also absorbs some minerals,
nutrients and excess water from the digested residue of the food we have
eaten. The contents of digestion (chyme) are moved along by mass muscular
movements (peristalsis), which are initiated by the nerve supply to the
colon. Toxins and waste materials are then discharged through the anus.
The process of digestion and elimination normally takes between twelve and
twenty-four hours. When the colon is healthy, we experience a feeling of
well-being because we are assimilating and eliminating properly. To ensure
a healthy colon, we have observed that sufficient water, good nerve tone,
and the proper biochemical nutrients and intestinal flora are needed.
2) How do I know Colon Hydrotherapy will be useful for me?
Today's diets consist in great part of refined, processed foods, high
in saturated fats and low in fiber. We believe eating these foods,
overeating, ignoring the call to eliminate, stress, allergies, and
medications can contribute to poor colon health. The colon contains the
largest concentration of bacteria in the body. Waste material allowed to
stagnate alters the proportion of friendly bacteria to unfriendly bacteria,
disrupting the balance of microorganisms essential to the health of the colon
and the body in general. Symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, gas and
bloating, or gastrointestinal pain may alert you to colon distress. In such
cases, it may be necessary to consult a physician. We believe that Colon
Hydrotherapy may be valuable in minimizing the effects of both dietary and
environmental stresses and toxins that bombard us on a regular basis and can
lead to immune system imbalances. That portion of the immune system residing
in the intestine may rejuvenate once toxic waste materials are removed.
In the case of a serious heart condition or acute inflammatory conditions of
the colon such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease,
your physician can best determine the appropriateness of the procedure.
3) To alleviate anxiety it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the
Colon Hydrotherapy procedure.
Colon Hydrotherapy is the safe, gentle infusion of warm filtered water into and
out of the rectum and large intestine using no chemicals or drugs. There are 2 techniques that may be used.
The first is a continuous flow that showers the colon . It is done without any pressure simulating a
gravity fill system. The other is a slow fill colonic in which there
are a
number of fill and release stages using a low pressure. To begin,
the therapist will suggest a trip to the restroom to empty the bladder.
After disrobing from the waist down, you will be covered with a towel and
/or blanket, reclining on a padded table. At the foot of the table is a wall
unit displaying a temperature gauge, pressure gauge and an observation tube.
You will gently insert a speculum approximately two inches into the rectum.
There are two tubes extending from the outer part of the speculum to the unit.
Pressure-regulated and multi-filtered water flows through one of the two
tubes, the inflow tube, into the speculum infusing from there into the large
intestine. The practitioner closely monitors the temperature and pressure
flow of the water, paying particular attention to minimizing any discomfort.
In the first technique the person releases at anytime. There is no
pressure but instead an amount of residual water swirling around the
edges
of the large intestines. With this technique the client gets the
benefit of a
gravity type colonic along with the benefit of a closed system. In the
second style the client releases immediatly upon feeling full allowing
for a
series of fill and release cycles. Waste material and water are
expelled
through the outflow tube and the wall unit. The hydrotherapist may use
various modalities in order to encourage the abdomen to release. To
ensure safety, the tubes and speculum are disposable. The session is
usually one hour while the process itself takes 30 to 50minutes.
4) What are the specifics of our equipment?
Our Hydrosan equipment is designed by Specialty Health Products with safety
and hygiene as primary requisites. We also have a Toxygen model, which is designed by Dotolo
Research Institute, Inc. Both are registered with the FDA, and feature
disposable units consistig of a speculum, insertion applicator, and water
and waste lines, all of which are designed to eliminate any possibility
of contamination. Additionally, our state-of-the-art units are is sterilized
after each session with a Wavicide solution. This wall instrument has a
built-in double check valve along with an external anti-siphoning device,
which not only meets Boston Water & Sewage Commission standards but also
provides a closed system to avoid offensive odors and leakage.
5) How many sessions of Colon Hydrotherapy should I receive?
The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) suggests the
following protocol: Week 1 - two sessions, Week 2 - two sessions and Weeks 3
through 10 - one session per week. Another option, which we often follow, is
to begin with one session per week for four weeks. Depending on your response
to the first session, your practitioner can help you to determine the number
of sessions suitable for your unique needs. Our staff may offer ideas and
ways to facilitate detoxification based on our own experiences. We believe
Colon Hydrotherapy when supported by a diet of primarily nonmucous-producing
foods, water, appropriate exercise, and stress management accelerates the
healing potential of your body. Additionally, it is an excellent adjunct
method to other modalities such as acupuncture, massage, or nutrition. As a
preventative measure, you may benefit from a Colon Hydrotherapy session at
the time of a seasonal or cycle change when diet and activity levels shift.
The Natural Path Alternative
214 Market Street
Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 787-5040
colonics@earthlink.net
We gratefully acknowledge The Dotolo Research Institute, Inc. for a portion of this material.
Back to Home Page
