Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colon? <top>

The colon, or large intestine, is the final portion of the human digestive tract. The colon is on average approximately 5 feet long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter in adults.

It has many functions, but the most important are elimination of waste, fermentation and putrefaction of undigested foodstuffs, and conservation of water, minerals and electrolytes.

The colon is also harbours billions of bacteria, both friendly and unfriendly, which are capable of having a positive or negative impact on our general health. This is known as the colonic flora or microflora. The friendly bacteria synthesise various vitamins (K and B principally), as well as other beneficial substances known to nourish the cells of the gut wall. Unfriendly bacteria (pathogenic bacteria) produce toxic byproducts as the result of their metabolism, which must be then detoxified. The key with microflora is balance, and having good ratios of friendly to unfriendly bacterial species in the colon.

Why have colonics? <top>

Waste material which passes through the colon is destined to spend a relatively short amount of time in this environment prior to being eliminated. If this ability to eliminate waste is compromised for whatever reason, it follows by common sense that it will build up within the digestive tract. This material is composed of impacted faeces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc. and is usually quite toxic. How toxic it is depends largely on the health of the individual concerned, their current diet and their general bowel and dietary history.

All blood from the bowel passes first through the liver via the portal circulation, where nutrients and other products of digestion (including many toxic substances) are removed from circulation. Normally over 95% of substances entering the bloodstream from the digestive tract are removed on the first pass through the liver - this is to ensure that the blood remains relatively 'clean' at all times. A toxic colon clearly gives the liver an increased work load, and may easily overwhelm the liver's ability to clear toxins from the portal blood. This may result in an overspill of toxins into the bloodstream which may not be cleared until several passes through the liver.. When these poisons re-enter and circulate (albeit usually transiently) in the bloodstream, they may make us feel ill, toxic, tired, susceptible to illness and often quite weak.

In addition, impacted material in the colon also interferes with normal microflora in the bowel, as well as directly interfering with the normal function of the colon. This includes it's ability to assimilate substances either produced there, or destined for final reabsorption from the colonic environment. These include water, bacterially-synthesised vitamins, minerals, and recycled digestive juices. Impaction and increased toxic load in this organ may have many long and short term impacts on general health, though rarely lead to a single collection of symptoms, so may appear somewhat vague. This is for good reason: an impacted colon is not a disease! Rather impaction may lead to a general increased level of toxicity within the organism as a whole (this concept applies to all mammalian species), with a reduction of general health. This then may have consequences such as reduced nutritional status (through increased necessary liver detoxification, a nutrient-demanding process in itself), reduced immune system function, and consequent increased risk of any health challenge.

An impacted colon functions poorly also in its ability to propel its contents. This occurs both for reasons of direct chemical effects from the toxic material on the musculature of the colon, as well as from the mere physical presence of the material which directly inhibits muscular movements to some degree.

Who can benefit from colonics? <top>

Anyone with a history of consuming a 'Western' diet, or one containing many refined or processed foods can benefit from colon cleansing and colonic hydrotherapy. A short list of conditions and complaints which can be helped or resolved in combination with colonic hydrotherapy can be found below.

The importance of the direct relationship between colon health and general health cannot be over-emphasised. The two really do go hand in hand.

How do I know if my colon is impacted? <top>

This condition is prevalent in all civilized societies, and particularly in the U.K. The UK has now become ranked as the world's most constipated nation. People that are constipated or have suffered regularly from this condition are almost guaranteed to have considerable impacted material in their colons.

Common signs include: headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin problems, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhoea, sciatic pain, and so forth.

The challenges to health from increased colon toxicity are many and varied. This is because of its very nature - increased toxic load on the body means that no body system functions optimally.

A common problem? <top>

With the knowledge that in the UK we are the world's most constipated, then yes this is a common problem. In fact many people are constipated without realising it - just having regular bowel movements alone does not mean that one is not constipated.

Toxic material can be deposited in all tissues of the body, including the liver, lymphatic system, bloodstream, joint spaces, muscles, arteries, fatty tissue, nervous tissue etc. Colonics will not remove the material from these locations, but they do help the liver to metabolise more internal toxins as a result of reduced liver toxic load.

Why is the colon so important ? <top>

The colon is not alone, but it is the principal route of bodily elimination. The kidneys, lungs and skin also serve important roles, and may also need assistance to enhance their function if general detoxification is sought.

The colon is also a huge bacterial reservoir, where billions of both friendly and unfriendly bacteria serve to further process our partially digested food.

Colonic hydrotherapy has been found to be the most effective and efficient process available to accomplish a reduction in bowel toxicity (and by extension body toxicity) quickly, safely and easily.

What is wrong with laxatives or enemas? <top>

Neither of these are substitutes for colonics. Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum and sigmoid colon (the lowest 8 to 12 inches of the colon). They can be used to get quite high in the colon with appropriate techniques (your colonic therapist should be happy to teach you how if they think it would be appropriate). Enemas come into their own when using herbs or other additions to the enema water to have specific effects. Many have heard of coffee enemas, popularised by the Gerson Therapy, and which are used in integrated protocols to enhance liver elimination.

Suppositories are intended to accomplish the same task, only really removing material from the last portion of the bowel. Laxatives are a wide group of compounds and substances, some of which can be useful for temporary relief, but they should generally not be used long term. Many other natural substances have laxative effects, without necessarily irritating the bowel. These may be used to for example enhance colon muscular tone with long term rehabilitation in mind.

The treatment of choice for true colon cleansing is without doubt a good colonic!

What is so special about colonics? <top>

Colonics are a very gentle process, which allow for the methodical removal of impacted material in the bowel. A colonic may use anything between 10 and 20 gallons of water depending on the colonic equipment and the duration of treatment - though there is usually only between 1 and 3 pints of water in the colon at any time during the treatment. Through appropriate use of massage, pressure points, etc., the colon therapist is able to work loose and eliminate far more toxic waste than any other short-term technique.

What will colonics do to the colon ? <top>

Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:

1. Cleanse the Colon: Toxic material is broken down so it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination. Even debris built up over a long period is gently, but surely removed in the process of a series of treatments. Once impacted material is removed, your colon can begin again to co-operate as it was intended to. In this very real sense a colonic is a rejuvenation treatment.

2. It Exercises the Colon Muscles: The build up of toxic debris weakens the colon and impairs its functioning. The gentle filling and emptying of the colon improves peristaltic (muscular contraction) activity by which the colon naturally moves material. Colonics are the only external method of exercising the colon musculature directly.

3. It Reshapes the Colon: When problem conditions exist in the colon, they tend to alter its shape which in turn causes more problems. The gentle action of the water, coupled with the massage techniques of the colon therapist helps to eliminate bulging pockets of waste and narrowed, spastic constrictions finally enabling the colon to resume its natural state.

4. It Stimulates Reflex Points: Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points colonic stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts in a beneficial way.

Additional benefits? <top>

There are many side benefits to colonic hydrotherapy. This is for all the reasons mentioned above and more. Principally by encouraging elimination, reducing liver toxic load and reducing sluggisheness in the digestive tract colonics have important influences on toxic status. This has knock-on effects to all body systems through improved functioning. Any organ which is bathed in blood teeming with toxins will work at reduced efficiency. Even small reductions in the toxic loading of the bloodstream can have significant effects on your sense of general well-being.

Working with a skilled therapist a colonic can be a truly enlightening educational process. You will learn to expand your awareness of your body's functioning by including signals from your abdomen, your skin, your face and even from that most taboo of natural products, your body's eliminations. You will find that you can spot the beginnings of developing conditions through clues from these body regions and functions before they become serious, and will learn natural ways to counteract them working in harmony with your body. Not only do colonics alleviate the constipation, they can assist you in creating a fully holistic view of your body's functioning, leading to a better quality of life.

There is a huge amount of innervation (nerve supply) to the bowel. Nervous tissue however is quite sensitive to toxic irritants which tends to alter their electrical conductivity. Direct toxic irritation to nervous tissue of the bowel inevitably leads to altered function of the bowel as well as to remote parts of the body through connections within both the central and autonomic nervous systems.

What is a healthy colon? <top>

Healthy babies, animals and adults not subjected to the "refinements" of civilization (i.e. aboriginal peoples) have bowel movements shortly after each meal is eaten. So, assuming there is sufficient fibre and water available to the colon, one characteristic is a bowel movement shortly after a meal is eaten. Once the urge to eliminate is honoured by a trip to the toilet, the elimination should be easy and take no more than a few seconds. The stool will be long, large in diameter, light brown in colour, without offensive odour and should float or sink very slowly. When the toilet is flushed, the stool immediately begins breaking apart by the action of water movement.

As incredible as this may sound, it is true and commonly experienced in cultures where people live more naturally. Please note that this occurs as a result of initiation of correct bowel reflexes and not just because of a much more high fibre natural diet.

Would I personally benefit from colonics? <top>

Due to the nature of what colonics are doing to the body, almost everybody could benefit from regular bowel cleansing regimens. These have as effect the massive reduction of toxic material from the body, as well as normalisation of bowel flora. The knock-on benefits from this run far and wide.

If you have a digestive system disorder or suffer from constipation or other bowel conditions, you will certainly benefit from seeing a skilled and knowledgable colonic hydrotherapist.

Are colonics painful? <top>

Very rarely. There are frequently however moments within a colonic where you may experience some temporary and minor cramping as you bowel attempts to eliminate some of the waste which has been mobilised. Your therapist will keep you at ease if you experience any discomfort.

the discomfort associated with a colonic occurs not due to the action of a sensitive therapist, but rather by your own bowel's activation against the released material. Your body knows how toxic this material is, and when given the chance to eliminate, it will seize the opportunity. This can result in feelings of cramping and discomfort until your bowel rids itself of this poisonous and neurologically irritating material. These episodes are brief and usually easily tolerated. It should be remembered that these feelings of discomfort also indicate that the colonic is getting to the material we are attempting to remove: the oldest and most toxic.

Are colonics embarassing? <top>

No, you will fully maintain your personal dignity. You will be in a private room with only your therapist, who fully appreciates the sensitivity of the colonic procedure and will help you feel at ease. Your emotions will be acknowledged and honoured. After the gentle insertion of a small tube into the rectum, you are completely covered. Rubber tubing carries clean water in and waste out in a gravity pressured system. The mess and odour sometimes present during an enema simply does not exist with a colonic.

Is any preparation necessary? <top>

Since your abdomen will be massaged it is a good idea to eat or drink lightly in the 2 hours immediately preceding a colonic. Also helpful, but not essential, emptying the rectum with a bowel movement just prior to the colonic saves time and permits more to be accomplished.

Drinking reasonable quantities of water for the 72 hours preceding a treatment can help reduce dehydration in the colon, and enhance the colonic process.

What can I expect afterwards? <top>

Most likely, you'll feel great. Probably you'll feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well-being. Not infrequently, someone having their first colonic will remark that it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their life. As soon as the colonic is finished you can carry on with daily routine. 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's also possible you may feel light-headed or chilled for a few moments following a colonic.

Why haven't I heard about colonics before? <top>

In a way, the answer to that is a commentary on our present day lifestyle. Historically, artifacts and records show that people have regularly purified their bodies, including cleansing the colon. Around the turn of the 20th century, the present-day colonic machine was developed, providing a significantly improved method of accomplishing colon cleansing. Up to the late 1920's many doctors had colonic machines in their offices, and machines were found in hospitals as well. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930's. At that time modern man began a 50 year love affair with drugs and surgery. These seemed to offer relatively instant relief for body ailments, resulting in purification and prevention techniques becoming less attractive. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in using natural approaches for healing the body, and colonics have rapidly been regaining the respectability they have already earned.

Are there any dangers associated with colonic hydrotherapy? <top>

Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe and healthy service so that you do not have to worry. Some of the mythical dangers of bowel perforation risk are also virtually zero, especially if one is operating a gravity fed colonic unit. Colonic machines present slightly higher theoretical risks in that department, though in reality with a trained therapist, this is also close to nil.

What about hygiene and cross-contamination? <top>

These are important issues which you should take up with your practitioner. All practitioners that work under our auspices are well versed in aseptic technique and are committed to absolute maintainance of clinical hygiene standards in practice. this includes use of disposable colonic equipment, plus use of rigorous protocols in terms of colonic unit sterilisation. Strict glove changing protocols are also followed by our practitioners to ensure no chance of cross-contamination. All bed linen and towels are changed between patients.

Are colonics habit forming? <top>

The colonic is a tool intended to be used to create a clean and healthy colon. A colon therapist who is dedicated to your health, will encourage you to set a goal of having a well-functioning colon. Our fulfilment comes from assisting you in healing your colon, not in making you dependent upon colonics. Actually, one of its features is that a colonic can be used to tonify the colon muscle so that the colon doesn't perform so sluggishly. Many people have sluggish colons. It may take days for bowel movements to return after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming "dependent" on colonics. One good colonic is worth 20 or so regular bowel movements, so it may take some time for faecal material to build up in the colon once again if one has a sluggish colon.

When the colon is sluggish and bowel movements do not return for a few days after one colonic, it is an indication that extensive colon work is needed to remove the debris that the bowel has built up over the years. This build up of faecal material has decreased the muscular action in the colon. Once a series of colonics is completed , the colon will begin to function like Mother Nature intended. Colonics give you a feeling of being lighter, cleaner and healthier with a sense of well-being. Cleansing and building programs offer preventative measures so that you can be in control of your own health. Dietary changes may be necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health.

Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhoea ? <top>

The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. Sometimes if the colon is weak and sluggish, there may be no bowel movement for several days following a colonic. However this is not due to the colonic, but rather to the weakness of the colon, and should be interpreted as an indication that the colon requires strengthening and healing. Very infrequently diarrhoea or loose bowels may be experienced. This could be due to the extra water introduced into the colon or to the stirring up of toxic waste. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. However, since severe diarrhoea dehydrates the body, it must be carefully monitored.

Do colonics help with constipation? <top>

We want to state that constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. Constipation is one of what may be termed "civilized man's diseases". There are three factors involved in having a well functioning colon: diet, exercise and attitude. All three must be in balance for the colon to function well. Often, however, because the colon has been sluggish for so long, it has become severely weakened due to being constantly bathed in toxic waste, stretched from holding excessive amount of stools, and frequently, constricted by chronic tension in the colon. The process of colonic hydrotherapy is excellent for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise, and attitude are then able to produce their effects. Many people find the relief provided by colonics stimulates the motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle.

Do colonics remove friendly bowel bacteria? <top>

The truth is that the washing out of putrefied material in the large intestine, increases the good intestinal flora. Good bacteria can only breed in a clean environment which has been washed free of putrefaction and its accompanying harmful bacteria. This is why the intestines of a new born baby immediately begin to grow good intestinal flora. Each time you clean out the putrefying rubbish and make a better environment for the good flora, they start to multiply immediately in their natural media. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one.

Are there any effects on the immune system? <top>

The removal of stagnant waste material and hardened, impacted toxic residue could rejuvenate the immune tissue that resides in the intestines. Recent European studies speculate that 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. This is much higher than previously thought and makes it logical to believe that this type of therapy could influence such immune deficiency diseases as M.E. cancer and A.I.D.S. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.

How long does a colonic take? <top>

Duration of treatment is somewhat variable. A colonic treatment could last anywhere between 30 and 75 minutes depending on the patient and condition in question and the therapist. Most treatments take between 45 and 60 minutes.

Expect to spend up to 2 hours with your therapist on your first consultation. Most initial consultations will last for approximately 90 mins, though having a little lattitude is useful, as the bowel does not work by the clock!

What kind of water is used for colonics? <top>

We use highly filtered water, which passes through three seperate filters before being heated to the correct temperature. This kind of water is capable of absorbing and flushing more toxins out of the colon because of its drawing effect on solid particles, chemicals and other matter. Tap water is not used because it already has numerous chemicals and inorganic substances present.

What can I eat after a colonic? <top>

We suggest that you eat at your normal meal time, and consume a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Just as it doesn't make sense to have you car cleaned and then immediately drive it through mud, eating a meal known to cause trouble in your abdomen directly after a colonic isn't an intelligent choice. Salads, vegetable soups or broths, fruit, or juices are the best choice.

Will one colonic completely empty the colon? <top>

Almost never. Firstly, many of us have a considerable amount of impacted faeces in our colon. This is hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material. Substantial work must be done to remove it. Secondly, there is a subtle learning process involved in receiving colonics. As you become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns how to allow the cleansing experience, you are better able to enter into that process, and therefore more material is released. One colonic will remove some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. How many you may wish to have will depend upon your personal objectives.

How will I know when the colon is empty? <top>

It will probably never be completely empty, as its an organ in continuous use. As more of the old impacted material is released you will actually feel the water enter higher regions of the colon without any sense of obstruction. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.

Will colonics clear up my skin? <top>

Your skin actually "breathes" and is an important organ of elimination of waste material. Sometimes, if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will be required to make up the difference. Surface eruptions on the skin of various sorts may occur due to toxins being released. Cleansing and healing the colon diminishes the burden placed upon the skin as well as the other organs of elimination: lungs, liver and kidneys. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up.