Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS COLON HYDROTHERAPY?
Colon hydrotherapy, is a safe, effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs. By introducing filtered and temperature regulated water into the colon, the waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis.

Colon hydrotherapy is performed while the client is lying comfortably on a table. During the session, most clothing is kept on and the client can either wear a gown or be covered by a drape to ensure modesty. The client’s dignity is always maintained.  Once the speculum has been inserted, disposable tubing is attached to the instrument and water is slowly infused into the client through a small tube attached to the speculum.

When the client’s level of tolerance has been reached, the water is released through another, larger tube attached to the speculum. All waste material is contained entirely within the disposable tubing. It is a closed system so there are no unpleasant odors or exposed bacterial waste.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED COLON HYDROTHERAPY?
Everyone can benefit from internal cleansing.  Every day our bodies are exposed to toxins and pollutants in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. When waste and toxins can be eliminated from the body, there is no problem. But when toxins build up faster than they can be eliminated or when the elimination systems are not performing, these toxins accumulate and create disease all over the body.

Constipation or diarrhea is usually the first sign of trouble along with foul smelling stools or excessive gas.  Normal stool is walnut brown in color and should not have an offensive odor.  During constipation, stools become dark because of the longer transition time of elimination.  The colon will then distribute the poisons of decay, fermentation and putrefaction in the blood which is circulated throughout the body.  If the blood is dirty -- the body is dirty.

Colon hydrotherapy is not a cure, but is a valuable therapy for a variety of colon issues.  Naturopaths believe that 90% of all illnesses are directly or indirectly related to toxicity in the bowel.  By stripping down the old toxic mucus lining from the colon, the number one source of disease in the body could be reduced.  A more efficient means of waste elimination and nutrient absorption, both of which are essential to any lasting healing process, can be aided by colon hydrotherapy.  Then the friendly bacteria will be produced to keep the colon safe from putrefaction and further auto-intoxication.

Many surgeons and physicians are beginning to understand the importance of bowel care in the prevention of disease.

HOW DOES COLON HYDROTHERAPY COMPARE TO AN ENEMA?
An enema only reaches the rectum and lower part of the colon. During a session, the entire length of the colon (approximately 5 to 5 1/2 feet in length) is reached. Therefore, colon hydrotherapy is much more effective.

Additionally, there is a subtle learning process involved in receiving colon hydrotherapy. As you become more aware and relaxed with what is going on in your bowel and as your body learns to allow the cleansing experience, you are much more comfortable and better able to aid the elimination process.

HOW LONG DOES A SESSION TAKE?
Sessions vary according to individual needs and responses, but usually last 30 to 45 minutes. The first visit may be longer due to a pre-session evaluation of the client.

HOW MANY SESSION ARE NEEDED?
Initially, it is recommended that a series of at least three to six colon hydrotherapy sessions be done to achieve maximum cleansing benefit.  Just as some people exercise on a daily or weekly basis to tone and tighten their outer body, some people follow an ongoing cleansing, toning and rebuilding regimen for the inner body. Colon hydrotherapy could be used as part of any regular maintenance program.

WILL I EXPERIENCE ANY INTESTINAL DISCOMFORT OR FATIGUE AFTER THE CLENZING?
Usually not, but since the cleansing will stir up a lot of old debris and toxins, you might experience some minor nausea or fatigue. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to rest and apply a warm heating pad to the abdomen. If you wish to drink something, peppermint tea or a mild vegetable broth is usually soothing at this time. Any discomfort will generally pass within 24 hours.

WHAT ABOUT INTESTINAL WORMS OR PARASITES?
Many intestinal parasites are regularly removed during colon hydrotherapy. With the clear lighted observation tube of the colon instrument, it is possible to see an amazing array of worms of all shapes and sizes come out of the colon. If you eat meat, especially pork, sushi, raw or rare bloody meat, junk foods, take antibiotics or suffer from long term constipation, chances are very good that you have intestinal parasites. You can also get parasites from food handlers, shaking hands with an infected person, playing with your pet, or sexual activity.  

IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY OF BACTERIAL OR VIRAL CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR USE OF THE COLON HYDROTHERAPY EQUIPMENT?
Modern colon hydrotherapy equipment is manufactured through compliance with strict FDA guidelines. The FDA-registered equipment features temperature controlled water mixing and back flow prevention valves, pressure and temperature sensors, and a built-in chemical sanitizing unit and/or water purification unit. Hydrotherapists use disposable single-use rectal tubes and speculums.

DOES HAVING A MENSTRUAL PERIOD AT THE TIME OF A COLON HYDROTHERAPY SESSION HAVE ANY EFFECT?
No, in fact it's usually a good time to receive colon hydrotherapy, since your body is already cleansing. Your flow will not interfere with the success of the cleansing.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A COLON HYDROTHERAPY SESSION?
We generally recommend a light diet of fruits and vegetables the day before your first session.  Refrain from eating before your session, be as relaxed as possible, and maintain a positive attitude.  If you must eat, make it a light meal about 2 hours before your session begins.

HOW DO I IMPROVE MY COLON FUNCTION?
Drink one-half of your body weight in ounces of water per day.  For example, if you weight 100 pounds, you would drink 50 ounces of water per day.  Or, you should drink enough water so that your urine is clear. 

Your diet should be 70-80% fruits and vegetables.  Eat organic foods as much as possible.  Learn proper food combining techniques.  Eat smaller quantities. Do not drink with your meals --  one-half to 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.  Chew your foods well. Reduce stress, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.  Respond to nature's call when it comes.  Do not delay eliminating.  You may also need to incorporate fiber, probiotics, fish oil, and digestive enzymes.  Consult your therapist to discuss which product may work best for you.

SHOULD I SEE MY DOCTOR BEFORE MY FIRST SESSION?
If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of colon hydrotherapy, you should consult a doctor. If you are diagnosed with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, rectal or intestinal tumors, you are not a candidate for colon hydrotherapy. Also, pregnant women should not receive colon hydrotherapy.  Professionally administered colon hydrotherapy is safe, and generally if you are free of the above-sited conditions, a prior medical examination is not necessary.

WILL COLON HYDROTHERAPY DAMAGE INTESTINAL FLORA?
One of the functions of the first half of the colon (the cecum) is to gather the intestinal flora. When feces accumulate in the bowel, the glands in the lining cannot produce the necessary intestinal flora, resulting in constipation and toxemia. When the acid-alkaline balance becomes abnormal and the bowel is impacted, the growth of friendly bacteria is stunted. Cleansing the colon will help restore the acid-alkaline balance and friendly bacteria will again thrive and disease-causing bacteria will find it difficult to develop. The body is constantly manufacturing healthy bacteria flora.

CAN I WORK DIRECTLY AFTER A SESSION?
Certainly.  You can work just as you would be able to after a regular bowel movement.