Colon Hydrotherapy

The colon, also called the large intestine, or bowel, forms the last part of the digestive tract. It is an extremely important organ, some 150cm (approx 5ft) in length, and 6cm (2.5 inches) in diameter, which handles food waste, and much general body waste. A normal colon is populated by billions of friendly bacteria which assist in detoxifying waste, synthesize certain vitamins, and help to guard against infection.

However, the delicate balance of this ecosystem is easily disturbed by a number of factors including stress, processed food, artificial drinks, certain drugs, smoking, and exposure to toxic substances.

Correct functioning of the colon is a necessity for health in the whole body. It has been said that colon malfunction can lead to 80% of all diseased states.

The average healthy transit time from eating to defaecation should be less than 24 hours, with a bowel movement at least once a day, if not following each full meal.

Poor digestion, yeast overgrowth (Candida), irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and diarrhoea are usually accompanied by auto-intoxication or self poisoning (the reabsorption of soluble wastes into the bloodstream), which places a heavy burden on the other organs of the body, liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs.

Chronic constipation can also lead to further direct complications such as diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, fissures, colitis, and even bowel cancer, as well as chronic toxic conditions in the rest of the body such as acne and eczema. The cardio-vascular system, the nervous system, and the liver are especially vulnerable to this “self poisoning,” and can lead to feeling heavy, dull, and slow.

There are several habits that slow down bowel transit time: eating high-fat, low-fiber foods that are over processed, over- cooked and devitalized, drinking insufficient good water, Consuming excess caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, and colas, which dehydrates the bowel and disrupts proper digestion. Mental and emotional stress can inhibit proper digestion, assimilation, and elimination.

Fortunately, these problems can be remedied without dependency on habit-forming laxatives, which only act as irritants to stimulate the muscular walls of the colon, abnormally contracting to expel the irritant. Laxatives also create dehydration in the body, so layers of old, dried faeces can remain in the colon, and only the more recent faeces pushed through the centre and evacuated. This can lead to degeneration in the tissues, muscles, and nerves of the colon.

With colon hydrotherapy, often called colonics or colonic irrigation, the process of gently cleansing and regenerating the colon can begin.

Colon hydrotherapy has been practised for thousands of years – in Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, and Indian civilizations, and is referred to in the Gospel of the Angels (The Essene Gospel of Peace, Book One, translated by Edmond Bordeaux Szekely) where it states “The uncleanliness within is greater than the uncleanliness without. He who cleanses himself without, but within remains unclean, is like a tomb that outward is painted fair, but is within full of all manner of uncleaness and abominations.”

At this point you may well ask, "Well, doesn't an enema flush out the colon? What's the difference?" The answer to the first question is "Yes," an enema will flush out to a degree but only the first 12-25cm (5-10 inches) of the lower bowel. A colonic, however, comfortably flushes the entire length of the bowel and eliminates the inconvenience of rushing to the toilet for each release of material.

The Hillside Clinic provides safe, effective instrumentation for this healthful therapy. During the process, the gravity-fed, filtered water gently flows in and out of the colon. The treatment is designed to cleanse the entire length of the colon, approximately 150cm (about 5 feet).

Since the equipment is a closed unit, no odor is present. The outflow of water removes excess gas, mucus, faeces, and toxic material directly to the sewer line. During the emptying cycle, the hygienist may gently massage the abdomen to loosen and work the gas and faeces from the colon and to stimulate peristalsis.

Using varying degrees of warmer and cooler water, the hygienist creates the process of relaxing, contracting and toning the muscular walls of the colon. When it is cleaner and healthier, elimination is easier, and over-all health is enhanced. These treatments are relaxing and soothing. The individual is always completely covered thus maintaining dignity.

The colon is a wonderful organ. When properly cleansed, everything about one's life seems more positive.

Prior to your first visit

Please telephone to book an appointment at which point Carol will advise you of anything you will need to do in preparation for your first visit.

Your first visit

Your first visit will involve the taking of a case history, and investigation into your diet and lifestyle. Suggestions may be made for improvement in these areas. An explanation of the colonic procedure will then be given.

The Therapy/Procedure

The colonic itself will take approximately 30-45 minutes, during which time warmed water will be gently introduced into the colon via the rectum whilst your therapist may use special massage or other techniques to stimulate the release of stored matter.

Is it safe?

In the hands of a trained therapist, Colonic Hydrotherapy is not only safe but also beneficial. Equipment used is either disposable or sterilized, using the latest and most modern, approved solutions which kill all prevalent bacteria, viruses and fungi. Water pressure is very low, so there is no physical danger and the water used is pre-filtered.

How will I benefit from having Colonic Hydrotherapy?

Most people quickly experience improved mental and physical wellbeing, depending on the level of toxic load, and the years of incorrect lifestyle which has preceded the first treatment. Your therapist will advise you on the number of initial treatments required to help you, and how frequently you could need follow-up treatments, if appropriate, to remain in a healthier state.