COLON HYDROTHERAPY AN ANCIENT HEALTH CARE MODALITY: Colon hydrotherapy is an old method of intestinal cleansing that has gained renewed life. For over three thousand years colon hydrotherapy has been used as a method of tissue cleansing through ridding the body of excess waste and accumulated toxins.  Around 1500 BC, in the “Ebers Papyrus” (an ancient Egyptian medical document),the practice of colon cleansing was first described.  Since the turn- of -the century colon hydrotherapy has experienced significant growth in popularity. COLON HYDROTHERAPY THEORY: Colon hydrotherapy is an extended and more complete form of intestinal cleansing.  The gentle infusion of regulated water is designed to cleanse the entire colon from cecum to rectum.  This treatment removes fecal matter, retained gas and mucus as well as existing parasites and toxic material.  The filtered water dilutes bacterial toxins, while improving colon tone and peristalsis (the wave-like movement of the colon).  The therapeutic effects of this bathing process decreases the transit time of bowel waste. Colon health emphasizes prevention and offers a modality to obtain relief from excessive toxins and fecal accumulation.  Colon hydrotherapy is not proposed as cure-all.  However, combined with balanced nutrition, exercise and a positive mental and emotional outlook, colon hydrotherapy can play an important role in promoting and maintaining vibrant health.

HOW COLON HEALTH CAN BENEFIT OVERALL HEALTH: The colon or large intestine is a hallow tube-like organ which is approximately five feet long and two and a half inches in diameter.  It is responsible for the final phase of digestion and the elimination of digestive residue, toxins and waste.  The colon is also the most prolific source of bacterial contamination in the entire body. There are two types of bacteria which develop in the colon.  There is the healthy bacteria which functions as a scavenger and the pathogenic kind which can proliferate resulting in ailments when too much fermentation and putrefaction (rotting) occur in the colon. Very simply, the colon is the sewage system of the body.  In order to protect itself from junk foods, dairy products, preservatives, chemicals and other pollutants, the colon produces a coat of mucous.  An accumulation of this mucous coating can thicken, becoming hard and rubbery.  Thus, preventing the proper absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream and inhibiting healthy bowel function.  Since our colons are exposed to such an abundance of toxic materials, from the air we breathe, the foods we eat and other environmental sources, this system must be cleansed regularly. When the colon is overburdened , the other organs of elimination: the kidneys, lungs, skin and a fifth one, the liver are compromised, since they must all coordinate together to release waste products and toxins.  As with any system that is overtaxed, breakdown can occur resulting in an increased absorption of toxic materials thus creating autointoxication, meaning “self poisoning”.  When toxic substances pass through the intestinal wall they can enter the lymphatic system and are transported directly to the liver.  Since the liver is the largest gland and the principal organ of detoxification it is important to understand its function and relationship to colon health.

THE TREATMENT: The treatments are administered in a private room where the person is well covered and their modesty respected.  A person lies comfortably on a table during the process which takes 40-50 minutes depending upon the responsiveness of the individual, the condition of the colon and the content of the fecal matter.  Instruction is given on the insertion of the lubricated speculum which is gently inserted into the rectum.  Two hoses are attached to the speculum.  The in-flow tube allows clean filtered water to flow into the colon several ounces at a time.  The loosened fecal matter and water flows out through the evacuation tube.  The practitioner facilitates a series of water-fills, alternating with releases of waste.  As the practitioner gently massages the abdomen to loosen fecal matter, the colon’s peristalsis is stimulated to release.  Through a special viewing window the practitioner is able to evaluate the waste contents. HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED TO CLEANSE THE COLON? The number of follow-up treatments necessary will be assessed during the initial visit.  This number may vary depending upon the condition of the individual, their goals and willingness to improve eating and lifestyle habits.  Generally, a series is needed, since accumulated fecal matter can harden and become impacted resulting in constipation and/or stagnation.  For optimal results, it is more advantageous to continue working from the benefits initially obtained.