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Getting a Colonic

Colonic Irrigation

If you have been feeling constipated or rundown lately, a colonic may be of immense benefit for you.  Cleansing the colon can improve the state of your overall health.  Read on to learn more.

Why Should I Utilise Colonic Irrigation?

There are three main reasons for getting a colonic:

• to remove waste from the colon that may have built up over time
  
• to help prevent constipation
• and to improve overall health
   

Faecal matter can build up in the colon and harden.  The buildup may prevent the absorption of water and nutrients into the body, and can also lead to constipation.  The buildup can allow harmful bacteria and yeast to grow and cause stagnant toxins to be absorbed into the bloodstream (called autointoxication).

Types of Colonic Irrigation

There are two different systems that can be used when you are getting a colonic: the closed system and the open system. 

The closed system works by using a large speculum the diameter of a 50c coin (approx 1 inch).  Closed systems are administered and controlled by the colon hydrotherapist.  The tube that is used delivers the water into the colon and removes the waste.  Once the tube is inserted the therapist will flick a switch and the water will be infused into the bowel.  The therapist is responsible for regulating the pressure, and the fill and release timing.  When the client feels the pressure is too much, they can tell the therapist who will flick the switch so the water stops flowing and instead it will flow out with waste and go through a viewing tube.  When the water is released, the excess faecal material leaves the body, helped by the body’s natural peristaltic action.  Deep abdominal massage is given during the treatment.  There is less privacy with this system but the elimination process is more complete.

An open system delivers a constant, low-pressure stream of water through a small speculum that is the size of a pencil.  Open systems afford more privacy as the client is in control.  It is not advisable for a client to insert their own speculum tube, for danger of damaging the delelicate mucus mebranes and the bowel.  When you feel the need to release, the speculum stays inserted and the matter will flow into a toilet which has been built into the treatment couch.  Massage may be administered by the therapist if desired.  Open systems are safer as there is less pressure, there is less risk of perforation and because the speculum as smaller in diamtere there is less risk of damaging the mucus membranes and or the bowel itself.  The client also has more privacy. From an open system samples can be taken, if required for pathology.

Smells are not a factor in either system.

What to do before the treatment?

There are some things that you can do before getting a colonic.  These include:

• eating foods that are rich in water – these will help to moisten the colon for better elimination
  
• cut down on all processed foods as these dehydrate the colon
  
• do not have any diuretics before the colonic
  
• it is recommended that you do not eat a heavy meal before the colonic however a light meal can be very beneficial
  
• do not avoid water – it is important to keep the body hydrated

The Process of Getting a Colonic Irrigation

The client is asked to fill in a form that details their medical history before having a consultation with the colon hydrotherapist.  Depending on the type of system used, the client will be asked to change into a gown, or to remove part of their clothing.  Draping is employed in order to protect the client’s modesty.

If an open system is used, the therapist will turn on the water and check that the client is comfortable before leaving the client in privacy.  The therapist will check on the client several times during the session to ensure that they are okay, and to perform massage if the client desires it. Once the treatment is complete, the client can sit on a toilet to pass any residual water or faeces.

If a closed system is used, the speculum is inserted, and connected to a hose that is connected to the colon hydrotherapy unit.  Water is slowly released into the colon, causing the colon to contract.  The contractions push the faeces out through the hose to be disposed of in a closed waste system.  The therapist may use massage to help facilitate the process.  Once the treatment is complete, the client can sit on a toilet to pass any residual water or faeces.

Again, no matter which system is used, odour is not a concern.  Neither the client nor the therapist smells the faeces.

Are Colonics Safe?

Every procedure carries an element of risk. Before any procedure make sure you ask all the right questions to feel in control of what you are about to do.

Some questions to ask could be:

• Can you tell me a little about the Clinic?
• Are the therapists in your clinic qualified professionals?
• How long does a treatment take?
• What does a typical treatment involve?
  
• Is it a painful procedure?
  
• Is it a dangerous procedure?
  
• Is the tubing sterile and single use?
  
• How many treatments are usually needed?
  
• Does everyone need this type of treatment?
  
• Who does the treatments?
  
• How will I feel after a treatment?
  
• Do you have to be a certain age? and is it more for women than men?
  
• Do you need any special preparation before a treatment?
  
• Do you need to book ahead? 

Always consult your doctor before having a colonic.  Most people are able to have a colonic, even if they have serious medical conditions (provided the colonic is performed by a qualified professional). It is important that you let your therapist know if you have certain conditions such as diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, severe haemmorhoids, blood vessel disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, severe anaemia, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, recent colon surgery, and intestinal tumours.  The therapist will work with you to determine if it will be safe to have the colonic.  Pregnant women should also consult with the therapist, as they can stimulate uterine contractions.

After getting a colonic, be aware that side effects may include nausea and fatigue.  These can last for a few hours.  Although it is uncommon, some complications include perforation of the abdominal wall (closed system only) and electrolyte imbalance (closed system only).

Be aware that colonics are considered safe if performed by medically qualified professionals!

Are Good Bacteria Affected by Colonic Irrigation?

During a colonic, most bacteria that resides in the colon is washed away by the purified water.  This includes the good bacteria also.  However, most people do not have the right amount of good bacteria in their colon anyway, as old faecal matter makes the colon uninhabitable for them.  Colonic Irrigation also removes all of the bad bacteria and yeast so that the good bacteria are able to regrow in the correct proportions, provided one takes a course of probiotics after the treatment(s). 

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