Over the past 20 years, individuals reporting constipation and gastrointestinal problems have skyrocketed. There are multitudes of reasons for this, and many individuals who seek medical attention are given drugs that either stimulate their colons or decrease the acid production in their stomachs. Unfortunately drugs that utilize either of these methods have side effects, some of which can be severe. However, there is a natural, safer alternative to medication in Colon Hydrotherapy. Colon Hydrotherapy, in contrast to prescription medication, is a safe, effective way to cleanse the colon without having to worry about discomforting side effects. It also helps to hydrate the body and promotes a healthy immune system.
The colon is an important organ that it not only stores our waste, but it also produces Vitamins B and K, which are nutrients necessary for survival. The colon also helps keep the body hydrated by absorbing water from bodily waste and back into the bloodstream. A healthy colon will help the immune system to function properly and keep us healthy, but if waste sits in the colon for too long, it will start to ferment. This leads to intestinal problems
like bloating, bad gas, irritable bowels, and leaky gut syndrome. Colon hydrotherapy helps prevent these conditions by gently cleansing the large intestine, while simultaneously exercising the muscles of the colon, which can help prevent constipation.
Colon hydrotherapy has been used throughout history as a way to cleanse the colon for a healthy body. Egyptians used the most basic form of colon hydrotherapy, the enema, as early as 1500 B.C. In more recent history, Dr. J.H. Kellogg wrote in the 1917 Journal of American Medicine that he successfully treated over 40,000 gastrointestinal patients by cleansing their bowels with hydrotherapy, while also suggesting modifications to their diet, as well as promoting exercise. Of the 40 thousand patients, he only resorted to surgery on twenty occasions! His success led to the development of colon cleansing equipment which is used today for colonics and colonic irrigation.
The difference between an enema and a colonic is that the enema is a one-time infusion of about a quart of water into the rectum and the individual holds it as long as they can. They then release the contents of their bowels, directly into the toilet. Colon hydrotherapy, on the other hand, consists of repeated infusions of warm, filtered water into the colon. This results in a deeper, more thorough cleaning of the large intestine. Although these procedures are natural and gentle on the body, both practices should only be performed by certified colon hydrotherapist.
During a colon hydrotherapy session, a colon hydrotherapist manages small amounts of water flow into the colon which stimulates the colon’s natural peristaltic action to release the softened stool. The colon is filled and emptied several times throughout the session by the hydrotherapist, while the client simply relaxes on the treatment table. Water and waste exit through the waste tube, and the client and therapist can observe what is eliminated via a clear viewing tube. There is usually no odor and there is no health risk as long as it is performed by a trained and certified practitioner.
A colon hydrotherapy session can also be used as an alternative to the harsh stimulants given for colonoscopy preparation. Many people refuse to have a colonoscopy simply because of the severely uncomfortable preparation process, despite the fact that it could save their lives.
Two questions that are frequently asked about colon hydrotherapy are these: How many colon hydrotherapy sessions will I need? Is there a risk that I will become dependent on colon hydrotherapy? The answer to the first is that everyone is different. Each body has different needs and each person has different goals. Just as we exercise to keep our heart strong and outer body toned, some people also choose to have their own ongoing cleansing and toning regimen for their inner body. Colon hydrotherapy can thus be used as a part of any healthy maintenance program, but can be used simply to relieve constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort. To answer the latter question: there is no evidence that colon hydrotherapy creates dependence. This facts sets colon hydrotherapy above medications, which can lead to dependence and complications that are associated with long term use.
Colon hydrotherapy is not a cure for disease, but by cleansing the colon without harmful medications, it will increase the performance of a healthy digestive tract. The result is a healthier immune system, which in turn will lead to improved personal health and vitality.
Contraindications for Colon Hydrotherapy
- Severe Cardiac Disease including uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Severe Anemia
- Epilepsy, Seizures, or Psychoses
- Cirrhosis of the Liver
- Kidney Failure or Renal Insufficiency
- Abdominal Hernia
- Recent Abdominal Surgery
- Fissures or Fistulas in rectum or colon wall or bleeding Hemorrhoids
- Colon Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Aneurysm
- Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
- Active Diverticulitis