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Getting a Colonic: The Basics of Colon Hydrotherapy

Health Tips
Last Updated Nov 30, 2020

Why should I get a colonic?

There are three main reasons for getting colonic irrigation:

  • to remove waste from the colon that may have built up over time
  • to help prevent constipation
  • 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).

What to do before the colonic

There are some things that you should 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 drink any liquids from an hour before
  • do not have any diuretics before the colonic
  • do not eat for at least two hours prior to the colonic

The process of getting a colonic

Firstly, the patient will be asked to fill in a form that details their health history before having a consultation with the colon hydrotherapist.  The patient then changes into a gown before lying face up on a table.

A disposable speculum is then inserted into the anus. The speculum is connected to a disposable plastic hose that is connected to the colon hydrotherapy unit.  Warm, filtered water is slowly released into the colon, and the water causes the colon to contract.  This is called peristalsis.  The peristalsis pushes the faeces out through the hose to be disposed of in a closed waste system.

Neither the patient nor the therapist smells the faeces.  Some discomfort is usually felt in the abdomen during the treatment and light massage may be employed by the therapist to help facilitate the process.

Once the treatment is complete, the therapist leaves the room and the client may choose to sit on a toilet in order to pass any residual water or faeces.  The typical session will last from 45 minutes to an hour.

Are good bacteria affected by colonics?

Good bacteria are not affected by colonics as purified water is used, and it won't wash away the good bacteria.  Most people don't have the right amount of good bacteria in their colon because of the old faecal matter making the colon uninhabitable for good bacteria.  Colonics remove the bad bacteria and yeast so that the good bacteria can grow.  However, it is recommended that the client take probiotics after the treatment to help re-establish good bacteria in the colon.

Are colonics safe?

The materials used in a colonic treatment are all disposable and single use.  The water is purified and heated to a safe temperature that will not cause damage.  The colonic treatment itself will not hurt but you may experience pain as the colon is not used to working so efficiently, or it is pushing out dry, hard, faecal matter.  If the colon is unable to push out faecal matter on a daily basis with ease, it can become weak. Colonics help to increase the strength of the muscles in the colon, and when the colon is working you may experience some cramping.  It is best to let the colon relax and do its job as the pain will go away once the colon is strengthened and has gotten rid of the old faecal matter.

Who should not get a colonic?

You should always consult your doctor before having a colonic.  People that have certain medical 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 should not have a colonic.  Pregnant women also should not have colonics as they can stimulate uterine contractions.

Side effects of colonics may include nausea and fatigue after the session, which may last for several hours.  Although it is uncommon, some complications include perforation of the abdominal wall, electrolyte imbalance, and heart failure caused by excessive absorption of water.

Visit the Natural Therapy Pages local directory to find a colonic irrigation practitioner in your area.

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Originally published on Jul 23, 2019

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