What is Colonic Treatment And How To Prepare

What is the Colon?

The colon is the last five feet of the intestine. It is a hollow, sausage-like organ made up layers of tissue that move digested food along in a wave like motion, known as peristalsis, to be eliminated.

What is Colon hydrotherapy?

Colonic Hydrotherapy is also referred to as Colonic Irrigation or a Colonic. Colonic Hydrotherapy uses gentle, filtered, temperature controlled water for inner cleansing of the colon, essentially ‘cleaning the pipes’. Over the years, with poor digestive function, the digestive system may not effectively eliminate waste resulting in an accumulation of faecal matter including bad bacteria, mould, yeast and parasites. If stored for too long it leads to an unhealthy digestive environment which may result in symptoms such as bloating, gas, headaches or skin conditions.

How does Colon hydrotherapy work?

Once you are comfortably positioned on the Colon Hydrotherapy system, a towel is placed over you to maintain your privacy. A sterile catheter is then inserted into the rectum; our therapist will start the procedure by turning on the switch allowing room temperature water to start gently flowing into the colon to stimulate the body’s own peristaltic motion.

This flow of water continues until light cramping is experienced. At this point you will release the water and the faecal matter is eliminated in a hygienic like manner. This process is repeated until the 8 gallons/42 litres (1 full tank) of water has been used. Each time you release the water, you are also releasing waste material from your digestive tract, which may not have been removed without the procedure. A registered nurse/Colon Hydrotherapist is always available to assist you with the procedure or answer any questions you may have.

What colonic system do we use at Gaia Holistic?

Gaia’s colonic treatment is with the latest closed method of hydrotherapy system. Gaia’s highly qualified staff will personally supervise you at all stages of your session. Comfort and clinical support are of highest priory

How many colonics will I need?

A series of three to four treatments are initially recommended for a comprehensive cleanse of the colon. This isn’t to say that a single treatment is of no value. Please speak to your therapist as she can assist you with individual recommendations for your current health needs.

Having a colonic is like giving your body a good internal cleanse. Why not give it a complete clean by supporting it with nutrients such as herbs, enzymes, cleansing juices, vitamins and minerals? We have qualified staff who can discuss these options with you. Don’t stop at detoxing; rejuvenate your body health so you can achieve optimal health within the centre.

What can I expect afterwards?

Most likely, you will feel great. You may feel lighter, enjoy a sense of wellbeing and will be able to go about the rest of your day with no restrictions. For a minority of people, especially after the first colon hydrotherapy, it may trigger bowel movements for the next few hours but there won’t be any urgency or discomfort. If you are feeling unsure about how your body will respond we suggest staying in the clinic for 30 minutes after the colonic. If you have any concerns, we are here to assist you.

What if I have my period?

No problem – it is perfectly safe and beneficial to have a colonic during your period.

Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhea?

The most common post-colonic digestive response is to have a slight delay in bowel movements, followed by bowel motions that are more complete and easier to move. If the colon is weak and sluggish, there may be no bowel movement for several days following. This may indicate a slight weakness in the colon and may indicate that it requires strengthening and healing.

Only occasionally diarrhoea or loose bowel movements may be experienced. This could be due to the extra water introduced into the colon with the procedure. If this occurs, it is generally of short duration, anything that continues needs be monitored.

I have been suffering from constipation for a long time, will colonics help?

Colon Hydrotherapy is extremely effective in removing a build-up of faecal matter in the colon that may not be eliminated due to digestive problems such as constipation. After a series of colonics you should experience improved waste removal resulting in bowel movements that are more complete and easier to move.

Pre and Post Colonic Care:

Before your Colon Hydrotherapy:

To prepare your body in the best possible way for your colonic treatment, we advise the following dietary recommendations twenty four hours before your treatment:

  • Avoid eating for two hours before your appointment and only eat light meals the same day, otherwise you may feel nauseous.
  • Avoid gas-forming foods the previous day, such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, carrots, and bananas.
  • Minimize caffeine, processed foods, alcohol, sugar, bread and fruit juice. Raw vegetable juice is more suitable than fruit juice.
  • If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us.

After your Colon Hydrotherapy Treatment

Treatment Protocol

We generally recommend a series of three to four treatments to start you off and allow a comprehensive cleanse ofthe entire bowel. This isn’t to say a single treatment is of no value, please speak to your therapist. They will be able to assess your individual requirements.

Food & Drink to prepare your body after the cleanse-

Avoid gas-forming foods for a couple of days after the treatment (if possible) with closer attention on the 24hrs after your cleanse. Gas forming foods include: sugar, wheat products (bread, pasta, cakes etc) alcohol, fizzy drinks (especially Diet Coke and carbonated drinks), non-vegetable based protein powder and meat. Avoiding these foods – or at least reducing the amounts – it will assist with an easier recovery.

Hydrate yourself – Drinking up to 2L of water a day or diluted herbal tea provided for a couple of days after your treatment. This will ensure excellent hydration levels, which will assist the treatment and your results. Don’t overdrink after your appointment as the abdominal massage that relaxes the bowel may also stimulate the bladder. Rather have soothing non acidic soups such as broths, pure liquid chlorophyll and or pure Aloe Vera juice – Chlorophyll is rich in magnesium which can assist in relaxing the bowel, reducing gas, helping combat sugar cravings (which can be a sign of magnesium deficiency), and enhancing hydration levels faster than drinking plain water. It also works as a bowel cleanser helping with easier and more complete releases. Recommended dosage is 60 ml x 2 day – adding 60ml/litre of water, this also ensures you are drinking a minimum of 2L of water.

Fresh vegetable juices – rich in nutrients they also assist in loosening up bowel contents carrot, ginger, celery, mint and spinach is a great combination.

Planning the rest of your day as a rest day!!

Bring something warm to wear in case you feel cold after your treatment. Your body temperature has a tendency to drop after a cleanse.

Majority people leave the treatment cathartic, energized, revitalized and euphoric. Occasionally some people may feel a little fatigued or light headed due to release of trapped toxins and the liver kicking in to continue with that detox process. If this happens don’t worry, make sure you hydrate and drink plenty of water, and have a light meal preferably a miso soup or light broth. Warm herbal tea is advised.

The actual procedure

  • You will be provided with suitable clothing to wear throughout the procedure and will shown to the bed where you should lie on your side as comfortably as possible.
  • The piece of equipment that is inserted into your rectum is called the speculum. This is only placed between two and three inches into the rectum. This only takes a few seconds and if you find it uncomfortable or painful, then you should tell your therapist.
  • The pipe through which the clean water flows is then attached too the speculum.
  • Following this, the pipe that removes the waste is then attached.
  • When you have assured the therapist that you are comfortable and at ease, they will begin the treatment.
  • Warm water is passed through the speculum into your bowel allowing you to become familiar with the feeling it gives.
  • Once you are used to the sensation, your therapist will begin to gently flush the bowel by filling it up with water and then releasing the pressure.
  • When the pressure is release, the water carries the waste out of the waste tube.
  • The colonic irrigation treatment will last a further 30-40 minutes, throughout which the therapist may perform abdominal massages to encourage the bowel to release waste.