Colon Therapy

HOW DOES COLON WORK?
As part of the digestive tract, the colon aids in digestion and the elimination of waste products. When the colon is packed with accumulated, hardened feces due to a poor diet, constipation, or some other gastrointestinal problem, waste can build up. According to proponents of colon therapy, this buildup can result in stagnation and decay of the fecal material in the colon. This decay, in turn, produces a whole host of bacteria and other “toxins” that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in myriad illnesses–from a simple cold to life-threatening coronary artery disease. Colon therapists suggest that the typical American diet, which is low in fiber and high in red meat and other fatty foods, is a major contributor to this problem.

WHAI IS COLON THERAPY?
Colon therapy is the process of cleansing and flushing out the colon, or large intestine in order to eliminate accumulated fecal matter and toxic materials from the bowel. The purpose of colon therapy is to cleanse, stimulate and rejuvenate the digestive system. A healthy colon is essential for optimal health and well being of the entire body. Colon Therapy also called colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, the treatment is similar to an enema but more extensive. Whereas an enema (which you can do yourself) bathes only the lower portion of the colon, colonic irrigation (which must be done by a trained practitioner) attempts to clean the entire–roughly five-foot–length.

 
Those who espouse colon therapy say that the health of the colon can affect the health of the entire body. This theory holds little credence with the majority of conventional physicians, however. They believe there is no reason whatsoever to irrigate the colon, except in some cases of constipation and before certain surgical procedures, such as a colonoscopy. They also contend that the best way to care for the colon is to let its own natural physiological actions keep it in good working order.

Nevertheless, therapies to cleanse the colon have been around for thousands of years. The earliest recorded versions have been traced to physicians of ancient Egypt, who used devices similar to those employed for modern-day enemas. To improve one’s well-being in 17th-century France it was fashionable to “enjoy” as many as three or four enemas a day.

Irrigation of the entire colon only came into prominence during the late 19th century, when Russian microbiologist Ilya Ilich Mechnikov first described the concept of “autointoxication.” He argued that the body could actually poison itself as the toxins from fecal matter were absorbed through the lining of the large intestine and into the bloodstream.
 
The article created a wave of enthusiasm among conventional physicians, and for the next three decades various devices for colon irrigation became a common sight in the offices of many M.D.s, as well as in hospitals and nursing homes. Among the ailments for which doctors typically recommended colon therapy were high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.

ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS TO COLON THERAPY? 

1.    If you have any questions about how colon therapy may affect your health, discuss them with your doctor first.
 
2.    Colon therapy is not recommended if you have blood in your stool, severe hemorrhoids, Crohn’s disease, congestive heart failure, severe anemia, abdominal hernia, heart disease, high blood pressure, amoebic dysentery, gastrointestinal cancer, tumors of the large intestine or rectum, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or recent colon surgery (less than three months).
 
3.    If you are in the first or third trimester of pregnancy, colon therapy is not recommended because it may induce labor.
 
4.    Make sure the clinic you choose is clean and that the therapist is reputable and well-trained. Infection can occur if equipment is not properly sterilized or disposable.
 
5.    Colon therapy is not known to react with any drugs or medications.
 
6.    Among the possible but remote complications of colon therapy are perforation of the intestinal wall, disturbance in the body’s fluid balance, and heart failure caused by excess water in the blood.  

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR COLON THERAPY? You will be asked some questions about your medical history as pertains to colon therapy. Rubber tubing, sterilized after each client session, carries body temperature filtered water into your colon at a safe and minimal amount of pressure(gravity), stimulating the smooth muscle of your colon to contract and eliminate waste material. Approximately fifteen gallons of water are used during the procedure, but only two or three pints are maintained internally at any one time, though some people can hold much more.

The water now is always under direct control of the therapist-Water is introduced and expelled to allow encrusted waste and mucous to be carried away. The waste enters directly into the sewage system so there is no unpleasant odor. A sometimes-nutritive substance such as Acidophilus or wheat grass juice is added to the water or as an implant. HOW DO I KNOW I CAN BENEFIT FROM COLON THERAPY?
On an individual basis, people do report that colon treatments relieve the distention and bloating associated with constipation and help restore regular bowel movements. Anecdotal evidence suggests that colon therapy may be useful for a number of ailments including indigestion, gas, headaches, joint problems, allergies, asthma, skin problems, and even toxicity from drugs, alcohol, and smoking.

Due to its overall detoxifying effect, nearly everyone can benefit from colon therapy.When the colon is packed or lined with accumulated hardened feces lodged in the pockets of the colon walls, muscular contractions (peristalsis)are obstructed and more feces build up along the walls,resulting in the colon’s inability to properly evacuate. Waste built up over many months or years can actually result in five, ten, fifteen or more pounds of weight, causing a distended and abnormally shaped colon.

The clogged colon interferes with the anal absorption and digestion of food, depriving the body of necessary nutrients and resulting in fermentation and putrefaction of undigested food and creating poisons. The poisons are reabsorbed into the bloodstream and carried to every part of the body, causing a tired and listless feeling; effects on the brain and nervous system cause depression and irritability; lungs produce foul breath and breathing is stressful; dysfunction of the digestive organs causes skin problems and a sallow complexion; and joints become stiff and painful due to toxic deposits.
Specific conditions which respond particularly well to colonic therapy are chronic or acute constipation indigestion; gas; prolapsed colon; fatigue; headaches; allergies; lung disorders, including asthma; skin problems, including acne, excema and psoriasis; toxicity due to drugs, alcohol, smoking or toxic chemicals; fibrocystic breasts; many acute illnesses, such as colds, flu and sore throats; joint problems; some kidney problems; and mucous congestion anywhere in the body. Colonics also stimulate the liver,kidneys and lymphatic system to dump toxins. If you already feel healthy and are interested in maintaining health and promoting longevity, colonics can help with increasing energy, maintaining proper weight and preventing disease. HOW MANY COLONICS WILL I NEED?Often the waste is so hard and well lodged in the colon that a series of colonics are necessary to sufficiently soften and loosen deposits. The number of treatments varies with the individual and the condition. Your colon therapist can best advise you regarding frequency of treatment.

WILL I EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM COLON THERAPY?The purpose of colon therapy, as with therapeutic fasting, is to cleanse the system. As toxins are released, you may experience very brief1y such symptoms as bad breath or body odor, nausea, chilliness or a slight headache. Most people feel lighter and more energetic and have an increased sense of wellness after colon therapy.

WILL COLON THERAPY DAMAGE THE NORMAL INTESTINAL FLORA?One of the functions of the first half of the colon is to gather the intestinal flora needed for healthy colon functioning. When the accumulation of feces in the bowel leads to fecal encrustation, normal functioning becomes impossible and the glands lining the intestine cannot maintain the necessary intestinal flora. The resulting lack of lubrication intensifies a state of constipation and generates toxemia when the acid-alkaline balance is stunted. Cleansing the colon will help to bring the acid-alkaline ration back into balance. Under the improved conditions, friendly bacteria will again thrive and disease-causing bacteria will have trouble developing. Reintroduction of healthy normal flora can assist the body in this process.