What is a colon cleanse, and how does it work?

A colon cleanse is an internal warm bath, and is very relaxing for a lot of people. Basic process of a colonic hydrotherapy treatment is to introduce warm filtered water and work our way slowly round the colon assisted by massage.

 

What are the reasons people get Colonic Hydrotherapy?

​People come for various different reasons, with things directly connected to the bowel such as bloating or constipation, IBS, diverticula. Sometimes for skin conditions, sometimes as a kickstart to start a new lifestyle and routine, a lot of people come to assist liver flushes.

 

How often should I do a colon cleanse?

Some people determine their regularity due to skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema.- Everybody is unique and subsequently their digestive systems are all unique also so multiple factors will impact how regularly the individual needs an intestinal cleanse. 

 

What could be causing my bloating? Can a colon cleanse improve digestion and reduce bloating?

There are multiple different reasons for bloating. Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria, can cause ulcers, irritate the bowel and cause IBS symptoms. The bowel is also very sensitive to stress - stress is one of the most major contributors to bowel irritation, it has its own nervous system and generally doesn’t like change. You could have the best lifestyle, diet and all sorts and still suffer from a change in stool habits due to the bowel getting triggered. 

 

How can I aid constipation difficulties outside of a colonic hydrotherapy?

Sometimes constipation can be aided just by picking up fluids, regularly not instantly. This is due to blood flowing through the kidney every 30 to 40 minutes. We have 12 litres a day of digestive juices and one of the main jobs of the colon is to reclaim liquid - if you’re not drinking regularly, stool will be kept in the colon getting drier and harder. Drinking regularly will aid this beyond your colon cleanse. 

 

General bowel knowledge to consider prior to your irrigation:

The bowel is never empty and never full - we have a conveyor belt to the whole digestive system. It moves and does its various needs due to peristalsis - even if you have severe constipation - the bowel will stretch to accommodate. Certain medications and sedentary activity can cause this. 

 

What are the benefits of a colon cleanse?

Other organs, not just the colon and intestines are aided by colonic hydrotherapy. By introducing water for about 40 minutes, everything goes from the bowel to the liver as an additional liver flush. Blood goes through the kidneys every 30 - 40 minutes, therefore a kidney flush also occurs. There’s a lot of lymphatic material in the gut also, so lymphatic systems get stimulated as well. So, it’s not just about the bowel but all of the other systems it supports. 

 

What are the mental benefits of a water colon cleanse?

Lots of serotonin is produced in the gut and released into the bloodstream from a colon cleanse. It’s a unique experience.

 

Where does colon flushing originate from? 

Colon hydrotherapy is a detoxification treatment centring around the use of warm filtered water to flush out the large intestine - this dates back to ancient Greece

and Egypt where herbs or just water was used. 

 

Where does modern day colon irrigation originate from?

Modern colonics started with two doctors around the turn of the century before last, there was a use of enemas in hospitals but they wanted a way they could get more liquid in to flush out more of the colon. 

 

How do I prepare for colonic irrigation?

On the day, you do not want a heavy meal due to the stomach massage. In the few days before, ensure you are being regular with fruit and vegetables, and staying very hydrated. 

 

What are the different types of colon cleanse?

Additional ingredients can be added to aid a colon cleanse:

1. Coffee: Works by stimulating the liver even more, the liver is bathed in blood, so it has a trinity of vessels, artery vein and bile duct, as the water comes into the liver via the vein it dilates it and encourages bile to be released, hence the deeper liver flush

2. Herbs: Aloe Vera leaf, Dandelion Root, Sweet Fennel, Peppermint, Liquorice - they are supportive because it gets absorbed into your bloodstream quicker. The herb mixed used by the therapist is inclusive of aloe vera leaf, dandelion root, sweet fennel seed, peppermint leaf, liquorice root and nettle. 

Some clients choose to bring their own ingredients or - alternatively - the therapist may add additional supplementation such as wormwood mix or pau d’arc for example. 

 

What is the difference between an enema and colonic therapy?

An enema involves a single infusion of water into the colon, primarily to clear out the lower section. On the other hand, colonics use multiple infusions, targeting a more extensive area of the bowel for a deeper cleanse.

 

What should I eat after a colon cleanse?

• High-fibre foods: Leafy greens and spinach can aid digestion, whole grain rice, quinoa and oats can also contribute to this

• Fruits: Apples, pears, raspberries, and avocados have high levels of both soluble and insoluble fibers that help to bulk up stool and assist constant movement through the colon. 

• Fermented foods: probiotic yoghurts can aid the maintenance of gut bacteria balance - an essential for colon health

 

How long does a colon cleanse take?

The whole process of a colon cleanse, including the consultation and post procedure talk takes around 75 minutes, with the actual procedure taking 35-40 minutes.