COLONIC F.A.Q.

What is a colon?

The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract (food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus). The colon is approximately 5 feet long and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. Also, there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamins "K" and portions of the vitamin "B" complex.

What is a colonic and what is its purpose?

Colon hydrotherapy, colon irrigation, high colonic, and colonics all refer to the same process. It is arguably one of the most powerful and effective means of cleansing and detoxifying your digestive system, which is the most vital of all your systems. Colon hydrotherapy is a safe and gentle infusion of water into the colon via the rectum. No chemicals or drugs are involved and the entire therapy is both relaxing and effective. Waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time, (i.e. impacted feces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc.), poses several problems. First this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream making us feel ill, tired or weak. Second, impacted materials impair the colon's ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria- produced vitamins. And finally, a build-up of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation, and the result of these disorders

How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?

This condition is prevalent in all civilized societies, and particularly in the U.S., due to its processed food diet and high stress levels.  Common signs include: headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin problems, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhoea, sciatic pain, and so forth. As you can see, intestinal toxicity is part and parcel of many peoples everyday experience.

Is intestinal toxicity a common condition?

Yes it is, but toxicity is not limited to just the colon. Toxic material is found throughout the body, particularly in fat tissue, joints, arteries, muscles, liver, etc. Colonics effectively eliminate large quantities of toxic waste thereby affecting the condition of the entire body.

Since the colon isn't the only organ of elimination, what makes the colonic so important?

While the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver also serve to eliminate toxins, many of the toxins they eliminate are the result of insufficient elimination of the the colon.  People have experienced throughout history that when they ensure that the colon is cleansed and healed, the well-being of the whole body is greatly enhanced. Colonic hydrotherapy has been found to be the most effective process available to accomplish this work quickly and easily.

Why not use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead?

Well, every thing has its proper place, but those things really aren't substitutes for colonics. Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum (the lowest 8 to 12 inches of the colon). Usually, one or two pints of water are used to do that. Suppositories are intended to accomplish the same task. Chemical and herbal laxatives are potentially addictive.  They are formulated for various purposes, such as: to undo the effects of temporary constipation, to build up the tone of the colon muscle, etc. But the Crème de la crem of colon cleansing without question is colonic hydrotherapy.

What makes a colonic so special?

In a 45 minute session approximately 15 to 25 gallons of water is used to gently flush the colon. Through appropriate use of massage, pressure points, etc., the colon therapist is able to work loose and help the colon eliminate far more toxic waste than any other short-term technique.

What will colonics do to the colon?

Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:

1. Cleanse the Colon: Toxic material is broken down so it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination. Even debris built up over a long period is gently, but surely removed in the process of a series of treatments. Once impacted material is removed, your colon can begin again to co-operate as it was intended to. In this very real sense a colonic is a rejuvenation treatment.
   
   
2. It Exercises the Colon Muscles: The build up of toxic debris weakens the colon and impairs its functioning. The gentle filling and emptying of the colon improves peristaltic (muscular contraction) activity by which the colon naturally moves material.
   
   
3. It Reshapes the Colon: When problem conditions exist in the colon, they tend to alter its shape which in turn causes more problems. The gentle action of the water, coupled with the massage techniques of the colon therapist helps to eliminate bulging pockets of waste and narrowed, spastic constrictions finally enabling the colon to resume its natural state.  The condition referred to as prolape of the colon has become very common in America.  It will be addressed at the end of this FAQ section.
   
   
4. It Stimulates Reflex Points: Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points colonic stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts in a beneficial way.

Are there any additional benefits I might expect from a colonic?

Yes, there are several. Working with a skilled therapist a colonic can be a truly enlightening educational process. You will learn to expand your awareness of your body's functioning by including signals from your abdomen, your skin, your face and even from that most taboo of natural products, your fecal matter. You will find that you can spot the beginnings of developing conditions through clues from these body regions and functions before they become serious. You can deal with them sooner and more easily than you otherwise might if you waited until they produce effects seen elsewhere in the body. Also, the solar plexus is the emotional centre of the body and the transverse colon passes right through it. If an emotional event is left uncompleted, it often results in physical tension being stored in the solar plexus, which affects all organs of the area, including the colon. This on-going tightening of the colon muscle results in diminished movement of faecal material through the colon, which is experienced as constipation. Not only do colonics alleviate the constipation, they can assist you in creating a fully holistic view of your body's functioning, leading to a better quality of life.

What are the characteristics of a healthy, well functioning colon?

Healthy babies, animals and adults not subjected to the "refinements" of civilization (i.e. aboriginal peoples) have bowel movements shortly after each meal is eaten. So, assuming there is sufficient fibre and water available to the colon, one characteristic is a bowel movement shortly after a meal is eaten. Once the urge to eliminate is honoured by a trip to the toilet, the elimination should be easy and take no more than a few seconds. The stool will be long, large in diameter, light brown in colour, without offensive odour and should float or sink very slowly. When the toilet is flushed, the stool immediately begins breaking apart by the action of water movement. As incredible as this may sound, it is true and commonly experienced in cultures where people live more naturally.

How can I tell if I would personally benefit from a colonic?

Some of the most common signs that your body would benefit from an internal cleanse are if you are experiencing excess flatulence (gas), abdominal bloat and discomfort, protruding lower abdomen (which is a sure sign of a prolapsed colon), varicose veins, spider veins, headaches, chronic urinary tract infections, hemorrhoids, yeast and or fungal issues, lower backache, bad breathe, stiff joints, mood swings, skin problems, anxiety, insomnia, low libido, depression, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, excessive mucus, excessive stress, cloudy urine, or unexplainable weight gain. You would also benefit if you have ingested fried foods, oily or processed foods, alcohol, drugs, dairy products or other mucus forming and acidic foods. Does your colon now exhibit the signs of a well functioning colon? If not, one or more sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends. Truthfully, everyone would benefit by having a colonic cleanse at least once a year.

Is a colonic painful?

It rarely is. Usually, painful experiences are the result of resistance and tension. A professional colon therapist is skilled at putting you at your ease and minimizing discomfort. Most people actually enjoy the colonic and are especially pleased with the unaccustomed sensation of feeling lighter, clean and clear afterward. Sometimes during a colonic, the colon muscles will contract suddenly expelling considerable amounts of liquid and waste into the rectum. This may feel like cramping or gas, and may create a feeling of urgency to empty the rectum. Such episodes, if they do occur, are brief and easily tolerated.

What can I expect afterwards?

Most likely, you'll feel great. Probably you'll feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well-being. Not infrequently, someone having their first colonic will remark that it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their life. As soon as the colonic is finished you can carry on with daily routine. For some, the colonic may trigger several subsequent bowel movements for the next few hours, but there won't be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort. It's also possible you may feel light-headed or chilled for a few moments following a colonic.

If colonics are so good, why haven't I heard about them before?

In a way, the answer to that is a commentary on our present day lifestyle. Historically, artifacts and records show that people have regularly purified their bodies, including cleansing the colon. Around the turn of the 20th century, the present-day colonic machine was developed, providing a significantly improved method of accomplishing colon cleansing. Up to the late 1920's many doctors had colonic machines in their offices, and machines were found in hospitals as well. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930's. At that time modern man began a 50 year love affair with drugs and surgery. These seemed to offer relatively instant relief for body ailments, resulting in purification and prevention techniques becoming less attractive. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in using natural approaches for healing the body, and colonics have rapidly been regaining the respectability they have already earned.

Are colonics dangerous in any way?

Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe and healthy service so that you do not have to worry. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as normal procedure and clean linen is used for each colonic as well.

Who administers a colonic?

Colonics are admisitered by colon hydrotherapist.  State laws regulate what the requirments are in order for someone to legally administer them.  In most states a minimum of 100 hours of training is sufficient.  It is important to determine the level of expertise of a therapist prior to being worked upon.  Therapist that have other related expertise or training in massage, nutrition, herbology, anatomy, and other holisitc practices are always a safer prospect than someone that does not.  However, this does not mean that an experienced colon therapist that knows only colonics is not capable of giving a good service.  At the same time, a therapsit having a certification is not necessarily your best bet either.  It is always a good idea to speak to your choice of therapist and see how they make you feel.  A colonic is a somewhat intimate therapy and your comfort and sense of safety are important to a successful session.

Are colonics habit forming?

The colonic is a tool intended to be used to create a clean and healthy colon. A colon therapist who is dedicated to your health, will encourage you to set a goal of having a well-functioning colon. Our fulfilment comes from assisting you in healing your colon, not in making you dependent upon colonics. Actually, one of its features is that a colonic can be used to tonify the colon muscle so that the colon doesn't perform so sluggishly. Many people have sluggish colons. It may take days for bowel movements to return after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming "dependent" on colonics. One good colonic is worth 20 or so regular bowel movements, so it may take some time for faecal material to build up in the colon once again if one has a sluggish colon. When the colon is sluggish and bowel movements do not return for a few days after one colonic, it is an indication that extensive colon work is needed to remove the debris that the bowel has built up over the years. This build up of faecal material has decreased the muscular action in the colon. Once a series of colonics is completed , the colon will begin to function like Mother Nature intended. Colonics give you a feeling of being lighter, cleaner and healthier with a sense of well-being. Cleansing and building programs offer preventative measures so that you can be in control of your own health. Dietary changes may be necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health.

Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhoea?

The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. Sometimes if the colon is weak and sluggish, there may be no bowel movement for several days following a colonic. However this is not due to the colonic, but rather to the weakness of the colon, and should be interpreted as an indication that the colon requires strengthening and healing. Very infrequently diarrhoea or loose bowels may be experienced. This could be due to the extra water introduced into the colon or to the stirring up of toxic waste. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. However, since severe diarrhoea dehydrates the body, it must be carefully monitored.

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

We want to state that constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. Constipation is one of what may be termed "civilized man's diseases". There are three factors involved in having a well functioning colon: diet, exercise and attitude. All three must be in balance for the colon to function well. Often, however, because the colon has been sluggish for so long, it has become severely weakened due to being constantly bathed in toxic waste, stretched from holding excessive amount of stools, and frequently, constricted by chronic tension in the colon. The process of colonic hydrotherapy is excellent for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise, and attitude are then able to produce their effects. Many people find the relief provided by colonics stimulates the motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle.

Some people say that colonics wash out intestinal flora and valuable nutrients. Is this so?

The truth is that the washing out of putrefied material in the large intestine, increases the good intestinal flora. Good bacteria can only breed in a clean environment which has been washed free of putrefaction and its accompanying harmful bacteria. This is why the intestines of a new born baby immediately begin to grow good intestinal flora. Each time you clean out the putrefying rubbish and make a better environment for the good flora, they start to multiply immediately in their natural media. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one.

What effect does colonic hydrotherapy have on our immune systems?

The removal of stagnant waste material and hardened, impacted toxic residue could rejuvenate the immune tissue that resides in the intestines. Recent European studies speculate that 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. This is much higher than previously thought and makes it logical to believe that this type of therapy could influence such immune deficiency diseases as M.E., cancer and A.I.D.S.. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.

Will one colonic completely empty the colon?

Almost never. Firstly, many of us have a considerable amount of impacted feces in our colon. This is hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material. Substantial work must be done to remove it. Secondly, there is a subtle learning process involved in receiving colonics. As you become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns how to allow the cleansing experience, you are better able to enter into that process, and therefore more material is released.

How many colonics does it take to get really clean?

One colonic will remove some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. How many you may wish to have will depend upon your personal objectives.  If your intention is to cleanse your colon only then 3 to 5 sessions will do however, if you want detoxify your body then 10 to 12 sessions will be required.  In fact, for those with a history of drug use, both recreational or pharmaceutical including alcohol, exceptionally poor diets, high stress, or chronic constipation may find that even more are required as well as cleansing of specific organs. 

Can I lose weight with colonics?

Anytime you cleanse the body of built up toxins you will find that you will also lose weight.  Colon hydrotherapy is not a weight loss process but one of the side effects of a good cleansing program is weight loss.  Many people have lost over 20 pounds by simply cleansing their bodies of toxins.  Once the body is cleansed it is much easier and quicker to lose weight.

How will I know when the colon is empty?

It will probably never be completely empty, as its an organ in continuous use. As more of the old impacted material is released you will actually feel the water enter higher regions of the colon without any sense of obstruction. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.

Will a colonic clear up my skin?

Your skin actually "breathes" and is an important organ of elimination of waste material. Sometimes, if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will be required to make up the difference. Surface eruptions on the skin of various sorts may occur due to toxins being released. Cleansing and healing the colon diminishes the burden placed upon the skin as well as the other organs of elimination: lungs, liver and kidneys. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up.

Where are you located?

The Alternative Health Center is located at 9225 Chesapeake Dr. Suite H. in Kearny Mesa. You can call us at 858 467 1500 for appointments and directions.  You can also find us on the internet at www.althealthcenter.com.

PROLAPSED COLON

A prolapsed colon is a condition in which the transverse, or middle section of the colon, has dropped below its natural position inside the abdominal wall.  In its most severe stage the colon has lost all of its tone and drops completely into the pelvic bowl sitting on top of the bladder and reproductive organs.  This condition can cause headaches, colds, the flu, low energy, lack of libido, infertility, chronic urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, varicose veins, spider veins, and a host of other problems.  Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Colitis, Chron’s Disease, and Colon Cancer are all symptoms of a prolapsed, weak, and degenerated colon.   In fact, Colon Cancer has become the number one cancer among men and women combined.

 
Our colons have three sections called the ascending, transverse, and descending colon.  The ascending and descending sections of the colon are attached to the body while the transverse section that runs across the top is not.  It is held up by its tone and muscularity.  As food enters our colon from the small intestine it is in a liquid form that is called chyme.  It enters the ascending colon and from there travels across the transverse section eventually ending up in the descending section waiting to be eliminated.  As the food enters the transverse section the chyme begins to dry out as the colon draws the water out of the now digested food and then begins to mix the remaining waste with mucus giving it form and solidity.  This now solid waste is stored in the descending section until it is eliminated.  Normally this all takes 12 to 18 hours if everything is working properly.  In most people this is not the way it works at all.  Due to poor dietary choices, stress, lack of exercise, and nutrient deficiencies, we find that food stays in the colon much longer than intended.  Foods that are low in fiber, like meats, starches, and processed foods actually take up to 3 times as long to pass through the colon and becomes much more toxic as they putrefy.  This delay causes the colon to secrete extra mucus in order to protect itself from the acidic nature of these slow moving foods.  This extra food and mucus is just more weight in the colon helping the prolapsed condition to become even worse as it continues to lose its tone.

 
The colon’s tone is dependent upon calcium and L-Glutamine as well as other nutrients.  When we are deficient in these nutrients, our colon weakens.  As it loses its tone it begins to droop.  This drooping is what is referred to as a prolapsed colon.  Another problem with the lack of tone is that the peristaltic action is decreased which means waste moves more slowly and we have fewer and smaller bowel movements as well.  This added weight increases the drooping of the colon and before you know it your transverse colon is completely in your pelvic bowl sitting on top of the bladder, the uterus or prostate, as well as the veins that bring blood back from the lower extremities.  The pressure of the prolapsed colon on these veins, limits blood flow, and blood begins to pool up causing what is known as varicose veins.  Not only does the blood not flow out of the legs as it should, but the lymphatic fluid and other waste from the lower body stop flowing as well.  To make matters even worse, when the colon is prolapsed we end up with a protruding lower abdomen, or gut, that gives us an unhealthy appearance.  If you work out and still have a protruding lower abdomen it is very possible that you have a prolapsed colon.

 
Most if not all of the things mentioned so far can be prevented by a simple colon cleansing program administered by a knowledgeable therapist.