22 Nov 2008
Q: How does a colon cleansing
compare to an enema?
A: An enema only bathes the lower
part of the colon, whereas a colon cleansing bathes the entire length of
the colon, approximately five to five and half feet.
Q: How much of the large intestines
are actually cleansed during a colon cleansing?
A: During a treatment we are
actually able to bathe five to five and a half feet of the colon.
Q: Should I see my doctor before
having a colon cleansing?
A: It's always a good idea to consult your doctor. A medical examination is not required except for those who are ill. It is recommended to see your MD, acupuncturist, naturopath, or chiropractor for a yearly check up. The Colon Hydrotherapist will check for situations (contraindications) that are not appropriate for a colonic at this time.
Q: How long does a treatment
take?
A: Between 35 and 45 minutes,
but you should plan for an hour to one and a half hours.
Q: Does having a menstrual period
at the time of the cleanse have any effect on the success of the treatment.
A: It depends on the woman. It can be a good time to receive a colonic and discuss this with the colon therapist. In fact it's usually a good time to receive a treatment, since your body is already cleansing. Your menstrual flow will not interfere with the success of the treatment. Flushing the colon will also reduce abdominal pressure associated with menstrual cycles. If there are cramps call and speak with your practitioner to discuss whether to reschedule.
Q: What should I do to prepare
for colon cleansing?
A: Refrain from eating before
the cleansing, be as relaxed as possible, and maintain a positive, cheerful
attitude. Do not drink carbonated beverages. It's a good idea to lighten
up the diet. Drink fresh juices, eat fruit, vegetables, salads, and soups,
limit your dairy intake and eat light protein. Take herbal cleansing products.
Check in with your colon therapist for support and to develop a plan of
action.
Q: Is there any possibility of
bacterial or viral contamination form prior use of the colonic machine?
A: The latest colonic machines now use pre-sterilized hoses and speculums. Since these accessories are only used once and then thrown away there is no danger of contamination. The unit is cleansed with disinfectant cetylcide in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines.
Q: Will I experience any intestinal
discomfort or fatigue after the cleansing?
A: Not usually, but since the
cleansing will stir up a lot of old debris and toxins; you might experience
some nausea or fatigue. I recommend resting for several hours, and the
whole day if possible. Any discomfort will usually pass within 24 hours.
Since the colon is cleansed thoroughly after a colonic, it may take 1-2
days until a regular bowel movement begins.
Q: Do I need to use acidophilus
after a colon cleansing because the treatment washes out flora from the
colon?
A: The large intestine is producing bacteria on a daily basis and adherence to proper nutrition will enhance the colon's ability to maintain balance following colon hydrotherapy. Colon cleansings don't wash out large amounts of flora. I urge the use of acidophilus because it is an opportunity to improve the bacterial balance in the colon. Remember that seventy percent of the body's immunity is in the colon. It
consists of a balance of candida, bacteria, and acidophilus, and taking
acidophilus helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Q: Can I work after a colon cleansing?
A: Certainly. Colon cleansing
should not interfere with your scheduled day. It is preferable to rest
for a few hours before going to work, or time a cleanse while not working.
Q: How many treatments are recommended?
A: Specific recommendations will be suggested. An initial series of between three to six treatments is recommended. Years of improper nutrition cannot possibly be reversed in a few treatments. More treatments may be required in cases of chronic constipation or a sluggish colon condition. Following the initial program, it is advisable to have a series of three treatments every 3-6 months to maintain optimal colon health.
Q: How is the lymph system
related to the intestines?
A: The lymph system is
a major part of the immune system. One of its main jobs is to transport
nutrients from the blood to each cell and remove its waste. It then passes into the large intestine for elimination. The lymph nodes in the abdominal region also become storage for the waste and all this may lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome with materials leaking into the abdominal cavity.
Keep the lymph highly fluid
by focusing on daily fluid intake, diet, and exercise.
Q: Why not take laxatives?
A: Laxatives are irritants and damage receptor cells and may lead to a sluggish bowel and less ability to eliminate waste on your own (dependency may occur).
Q: What can I expect during a session?
A: A session is a comfortable experience for many people. You wear a
cotton gown and your dignity is always maintained. You are laying on a
comfortable massage table, Techniques utilized allow a small amount of
water that is purified to flow into the colon gently stimulating the
colon's natural contractions to release the softened waste. This is
repeated several times with the colon therapist monitoring the water
temperature and pressure, guiding and supporting the entire process, and
might include emotional support as well. When there is some discomfort
or mild cramping due to gas for example there is support given as the
releases are occurring with breathing and abdominal massage. You get to
see the waste being released through a closed system in a lit up viewing
tube.
At the end of the session most people feel emptier, cleaner, lighter,
and happier. Occasionally you might feel tired or if there is a lot of
waste that has been in there it gives a good reference for a client to
see that there is more to clean out and be inspired to learn more.
Q: When are colonics contraindicated?
A: When there is any bleeding in the colon, pain, severe hemorrhoids,
cardiac disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, aneurysms, colon perforation, G.I. hemorrhage, cancer, hernias, fistulas, renal insufficiency, surgery in last six months. May be done in pregnancy forth to sixth month if you have had them before pregnancy. Discuss any concerns with your doctor and colon therapist.
Q: How important is cleaning the large intestine to the whole
body?
A: It is very important because it is a neuroreflex for the whole body
and effects all body systems, even the brain. Organs will atrophy if
not absorbing good nutrients and water, and this is aging. After
opening the colon then the other organs of elimination can do their jobs
better, like the kidneys, bladder, liver, gall bladder, and the lymph
and immune systems.
Q: Is it dehydrating to get a colonic?
A: One of the jobs of the colon is to reabsorb water eight to ten times
every thirty minutes. This is how your body hydrates itself. During a
colonic you are releasing most of the water and some gets absorbed into
the body and some into the bladder, therefore you are getting hydrated
during a session. Most people are walking around dehydrated, so
remember to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. It will prevent
constipation.
Q: If I am fasting can I skip colonics?
A: It is not suggested to skip colonics during fasting. When we fast we seem to forget about all the medications, and the artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives, pesticides, flavor enhancers, etc, in our foods that we have consumed. The more time digestive waste spends in the colon, the greater your chances are of reabsorbing these toxins. You want to move these elements out of your body as soon as possible. To the degree your colon is clean is to the degree your blood stream is clean. No matter how sluggish your colon is it is still reabsorbing while dehydrating your digestive waste, pulling the waste back into your body's system through the blood stream. One colonic can be equivalent to three days of fasting. Remember, what goes in MUST come out in a timely fashion two to three times a day.
Q: What can you tell from what comes out in a session?
A: The colon therapist can see if you are chewing your food well, the amount of gas you may have, your peristalsis (muscle tone), if you are hydrated, and the amount of mucus that you may have.
Q: Is the water used in the colonic filtered?
A: Yes, there are two carbon filters that remove chemicals such as chlorine, bacteria, mold, herbacides, and particles below five microns, and an ultraviolet light that kills viruses, parasites, and cryptosporidium.
Questions & Answers
Commonly Asked Questions About
Colon Therapy
Temple of Peace
Healing Sanctuary
808-575-5220