Katherine Brooke B.A. (Hons), Lic.Ac.

What is Colonic Hydrotherapy?

Colonic Hydrotherapy is an internal bath that helps cleanse the colon of poisons, gas, accumulated faecal matter and mucous deposits. Using sterilised equipment, filtered water is gently introduced into the rectum which progressively softens and expels faecal matter and compacted deposits. Unlike an enema, water is not retained. There is a steady flow in and out which stimulates the colon helping to regain the natural tone, shape and peristaltic action.

The colon, or large intestine, is an important part of the digestive system, some five feet in length and two and half inches in diameter. It completes our digestive process and handles food waste and much other bodily waste. It is normally populated by billions of friendly bacteria which assist to detoxify waste, synthesise certain vitamins and help us guard against infection.

Why have Colon Hydrotherapy?

The purpose of colonic hydrotherapy is essentially to re-educate the bowel which it does by re-establishing a more normal shape and form, emptying pockets/diverticuli, decreasing toxic effect and increasing overall energy and well being.

Poor elimination can lead to many chronic conditions that Colonic Hydrotherapy can help; irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, mucous colitis, spastic colon, diverticulitis, sluggish liver, halitosis, headaches, flatulence, skin problems (eczema, psoriasis), bloating, asthma and many allergies. It can also help with emotional/psychological conditions such as lethargy and depression.

Some complex conditions such as Crohn's disease, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and intestinal candida are also helped by the resultant detoxifying effect of Colonic Hydrotherapy.

What is involved?

The procedure involves the gentle infusion of warm filtered water into the rectum. The abdomen is massaged at stages throughout the colonic, which can help loosen impacted faeces and mucous which is then piped away in the wastewater. There is no physical exposure to the waste product by either the client or the therapist during the procedure. It is not painful and only slight cramping may occur when gas or waste has accumulated.

The number of treatments required will vary according to the individual and the condition being treated, though deposits built up over a lifetime cannot be shifted in one or two irrigations only.

Is any preparation required?

It is strongly recommended to follow a programme of bowel cleansing herbs prior to the colonic procedure and your therapist will advise you accordingly. Better results are achieved more rapidly following a bowel cleansing programme.

Is it safe?

Yes. Equipment is sterilised using approved sterilisation solutions, which kill all prevalent bacteria, viruses and fungi in minutes. Countless thousands of colonics have been given safely. The water pressure is very low, so there is no danger of bowel perforation and the water used is pre-filtered.

Unlike regular use of laxatives, which encourage bowel laziness and have many negative side effects, colonic hydrotherapy is not habit forming and in fact, improves muscle tone.

And the results.....

Most people quickly experience improved mental clarity after colonic irrigation. With their toxic load diminished and elimination improved, a greater feeling of well being and lightness is experienced.

Obviously relief from bloating and constipation are welcomed but because of the broader effects of cleaning the colon, there will be other positive responses such as a healthier complexion, brighter vision and increased energy and vitality.

Further Reading

The following are a few books that I readily recommend to those committed to optimising their health, or for those who want to gain a little more insight into how their body and specifically their bowels work.

The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush by Andrea Moritz For more information

Always Look After No.2 by Galina Imrie For more information

Good Gut Healing by Kathryn Marsden For more information