Colonics: An Interview with a Colon Hydrotherapist...

Colonics can be very important and helpful during the transition phase to a healthier way of life. It is all the old 'gunk' and toxins in us that zap are energy and make it harder to be healthy. So why not feel better faster, and get rid of it with colon hydrotherapy? Even better yet, combine it with some colon cleansing!

Leah, can you talk a little bit about your training and the training a colon hydrotherapist goes through?

Right now, The governing association for Colon HydroTherapy, The International Association for Colon HydroTherapy (I-ACT) requires students to have a college level Anatomy & Physiology course before entering into an approved I-ACT school. This schooling includes 100 hours of clinical time and delves into areas of the nervous system and the digestive system in detail as well as nutrition, state codes and guidelines, and complimentary techniques (i.e. breathing, aromatherapy - anything to have the body go into a para-sympathetic - relaxed - state). At the end of the intensive training, a student must pass an I-ACT Foundation Level test before moving into a practice. Most students then do observation with a Colonic practice of their choice before starting on their own. There are then several other levels of testing to be passed leading up the level of Instructor. We are required to pass Board Certification.

Can you talk about what colonics cost, what kinds of discounts therapists offer, and what one can expect to invest in a series of colonics?

Colonics are different from let's say, massage therapy, because each Client is buying their own one-time use equipment. So while prices are comparitable with massage, $80-$90 for a one-hour session, it costs much more for the Colon Hydrotherapist because we use gowns, underpads & tubing for each session. We do, of course, offer packages for those who plan to do more than one session and discounts vary from therapist to therapist but there is always a cost for the therapist so the discount has to meet the minimum cost. Most clients choose to do a series of 3 colonics ($255) for their package because the colon is divided into three parts and we see significant changes when clients do three within 10 days.

What feelings, sensations, and experiences can people expect during their colon irrigation. Does anyone ever experience pain?

I like to say that I'm not in the business of pain. I don't think I could do a job that inflicted pain on anyone! I know that the idea of feeling pain was a concern of mine when I first considered having this therapy, but no, there is no pain during the process. I don't think anyone would continue this therapy if that were the case. The basic process is a small tube into the rectum and a gentle flow of warm water coming into the last 6 feet of Intestines called the Colon. The biggest obstacle is the IDEA of something going into the tush, but it is not pain, as the tube is very small and using lubrication enters very easily. One comes on their back and while laying peacefully, can begin to feel the water enter into the body until they feel "full" and tells the therapist to then release the water which then comes out through the tube. Everything is of course contained in the tube and goes through a "viewing tube" before it goes into the plumbing.

Explain why colonic therapy is completely hyginiec and safe.

This is an extremely important aspect of this practice that I always explain to my clients. There are essentially three different water lines - one with highly filtered water coming into the body, one tube that that has water coming out of the body and one line one the instrument that cleans the entire unit internally after each use. There is no cross contamination and each unit must be installed according to FDA Regulations for safety and cleanliness. When each client enters the therapy room, they should be shown their own sealed packet with the tubing and speculum that will be used in their session only.

What other therapies do you offer or use during colonic therapy?

There are many levels to this practice we integrate into this therapy. It is not just about "getting waste out" as many might believe. We have a nervous system in out intestines called the Enteric Nervous System (think butterflies in your belly when you fall in love or get nervous) so talk therapy is important to help guide the mental issues we are holding onto and put them into the physical body to be released and to help us move on. So, many feel emotional, most feeling a sense of peace and calmness when they leave. While some sessions are talkative, some are quiet and meditative while I use body work throughout the hour. I also use aroma therapy, lymphatic massage and of course my degree in nutrition to fulfill the needs of each client. I love to share stories with each other that remind us of how connected we all are - my experiences of detoxing are fun to share and I always learn something from the clients I am so honored to work with.

What should a person do both before and after a colonic hydrotherapy session?

I think most people that feel they need a colonic are really wanting a deep shift in the body to feel lighter, feel less bloated, feel open and ready to let something go that our body is holding onto. Colonics aren't just about letting matter go, but relaxing the body and letting something go mentally that is not serving us any more. That said, I love to see clients with an open mind when they come in and it helps if they haven't had a heavy meal two hours before their appointment. We talk about cleansing and nutrition during the session, so if they want to make a dietary shift, they can start after their first appointment. Afterwards, I like to send them to the local organic juice bar to get a big, fresh, luscious green drink so that that is the first thing that enters the intestines. The body will be craving this after a colonic and it is a quick way to get minerals in and alkalinize the body. I also recommend no meat, dairy or fried foods and if possible to take it easy the rest of the day, although some people have a ton of energy from the hydration.

What is the single most important thing you think someone should know about the colon hydrotherapy experience?

That this ancient healing modality gives us the power to help ourselves and that sometimes, we just need to clear the eliminating organs to feel better and heal. We don't necessarily need a doctor to tell us what our body needs, we have the inner knowledge to feel that this therapy makes sense. An important fact to note is that this therapy encourages our own body's ability to correct itself by working the muscle of the colon so that we strengthen the system. Laxatives weaken the system until the colon doesn't work on it's own but colonics work the peristaltic muscle movement so that a person will have a stronger digestive system after their treatment.

Are there any dangers associated with colonics or has anything bad ever happened from colon irrigation?

This therapy was brought to light by Dr. Kellogg in 1900's when he cured several thousand patients basically using high enemas. Hospitals began using this therapy before and after surgeries and it has been common practice for centuries to clear the colon before and after medical procedures, medicine, etc. In fact, these Colon HydroTherapy Instruments were in hospitals until the mid 1970's until HMO's force them to be removed because they were too expensive to keep because they were a cost not paid by insurance. Today, these instruments are FDA approved and are a prescriptive device and have no history of any issues, problems or medical interactions to date.

What kind of relief have you seen people gain from colon hydrotherapy? Have you seen people recover from serious health ailments or disease with the help of colonics?

While I cannot diagnose, treat or give advice in regards to any client's medical conditions, I can tell you that the miracles I have seen keep me inspired each day. I never know what changes I will see in any of my clients. I am deeply humbled to see the human body respond to this healing and the power of intention. I have seen so many shifts in the body that I don't know where to begin. I will say that every client walks out after the appointment feeling better that they did coming in the door, and that this is important to me. Most clients feel less bloated, have more regular bowel movements, and digest their food without heartburn or indigestion. I also see many skin conditions go away after the first treatment.

Are there doctors who recommend colon hydrotherapy and do some offer it in their offices?

Many doctors are now recommending this therapy! It is now even a course given as Naturopathic doctors go through medical school. We are even seeing Gastroenterologists giving this therapy in their office before a Colonoscopy! This is encouraging to see the doctors embrace this effective and gentle therapy opposed to the harsh laxative drugs offered to their patients. Colon Hydrotherapy is now offered by a doctor's prescription and most Colon HydroTherapists now work under the direction of a medical doctor. Personally, I work under two doctors, an M.D. and a D.O. who see the benefit of this therapy and use it in conjunction with their protocol for their patients.

Who should consider having a colonic?

I really recommend everyone trying it. We, here in America often have or still exist on the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet). Most of the food today lacks the fiber to continuously sweep the colon clean and the foods we are eating tend to create a build-up in the intestinal tract. 99.9% of my clients come in feeling bloated or congested in the body and don't know why they don't feel more energy. Even the clients that come in and tell me they go every day feel better, because this therapy is about getting hydrated, and for most, this makes the body more efficient and creates more energy. There are many reasons I see the clients that I do and I like to tell them that their body gets them to their appointment and not their brain. We inherently know what we need.



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