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May 05, 2006

Colon Hydrotherapy

by SirGan

SteadyHealth.com - Health Topics Forum Index -> Articles archive

Colon Hydrotherapy is an alternative medical procedure, which includes a gentle and safe infusion of water into the colon through the rectum. It is very important to point out that no chemicals or drugs are used, which makes this colon hydrotherapy soothing and successful. The procedure is also called Colon irrigation!

What's so good about this procedure? 

A colon hydrotherapy session is equivalent to 20-30 regular bowel movements. After the colon hydrotherapy session, the hydro-therapist will make an evaluation as to whether more or less treatments are necessary.

History of colon hydrotherapy

Although, many people think that this is some new and fancy method of colon cleansing- it is far from truth! The earliest references of colonic hydrotherapy are found in an Egyptian medical scroll called the Eber Papyrus which dated around 1,500 BC- which means about 3500 years old source! It was used for treating constipation which was believed to have been the root of many diseases and illnesses.
Described procedure was a primitive version of the therapy- an enema! In these sources, procedure was similar, although water was introduced into the bowel by using a hollow reed inserted into the rectum.

Procedure

Throughout colon hydrotherapy, the client lies on a customized table in total relaxation state. Then, a small and disposable instrument called speculum is then gently inserted into the rectum. About 25-30 gallons of warm, clean water enters into and out of the colon. The fluid is removed after a short period, and the process may be repeated several times. During the treatment patient will feel a slight pressure in the abdominal region, together with a sensation of ‘butterflies’ when material is passed.
Many people consider this method to be something filthy and stinky! But this is far from truth! The fact is that all systems that conduct the waste are sealed which means that the whole procedure is done without offensive odor and in a dignified manner with respect to the person. It is performed by skilled colon hydro-therapists.

Indications for the treatment

Why people contact their hydro-therapist? Well, some don't have any noticeable bowel troubles, but they are afraid because they’ve heard something about one of the many diseases of the colon.
Others may feel that their diet could be poor, and they just want to keep their colon clean.
Everyone should know that, over time, accumulated fecal matter causes the colon to become distorted in shape. It is proven that from 4 to 40 pounds of fecal matter can add up. It is logical to assume that this puts an unneeded strain on the surrounding organs, the nervous system and even inhibits with the absorption of essential nutrients your body needs from the colon.
Not many people know that poor diet, stress, drugs, chemicals, and other substance irritate the colon, and, in these cases, it protect itself by producing more mucus, which can bind and form accumulated residue on the colon. It can remain in your colon, even if person is having regular bowel movements.
Most common indications are:
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea      
  • Frequent Severe Headaches     
  • Backaches  
  • Fatigue       
  • Bad Breathe (Halitosis)   
  • Foul Body Odor     
  • Irritability     
  • Chronic Skin Problems (Acne)   
  • Frequent Mental Confusion       
  • Abdominal Gas & Bloating
  • Lower Back Pain   
  • Sciatic pain  
  • Low Energy & Vitality      
  • Low Resistance to Colds 
  • Frequent Infections
  • Mental or physical sluggishness
  • Bladder infections, frequent urination
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Acne, psoriasis and other skin complaints
  • Anxiety, depression, irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Cellulitis

Benefits of colon hydrotherapy

Colon Hydrotherapy can be most beneficial in helping some aspects of a healthy functioning of a colon and the whole body. Some of the most beneficial effects are:

  • Clearer passage of nutrients into the blood
    Buildup of toxic materials, over time, can prevent the normal absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. This cycle could be broken with single colon hydrotherapy.

  • Clearing the colon of old, hardened, waste material and harmful toxins
    Toxic materials that can be found in colon are being broken down so it can no longer harm your body. Once this impacted material is removed, your colon can again begin its normal elimination function.  

  • Increasing prevention of toxic absorption through healthy mucosa.

  • Promoting a return of normal, orgasmic and regular bowel movements.

  • Providing a favorable environment for bacteria and micro-flora for digestion.

  • Restoring proper pH balance to the body.

  • Strengthening peristaltic (natural muscular contraction) activity in the colon
    It is proven that gentle filling and emptying of the colon can improve peristaltic-natural muscular contraction activity, which helps removal of waste material.

  • Reshaping the colon
    Over time, the natural shape of a colon will become distorted, especially with people with poor diet and lack of exercises. The gentle water action will help eliminate protruding pockets of waste and narrow constrictions. After a series of colon hydrotherapy treatments, the colon gradually begins to resume its natural shape.

Colon hydrotherapy and enemas

Most of the people don’t know the difference between colon hydrotherapy and enema colon therapy. There is a big difference, although there are many similar things about them.

Every potential patient should know that enema is also the procedure of introducing liquids into the rectum and colon via the anus and that they can be carried out for:

  • Medical reasons- constipation and other conditions of the colon…

  • as part of alternative therapies,

  • For erotic purposes, particularly as part of BDSM activities

When we talk about medical usage of the enemas, they are being used for:

As a laxative

After administration of the enema, the patient should relieve all his problems with constipation. Enemas are even now being used to relieve constipation, although their use has been largely replaced by oral laxatives and laxative suppositories.

Enemas don’t contain only water- that important thing to keep in mind. For example, laxative enemas contain also:

  • Sodium phosphate solution, which draws additional water from the bloodstream into the colon

  • Mineral oil, which functions as a lubricant and stool softener.

Cleaning the lower bowel

This is done prior to a medical or surgical procedure. These enemas commonly contain the sodium phosphate variety.

The administration of substances and medications into the bloodstream

This is usually done in such conditions where it is impossible to deliver a medication by mouth. Some medications, usually corticosteroids and other medications used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease could be also very practical!

Radiological purposes

A barium enema is used as a contrast substance in the radiological imaging of the bowel.

The bottom line

Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum, which are the lowest 8 to 12 inches of the colon. Usually, one or two quarts of water are used to do that. So you understand that colon hydrotherapy is much more effective in cleansing the upper portions of the colon.

Colon hydrotherapy and laxatives

Rectal laxatives are medications or supplements used to produce bowel movements in a short time.

They can be used as enemas or rectal suppositories. Most commonly used are: Bisco-Lax, Ceo-Two, Dacodyl, Deficol, Dulcolax, Fleet Babylax, Fleet Bisacodyl, Fleet Enema, Sani-Supp, Senokot, Theralax, Therevac Plus and many others…

There are several different types of rectal laxatives and they work in different ways.

Some of the most common are:

  • Carbon dioxide-releasing
    Carbon dioxide-releasing laxatives are suppositories that support bowel movements by forming carbon dioxide, a gas. Then, the gas pushes intestinal stool masses against the intestinal wall, causing contractions.

  • Hyper-osmotic
    The main purpose of these laxatives is to draw water into the bowel from surrounding body tissues. This provides a soft stool mass and increased bowel action.

  • Lubricant
    Laxatives with mineral oils in them surround the bowel mass, which is keeping moisture in the stool. The stool remains soft and its passage is made easier.

  • Stimulants
    Stimulant laxatives act on the intestinal wall. Using the effects of some medications-they increase the muscle contractions that move along the stool mass.

  • Stool softeners
    Stool softeners are helping liquids mix into the stool and prevent dry, hard stool masses.

Indications for laxatives

  • They are very good before giving birth and even for a few days after giving birth because the strains during bowel movement could be very painful

  • preparation for examination or surgery

  • to help a bit in developing normal bowel function, especially after a period of poor eating habits or a lack of physical exercise

  • following surgery when straining should be avoided

  • constipation caused by other medicines

The bottom line

Laxatives are made for various results such as, relief of temporary constipation and to build up the tone of the colon muscle but, they are also not sop effective in cleansing the whole colon!

Colon hydrotherapy costs

The cost of colon hydrotherapy by a trained therapist should be a minimum of 50$ to as much as 175$ per treatment. Some may feel this is too expensive but, most of the patients are telling that, once you see the results from colon hydrotherapy, you will continue to detoxify the rest of your life.

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    Article sources
    • www.bodybuilding.com
    • www.wikipedia.com
    • www.mayoclinic.com