There have been numerous recent articles in the press about the dangers of colonic irrigation. Had I not personally been having colonics for over 7 years, I too would have been scared of talk of kidney failure and bowel ruptures.

The most important thing to remember is to visit a reputable clinic and better still a colonic hydrotherapist who has been recommended to you. After all not all therapists are the same! I also recommend speaking to the therapist before booking an appointment to make sure you feel comfortable with them personally; ask them to explain the treatment to you. If it doesn’t ‘feel’ right, find someone else…

Colonic irrigation should be a gentle treatment: the therapist works with you throughout, explaining what is happening and tailoring the treatment around your needs, safety and comfort. Personally I encourage breathing exercises and abdominal massage to help relax the bowel and encourage deep relaxation for a more comfortable treatment.

There are times when cramping, dizziness, nausea and discomfort may arise. Any colonic hydrotherapist who says this isn’t possible is either not very well experienced or not being straight with you.

Of course we all want our clients to jump joyously off the treatment couch at the end of the session, claiming how light and energised they feel–but this is not always the case. Sometimes you may feel tired or nauseous, cramps or a headache as during the detoxification process your body is suddenly eliminating old waste matter that has been stuck in the body for years. The temporary cramping sensation, which can often feel like period pains or diarrhoea is usually the body’s way of trying to release hard impacted faecal matter. It takes work for the colon to let this go and this can be the reason for the discomfort. Generally these waves only last from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes and then they pass. Headaches may also be a sign of dehydration and usually pass after a short rest and plenty of water to help flush the toxins through. I generally find the more toxic somebody is, the more negative symptoms they experience after the treatment. However, after a good nights sleep, you normally feel more energised and alert with clearer skin, mental alertness, flatter tummy, a reduction in bloating and more regular bowel motions.

After care is also very important and you should be given a probiotic after your colonic to encourage healthy bowel flora, to replace what’s been eliminated. A warm herbal tea also helps your body recover and rebalance your electrolytes, essential for normal function of our cells and our organs. You should also feel you can speak to your therapist after the treatment should you have any concerns, whether on the day or a few days later.

I am delighted to say that I’ve never known anyone suffer renal failure or a perforated bowel! Again, if the treatment is conducted professionally with regular feedback from your client there is never any reason why such a drastic scenario should arise.

If we were living according to nature, we would have far less need for these types of cleansing treatments but unfortunately modern day living doesn’t help the body stay healthy and clean. Colonics were an integral part of health and longevity for the Egyptians in 1500BC who valued the benefits in their quest for youth, beauty and longevity. These days, people are more inclined to go for a quick fix laxative or some other synthetic medication which often irritates the bowel wall, causing more inflammation which leads to bloating and makes the bowel more sluggish longterm.

I’m surprised that the the conventional healthcare system doesn’t advocate colonic irrigation more as enemas used to be a regular procedure in hospitals before operations, labour and to ease constipation and stomach pains. Over the years this practice has died out as patients didn’t like the procedures and the nurses were often rushed and unsympathetic; they didn’t like having to perform them either! A colonic is similar to an enema but far more involved as it cleans the whole bowel not just the sigmoid colon (the part of the colon closest to the rectum).

While there may be ‘no scientific evidence’ to prove the efficacy of the treatment, the proof is how well you feel after the treatment. From my 7 years experience performing and receiving colonic irrigation treatments, I don’t think there is any doubt that people feel better from having cleared old waste matter from the body; some of which may never have been released otherwise! It’s just good common sense.

Leave a comment below and tell me what you think…

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