Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle purified water washing of the large intestine. The client lies on a massage table and with a colon hydrotherapy machine, the Hydrosan, water is run very slowly into the colon. When slight pressure builds up in the colon, the water is released. As the water is flowing out through an illuminated glass viewing tube, the abdominal area is thoroughly massaged. This process is repeated during the hour long treatment. In one session approximately two to six liters flow into and out of the large intestines. To insure maximum sanitation, a disposable water and waste line and speculum are used.
The physical goals of each session are to hydrate the system, remove waste, stimulate peristalsis*, rehabilitate the nerves, muscles, glands, circulatory and immune systems that form the components of the digestive system, and to reposition the intestines.
Why do people receive Colon Hydrotherapy?
- Athletes have opted for colon therapy to improve metabolic efficiency.
- Many receive the treatments during a period of life-style change or as a preventive measure.
- Another group manifests symptoms of intestinal distress; constipation (some from prescription drugs), carbohydrate indigestion, diarrhea, gas, bloat, hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diverticulosis, colitis, parasites, skin conditions such as psoriasis, shingles, and eczema, inability to loose weight, and scar tissue and adhesions from surgery.
- Another group is pain motived; abdominal pain, continuous headaches and migraines, back or shoulder pain, aching joints, gout.
- A number of clients are immune-compromised with lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, cancer, chronic fatigue, Epstein-Barre, candida, infections, colds or influenza.
- Colon hydrotherapy sessions are used for medical reasons: pre- and post-surgery or barium x-ray, stool samples, and geriatric.
- A number come in during a fast, a cleansing program, a raw food diet, a liver and/or gallbladder flush, or recovering from an accident.
- Some are working on emotional issues which they feel are physiologically rooted in their intestines.
How do the intestines get out of shape?
Everything we put in our mouth touches and effects the walls of the stomach, small intestine, and colon (large intestine). When these substances or their by-products are toxic, they damage the intestinal wall and cells, intoxicate the nerves and glands, and can be absorbed through the walls into the blood and lymph and ultimately to the cells and tissue.
As a result, peristalsis declines. The slower transit increases fermentation and putrefaction of undigested food by bacteria and yeast. The bacteria and yeast give off toxic wastes in the form of acids and gasses. These substances also cause inflammation and damage to the cells of the intestinal walls. Research indicates these substances can create abnormal behavior and abnormal brain behavior. The nervous system is directly effected.
Elimination becomes incomplete and waste remains in the intestines. Dehydration and stagnation occur. This matrix creates erratic conditions in the body we call disease. The main dietary offenders are animal products, salt, sugar, flour, chemicals, and drugs. They are lifeless and give no energy to the digestive system.
How is the lymph system related to the intestines?
The lymph system is part of the circulatory system and a major organ of the immune system. Its clear-to-white fluid is composed of many different types of white blood cells and other substances. One of its main jobs is to transport nutrients from the blood to each cell and remove its waste. Some of the waste is transported to the intestines via the lacteals, that part of the lymph system which empties into the small intestines. It then passes into the large intestine for elimination.
When the intestinal walls are impacted the lymph system retains the cell waste. The prolific number of lymph nodes in the abdominal region also become storage points for the waste. Lymphatic fluid becomes thicker and if accompanied with dehydration sets the stage for an impaired immune system.
Keep the lymph highly fluid by focusing on daily fluid intake, diet, and exercise.
Constipation is any form of congestion and is usually accompanied by dehydration. It extends to the cellular level. One bowel movement a day is a sign of constipation and incomplete elimination is a form of constipation. Symptoms are overweight, fatigue, irritability, mental confusion, bloat, gas, indigestion, lethargy, headaches, migraines, earaches, sinus drainage, allergies, cellulite, anxiety, depression, pessimism, whining, unsatisfied hunger, poor circulation. Have I named a familiar problem yet?
A colon hydrotherapy session begins to hydrate the system and break up the impacted and dehydrated fecal, mucoid, and other waste material that layer the walls of the intestine. Once again, the intestines are capable of receiving and disposing of waste from the body, stopping the backup and reabsorption of toxic materials. Assimilation of nutrients improves. The liver and kidneys are relieved.
How do I restore my intestinal health?
Hydrate, dissolve, disinfect, soothe, and tonify intestinal tissue.
The colon hydrotherapy sessions with water and abdominal massage break up this matter within the small and large intestines with excellent results. People attain the most success with colon hydrotherapy when done in conjunction with fluids, exercise and diet.
The most successful dietary methods of removing waste from the walls of the stomach, small intestine, and colon are:
- keeping a fluid intake of three quarts plus
- mixing powdered psyllium seed husks in juice or water and drink
- using a high volume of fresh orange, grapefruit, or pineapple juice and balance with a form of chlorophyll*
- eating a high volume of fresh fruits and vegetables
- fasting.
Psyllium has the capacity to extract many feet of mucus from the intestinal walls in a short period of time. Fruits are solvents in the system and acid fruits are the strongest solvents. Bentonite is occasionally used with psyllium to chelate out toxic metals and minerals, disturb parasite habitats, neutralize toxic acids, and for additional absorptive power.
Massage therapy and a regular exercise program break up hardened matter, stimulate lymph circulation, and tonify weakened abdominal tissue.
Herbal and dietary products may be used to disinfect, soothe, and tonify tissue. Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial herbs such as pau d¹arco or garlic can be used to disinfect when toxins are in circulation from the cleansing. Marshmallow, chaparral, and slippery elm help heal inflamed tissue. Oak bark, persimmon and other astringents* as well as living foods aid in tonifying weak intestinal tissue.
Resolve the issues that are harming you in any way emotionally and mentally.
What is the best thing I can do to help my intestines?
Breathing is number one. Exercise, yoga and meditation are the best ways to focus on and train ourselves to breathe. The rhythm of the breath is the basis of peristalsis, relaxation of the nervous system and regeneration of the blood. All are necessary for a healthy intestines to work.
We have been focused exclusively on the mouth and eating for so long. When we extend our focus to include the intestines and elimination, we have a balance between the two and our health grows.
Hold the vision of right relationship with the intestines and live into it.
Glossary
- Peristalsis
- is the muscle motion of the entire gastrointestinal tract that in rhythmic contractions and expansions propels matter from mouth to anus. Peristalsis needs high fluids, plenty of physical exercise, living food, and a harmonious emotional and mental state in order to function.
- Chlorophyll
- is the pigment that makes leaves green. Its magnesium molecule transmutes into an iron molecule in the body and is the basis of the red blood cell. Examples are marine and blue-green algaes, spirulina, wheat and barley grass, leafy salad greens.
- Astringent
- herbally is any plant that is able to contract the tissues and canals of the body thereby tonifying them.