With group coupon sites growing in popularity, it seems that we are exposed to more and more alternative health therapies. From body wraps, to massage and colonics, the possibilities are endless.
The only problem is that although many of us have a curiosity, without knowing more about the therapy, it’s hard to commit, buy, and try.
Among the most popular is colon hydrotherapy. Nowadays many people are asking if cleansing is good for you. As a believer in natural and alternative health, I of course say, yes indeed!
A colonic, also called colon hydrotherapy, is an alternative health practice in which warm filtered water is used to flush waste out of the colon. It is believed that over time, undigested foods, mucous, and other waste begin to accumulate in the colon, causing a myriad of negative health symptoms.
Many common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, headache, and low energy. After a colonic, many report feeling more rejuvenated, clean, and clear.
Livestrong.com has reported benefits of colon cleansing to include relief from constipation, inflammation, allergies, and IBS, as well as weight loss, an increase in energy levels, and the flushing of parasites.
According to Livestrong.com, removing waste from the colon can help “reshape the colon if it has been stretched out and distorted from impacted material. This can reduce any pressure that may have been placed on neighboring organs.”
There are many benefits of colon cleansing. Some even say that because toxic build-ups often lead to disease, detoxing can help prevent it.
So how does it work?
Sessions usually last about 45 minutes, but can go up to an hour. Like a traditional doctor visit, a typical session starts by filling out paperwork and having a brief intake with the therapist, going over any symptoms you may be feeling. This is the time when any misconceptions or anxieties about the session can be addressed and hopefully taken care of.
The therapist will insert a disposable speculum into the anus. The speculum is connected to a long hose, which is connected to the colon hydrotherapy unit. The unit will be turned on, pumping warm filtered water into the colon.
As the colon fills up, it causes the muscles in the colon to contract, causing feces to be pushed out through the hose and into the unit. The colon hydrotherapist may massage the tummy to help get things moving, and can usually comment on the amount or color of feces that is coming out to give you some insight.
The colon hydrotherapy unit is a closed unit, so there are no strange odors. For the curious colon-cleanser however, the tubes are clear so you are actually able to see the removal of feces.
It is normal to expect some discomfort during the process, as you are removing toxic waste from your system.
Colonics are not for everyone. According to About.com, "the majority of conventional health practitioners do not feel colonics can improve overall health".
Some contraindications include pregnancy, hemorrhoids, or intestinal issues such as Crohn’s disease. Consult your doctor if you’re unsure whether a colonic is right for you.
Remember that knowledge is power. The more you know about certain therapies, the more willing you’re going to be about trying them (many people rave about colonics)!
Take the first step and learn about interesting alternative therapies, you’ll never know what might end up saving your life.
Sources:
Benefits Of Colon Cleanses | LIVESTRONG.COM. (n.d.). LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools | LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/140155-benefits-colon-cleanses
Colonic - What You Need to Know. (n.d.). Alternative Medicine - Everything You Need to Know About Alternative Medicine. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from http://altmedicine.about.com/od/coloncleanse/a/colonic.htm
Natural Colon Cleansing: Is It Necessary? . (n.d.). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/balance/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary?page=2
What Are The Benefits Of Colon Hydrotherapy? | LIVESTRONG.COM. (n.d.). LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools | LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved February 20, 2012, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/23214-benefits-colon-hydrotherapy/
Reviewed February 20, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith