What is a colonic?
A colonic is a very gentle, but very effective method of cleaning out the colon using purified water. The colon, or large intestine, is the last 5 feet of the digestive system.
Does a colonic hurt?
No. It is a gentle process of taking and releasing water according to your body's natural rythyms. You might experience gas, nausea or cramping during your colonic which is a sign that toxins are moving out. We support you during any uncomfortable symptoms and offer massage, reflexology, and essential oils to help alleviate any discomfort.
Isn't a colonic embarrassing?
At Healing Waters, we teach you to insert the (very small) rectal tube and we leave the room to give you privacy. When you have inserted the tube and are completely covered, we come back into the room and begin your colonic.
How big is the rectal tube and how far does it go in?
The rectal tube is about the diameter of a standard size pencil. You insert the lubricated tube about an inch and a half to two inches into your rectum. You shouldn't be able to feel it when it's inserted properly.
Doesn't an enema do the same thing?
An enema only allows you to cleanse the sigmoid colon, which is the last 10-12 inches of the large intestines. So, you would miss about 4 feet of the colon. Also, an enema only flushes the sigmoid colon once. During a typical colonic, you may take and release water along the full length of your colon well over ten times.
Can't I just take laxatives instead?
Laxatives are an irritant to the body causing the body to produce a thin, watery liquid that slips through the colon and leaves behind all the impacted toxins and waste. Laxatives actually increase the toxic load on the body, decrease absorption of food and nutrients, and can cause dehydration.
What if I'm on my period?
During menstration, a woman's body is already cleansing itself and releasing built up toxins. This is an ideal time to have a colonic. It will also help to relieve bloating and cramps and other menstrual discomfort. It is helpful to remove feminine products right before a session.
Will colon hydrotherapy disrupt the natural balance of intestinal flora in my colon?
No. Even in a very healthy colon, there is a natural balance of beneficial and pathological bacteria that is essential to digestion and ideal function. Colon hydrotherapy will help to reduce pathological bacteria and will leave an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive in. If it is of great concern, you could take some extra acidophilus and/or bifidus orally or as a rectal implant after your treatment.
Does colon hydrotherapy create dependence? Is it habit forming?
No. One of the most important benefits of colon hydrotherapy is that it exercises the colon (a tubular muscle) which improves normal function.
How many sessions are recommended?
The number of sessions needed varies according to the condition of the colon and a person's general health and health goals. It is ideal to start with a series of 6 or 12 sessions (there are significant savings to purchasing a series). It is ideal to have 2 sessions the first week as close together as possible (one today and one tomorrow) followed by 2 sessions the second week and one session a week for the remainder of the series. The reason for this recommended schedule is because the body responds to a clean colon by pulling toxins from fat deposits, tissues, and organs and dumping them into the blood stream. It is ideal to eliminate these toxins through the colon rather than reabsorbing them back into the body. Depending on a person's health needs, maintenance could be weekly, monthly, or an annual cleansing series. We are happy to help you design a cleansing program that meets your health needs and your budget.
What if I have hemorrhoids?
A person with deflated hemorrhoids can have a colonic without any problems. Inflammed, itchy and hot hemorrhoids need to be treated by a doctor before you can comfortably experience colon hydrotherapy. We recommend non-surgical treatment, especially electronic shrinkage.
Do you take insurance?
We do not take insurance. If your insurance company covers colonics or you have a Flexible Spending Account, we will be happy to provide you with a detailed receipt.
Is it like a colonoscopy?
A colon therapist cleans out the colon, but we don’t look at it. During a colonoscopy, your doctor will use a scope to look in your colon. Colonics help to improve colon health, but colon therapists don’t diagnose disease.
How long does it take?
You’re normally on the equipment for about 40 minutes. 20 minutes is the minimum recommendation to get a basic cleanse. 40-60 minutes is the maximum recommendation by I-ACT (The International Association of Colon Therapists), so that the colon doesn’t get worn out or over-tired.
Will I lose weight?
While there is often a temporary weight loss benefit to colonics, they aren’t an effective long-term weight loss strategy. Colonics will definitely help with weight loss when used together with diet and exercise.
How will I feel after my colonic?
Most people have increased energy and feel excellent by the next day.
It really depends on your digestion and your health. People in generally good health with good digestion normally feel great after their colonics. People that have digestive problems or health problems can feel tired or have other symptoms of toxins moving through the body after their colonic. Your colon therapist will support you and make recommendations so that you will feel your best as soon as possible.
Will I have to be in the bathroom all day?
No. You should be fine to go about your normal routine for the rest of the day.
