What is Colonic Hydrotherapy / Colonic Irrigation?
- The digestive system
- How can colonic help
- Treatments offered (Open/Closed system)
- Preparation - Before your treatment
- What to expect during /after a colonic
THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The large intestine, also known as the colon, is a main part of the digestive tract, also including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and rectum. Measuring roughly 1.8 meters in length, our colon's primary role is to eliminate waste, toxics and unwanted fecal matter. It also plays a crucial role in absorbing water and balancing electrolytes, along with the housing a complex microbiome that aims to prevent the growth of harmful pathogens, including bacteria, fungus and parasites.
When there is poor digestive function and improper elimination from the colon, we start to see re-absorption of toxic waste, resulting in metabolic stress on our body and contributing to illness and disease.
HOW CAN COLONICS HELP
Colon Hydrotherapy works by a series of gentle filling and releasing of warm filtered water into the colon, to assist in the elimination process. Having the colon flushed out and ultimately reach a state of regularity and optimal health, not only improves overall health and wellness but it may also work on improving:
- Constipation and Diarrhoea
- Reducing gut inflammation
- Reducing gut permeability or “leaky gut”,
- Supporting digestion and absorption of nutrition
- Supporting the management of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Encouraging beneficial bacteria to grow and proliferate
- Supporting surrounding organs to work optimally (liver, gallbladder)
- Strengthening neuronal pathways between the brain and the gut to support bowel regularity
- Improve peristalsis (strengthen and tone of the bowel muscles)
- Yeast/Candida overgrowth
- Supplying adequate hydration in the colon
- Weight loss
- Skin support: Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne
- Chronic fatigue
Colon hydrotherapy is a safe, gentle and well tolerated method of removing waste from the colon or large intestine through the gentle infusion of water. It has been used clinically as a safe and well tolerated approach to colonoscopy preparation.
TREATMENTS OFFERED
Genbiome offers both an open and closed system of colon hydrotherapy.
Open system:
- The Angel of Water “open system” is a state-of-the-art system equipped with both a UV and activated carbon filtration system.
During an open-system session, the water flows automatically at a constant pressure and is gravity driven, flowing from a tank located at the end of the unit. - The disposable speculum used in open-system is thinner than a closed system, similar to pencil size, and is self- inserted about 4-5cm into the rectum using lubrication. There is a basin located under the buttocks and this where the client will release waste into. Although the waste is “open” to air, the unit is designed with a vented system to ensure odors are removed immediately.
- The Open system allows the client to be alone or have a therapist stay with them, in accordance to individual needs.
Closed system:
- The Gravity fed Colonic method “closed system” is supported by a therapist throughout the entire session.
- Water enters the intestine from a water source located above the body. This allows water to flow in and out of the body based on gravity and without the use of pumps or motors. The gentle introduction of water into the bowel stimulates the body's own peristalsis reaction, resulting in the clearing of waste from the large intestine.
- Within the “close system” a highly trained therapist will administer the treatment, guiding the patient through and applying gentle stomach massages and adjusting the water temperature and pressure to suit the patient's need.
- The close system allows the client to be supported the entire time and to utilise different methods (applied by the practitioner) to stimulate a release.
- Ultimately it's an individual preference, as well as the practitioner's clinical assessment that determines which system to use.
PREPARATION - BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT
For the best preparation it's advised to start preparing 2-3 days before your treatment.
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Although colonics work on hydration, the more hydrated you are prior to a colonic, the better the outcome. 1.5 - 2 Litres minimum of water needs to be consumed in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment.
Come on an empty stomach!
The best outcomes with a colonic are found in a fasted state. Therefore, no food 2-3 hours before your treatment.
It is also advisable to consume a light breakfast or lunch if needed, prior to your appointment.
Examples: Eggs, smoothies, juice, broth, soup, miso soup.
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Feeling Gassy?
If you are prone to bloating or gas, take some activated charcoal tables (2 hours away from any medications) upon rising to help reduce gas build up.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A COLONIC (closed system)
- Prior to the treatment your therapist will discuss the procedure and answer any questions that may arise.
- You will then be asked to empty your bladder and remove all clothing from the waist down, including underwear.
- Once complete, lay on your back with the towel draped over you.
- Your therapist will feel your abdomen, with permission, and discuss your current digestive health.
- Lying on your side, a lubricated disposable speculum will be gently inserted into the rectum which is connected to the hydrotherapy device (gravity system).
- A gentle infusion of warm filtered water circulates into the colon via the rectum. The pressure is described like a light water tap.
- Your therapist will proceed with a series of fills and releases to stimulate bowel motility and peristalsis.
- Your therapist may massage your abdomen for comfort as well as to stimulate the colon.
- You will then be advised to sit on the toilet to allow any remaining contents to empty out.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A COLONIC (open system)
- Prior to the treatment your therapist will discuss the procedure and answer any questions that may arise.
- You will then be asked to remove all clothing from the waist down, including underwear.
- Once complete, sit lay on your back with the towel draped over you.
- Your therapist will feel your abdomen, with permission, and discuss your current digestive health.
- Sitting on the Angel of Water, you will self insert a small lubricated disposable speculum into the rectum which is connected to the hydrotherapy device by sliding down on it.
- A gentle infusion of warm filtered water circulates into the colon via the rectum. The pressure is described like a light water tap.
- You will be able to release in the Angel of Water cubicle around the speculum as and when you desire. You can also empty your bladder at any time.
- You can start and stop the water flow at any time.
- If desired, your therapist may massage your abdomen for comfort as well as to stimulate the colon, but you can also be left alone for part or the entire treatment
- At the end of the treatment, you will use a small shower head to rinse yourself before stepping of the Angel of Water.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A COLONIC
Depending on the outcome of the treatment, we find that patients feel invigorated with a boost of energy or they become relaxed and a little tired.
After an initial colonic, we usually recommend a series of 3-4 colonic, as we have established some ground works and its important to continue with the process to achieve the best possible outcome.
24hrs after the colonic:
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When you return back to eating regularly, ensure you are ingesting nutrient dense, easily digestible, good quality foods that suit your body's own needs.
Increase your everyday consumption of pre and probiotic foods to help repopulate the bowel and encourage the growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract.
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- Lifestyle recommendations:
- Rest as needed.
- Eat intuitively.
- Eat slowly and mindfully
- Chew your food
Book online HERE or talk to Greta Rose Thurgood or your GenBiome practitioner about the frequency of sessions you should consider.
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