Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Colon Hydrotherapy and why do we use this as a healing therapy?

You may be looking for relief from bloating, constipation, skin issues, hormone imbalances, weight gain, depression, fatigue or any other issue that points to an imbalance in the body. I know how it feels all too well, as I have been there myself!

I have witnessed the many reasons that people seek Colon Hydrotherapy. Sometimes they’ve seen doctors for specific conditions or tried to treat their symptoms on their own with no results or understanding how to get better. After just a few colonic sessions, I have seen awesome results that allow clients to get their lives and their health back on track to feeling balanced, renewed and inspired in life. I LOVE what I do and am honored to be assisting you on your healing journey. I do not aim to fix any problems, yet by working with clearing the Enteric Nervous System located in the gut, cleansing the intestines and clearing the liver, the body is healed at a foundational level, the symptoms dissapate and you feel better. I invite you to try the process. I walk you through it step by step, empowering you to learn more about your body, inspire you to heal yourself let go of things no longer serving you on your path. 

1. What is a colonic and why would I get one?

Colon Hydrotherapy, or colonic, involves the gentle cleansing of the large intestines of the digestive system. This comfortable and relaxing process is provided in a loving, calm and spiritual space, allowing the body to receive and also to let go of emotions, debris and beliefs held deep in the core of our physical self. Education of human anatomy is given so that you may better understand your own physical make-up and how the body works.  Clients choose Colon Hydrotherapy when challenged with constipation, alternating constipation and diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and other distresses of the intestinal tract. Some use the therapy as a support for detoxification programs and cleanses, or when medically indicated, such as a colonoscopy preparation and before radiologic or endoscopic examinations. Colon cleansing is not a cure, but can be a valuable means of “maintenance” for a wide variety of different health challenges.

2. Is there a special type of water used for Colon Hydrotherapy?
I use highly filtered water which passes through two separate filters and ultraviolet light before being heated to the desired temperature. This filtered water is capable of absorbing and flushing more toxins out of the colon because of its drawing effect on solid particles, chemicals and other matter.

3. How is Colon Hydrotherapy different from enemas?
Enemas are good to clean out the sigmoid and rectal areas of the colon, which extend to about 1 ft. A series of colon-hydrotherapy treatments can clean out and remove impacted material from the whole colon which is 5-6 ft long. Additionally, colon hydrotherapy promotes peristalsis and helps the colon muscles regain their tone, assisting the return of regular bowel movements.

4. Will laxative accomplish the same result?
Laxatives empty the colon short term but are an irritant to the body. Therefore, the body produces a thin watery substance that goes through the colon and leaves behind impacted toxins and waste. Colon hydrotherapy uses pure water and does not irritate the body. One of the tremendous benefits is that it actually hydrates the body.

5. What can I expect from Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure, but a valuable procedure used to assist the body for a wide variety of different colon-related conditions. By re-toning the bowel wall and improving colon functions, the entire body is able to function more efficiently.

6. How do toxins accumulate in the body?
Toxins accumulate in the body as a result of stress and/or consuming too much acidic food, such as sugar, white flour, caffeine and alcohol. When the bowel becomes unnaturally acidic, it attempts to protect itself by secreting a glyco-protein substance that lines the entire intestinal wall. This is known as mucoid plaque. This substance is what makes it hard for the body to absorb vitamins and nutrients, which could result in chronic malnutrition. When the bowel becomes toxic, it contaminates the blood, which in turn, spreads the toxins to the heart, lungs, brain, muscles etc. as it is delivering nutrients throughout the body. In the end, the liver is left to deal with toxic blood, and after years of relentless toxicity, it will become sluggish until it no longer functions. At this point, the toxins will begin to collect in other parts of the body. Diseases will manifest wherever they settle. Overall, cleansing allows you to remove accumulated mucoid plaque in order to rebuild your bowel, your liver and protect yourself from disease.

7. What is a healthy well–functioning bowel?
If you are in good digestive health, you should not be severely under or overweight. Typical digestion does not include regular heartburn, gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain. Researchers believe the best way to maintain a healthy digestive system is by eating a nutritious diet.

8. How many daily movements does a healthy bowel have?
When it comes to regularity, everyone is totally different. Having one bowel movement a day is a good frequency for some, while others may have as few as one every few days. Other healthy people may even have 3 per day. The goal is to be symptom free: no abdominal discomfort, no heartburn, no bloating, no constipation, no pain.

9. How many sessions are recommended?
Each individual is treated on a case-by-case basis.  However, overconsumption of meat, dairy, sugar and white flour products along with heavy exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, has caused our body to become toxic. Our body’s immune system can no longer handle the heavy amount of toxins that our food and environment continue to bombard us with. Our health problems didn’t start overnight. It was gradual pollution of our body. So, it stands to reason that detoxing and cleansing the body cannot be accomplished in one session.

A series of colonics is necessary. A minimum of 3-4 sessions over a 3 week period is ideal, depending on the health condition of the person. If one is detoxing, the body is releasing toxins at a faster rate. The human body is exceptionally smart. When we clean out the colon, the body starts pulling waste out of the tissues and sending them into the blood stream. The waste heads for the liver, then back to the colon. Therefore, the second Colon Hydrotherapy session is necessary so that the digested waste is eliminated rather than reabsorbed. The same reason applies to the following one either within a few days or the second week. After the first four, I then recommend maintenance sessions every three months (as the seasons change, our diet and lifestyle changes). This greatly benefits both the digestive and immune systems.

I believe that all clients should complete a series of colonics, preferably once or twice a week when they first start their cleansing/detoxing. Here’s why:

1. The colon is an absorbing organ, when water is infused into the colon it will absorb a portion of the water and hydrate the entire body. All of the body’s organs are hydrated, this is one of the reasons that people who do a number of colonics report a significant improvement in the quality of their skin (the skin being the largest organ).

2. After the first colonic session the colon has a significant amount of water in it. By doing another colonic, clients report more significant releases, especially if you are adding fresh vegetable juices to your daily diet. This is primarily because the colon is already hydrated and flushing out impacted matter is easier when it has been softened.

3. Another reason for the second colonic is the fact that although one is releasing toxins from the body, some toxins may be reabsorbed (remember the colon is an absorbing organ). So, what happens is the client may report flu-like symptoms that night or the next day. When the client comes in for the second session the liver will pull toxins from the blood system and send them into the colon where the colonic is readily able to flush them from your system.

10. How much time is required for a Colon Hydrotherapy session?
Please allow one hour for your first visit. This is a timed procedure, therefore please be on time for your appointment. Please allow one hour for each subsequent visit. The session itself lasts 45 minutes.

11. Is it possible to have Colon Hydrotherapy treatment while having periods?
Colon Hydrotherapy is perfectly safe during this time and may help decrease the cramps and the bloating accompanying the menstruation.

12. How does Colon Hydrotherapy affect the bacteria balance in my body?
Colon hydrotherapy does not flush all good or bad bacteria out of the body. Once toxins are removed from the colon, the beneficial bacteria have a cleaner habitat facilitating their reproduction and multiplication, therefore achieving a positive bacterial balance. The body has trillions of bacteria and it’s constantly replenishing them.

13. Are there symptoms when we omit toxic substances and cleanse the colon?

When a regular diet of stimulates such as coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar, and others are eliminated from your diet, some clients report having headaches, flu-like symptoms, and possibly even mild depression. At this stage of detox, colon hydrotherapy helps to flush these toxins out of the system.

14. Why do these symptoms occur?
This is due to the body discarding toxins which are removed from the tissues and then transported by the blood to the liver and then the colon for elimination. All symptoms generally pass by the third or fourth session of Colon Hydrotherapy. Clients often mention an increase of energy after the second session.

15. Is Colon Hydrotherapy habit forming?
No, colon hydrotherapy is not habit forming. On the contrary, one of the features of colon hydrotherapy is the toning of the colon muscles, which helps in maintaining and resuming regular bowel movements.

16. How will we know when the colon is empty?
The colon will probably never be empty, as it’s an organ in continuous use. As more of the impacted material is released, clients comment on feeling the water enter higher regions of the colon without any sense of obstruction. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.  If you are preparing for a colonoscopy, please follow any instructions from your doctor.  It may be advisable to receive 2 colonics back to back to clean out the bowel contents. 

17. Is Colon Hydroth­erapy painful?
Only in the case of a severely impacted colon might you experience a slight discomfort or some cramping as the waste makes its way out of the body. Some cramping may occur as the colon contracts to expel waste. Once the major impaction is removed, you will find the session pleasant and relaxing and are sure to feel much lighter and more comfortable.

18. Is Colon Hydrotherapy embarrassing?
Your dignity and privacy is completely maintained at all times in the comfort of our calming and soothing private treatment room. During your bowel movement, there is no odor with the LIBBE system. You will insert the nozzle yourself in privacy, be covered at all times, and have the option to be in the room without your therapist if you prefer during most of the treatment session. I promise, it’s much better than you’re thinking it will be! Most clients are shocked at how relaxing and awesome their experience was at Body Temple.

19. Is there any reason I should NOT have a colonic?

CONTRAINDICATIONS

A contraindication is a condition that serves as reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm it would cause someone. Your therapist will consult all of these contraindications with you before your appointment as some people may still receive therapy with a doctors prescription.  Below is a list of most contraindications for having a colonic at Body Temple Colonics.

Abdominal Hernia, Abdominal Surgery, Abnormal Distension, Acute Liver Failure, Anemia, Aneurysm (All Types), Carcinoma of the Colon, Cardiac Condition, Crohns Disease, Colitis, Dialysis, Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis, Fissures & Fistulas, Hemorrhaging, Any Seizure Disorder, Hemorrhoidectomy, Intestinal Perforations, Lupus, 1 & 3 trimester Pregnancy, Rectal/Colon Surgery, Renal Insufficiency, Kidney Disease, past colonoscopy within 12 weeks, and C-Section within 9 months.

-Those taking Prednisone or blood thinners are also prohibited from receiving this service due to the possibility of those medications weakening the intestinal walls.

If you have any questions in regards to the contraindications, please feel free to contact me. 

 I thoroughly check the suitability of each individual prior to starting any treatment. In some cases, I may refer you to your doctor for further examinations to assess suitability for treatment or to get a prescription to receive colon hydrotherapy.

20. What preparation do I need to do prior to embarking on a colon hydrotherapy treatment program?
No fasting is necessary prior to a treatment, and the few dietary adjustments that I recommend will greatly enhance your results. These are very important and I encourage you to commit to and follow them in order to get the maximum benefits from the course of treatments. Please NO FRIED, SUGARY, PROCESSED, REFINED “foods”. FRESH IS ALWAYS BEST!

21. What should I do immediately before a session?
It is advisable to refrain from eating solids for two hours prior to your scheduled appointment. This is to avoid feelings of bloating, as well as ensuring maximum comfort during your Colon Hydrotherapy session.

22. After a session, how might I feel?
You will leave your treatment session feeling re-balanced, rejuvenated, re-energized. Many clients report feeling like they’re walking on clouds from feeling so much lighter and cleaner. Know that you can do anything after your session you would normally do – exercise, work, eat, etc.

23. What kind of diet should I follow immediately after a Colon Hydrotherapy session?
Following a cleansing of the large intestines, the body may feel very relaxed. This is simply your body processing through cleansing; proper rest is important at this time to give your body time to rejuvenate. Immediately after receiving Colon Hydrotherapy, it is important to:

• Drink plenty of liquids (purified water, fresh vegetable juices, herb teas, and electrolyte liquids).
• Avoid eating raw vegetables straight after the treatment. Steamed vegetables and raw fruit are sufficient. (Chew thoroughly).
• Reduce meat consumption (especially beef, pork as well as chicken), alcohol, caffeine, and sugars.

24. Does Colon Hydrotherapy affect the electrolyte balance in the body?
In the 1989 study, “Effects of Colon Hydrotherapy on Serum Electrolytes” conducted by National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, USA found: “No patients experienced any clinically significant symptoms or disturbances”. The body is an amazing instrument constantly replenishing itself.

1. Can I start a New Diet and receive a colonic?

A great time to start a new diet is after a colon hydrotherapy session. With your intestines cleansed, you can start eating a new, healthy diet and begin to feel the results much faster. It is important to stay strong on your path towards a healthier YOU and best if you choose a diet that does not include refined sugars which have a negative effect on your health, weight, and overall wellbeing.   When we start a cleanse to detox the body, it can seem like our symptoms get worse before they get better. This can be confusing, especially if we have eaten fairly well throughout our life but, like everyone, we haven’t eaten perfectly. If we decide to do a cleanse and notice that our bowels are not releasing normally or we begin to notice more gas and bloating, the first thing we would suggest is – starting the detox with a colonic to clear out whatever may be in the colon at the start of the cleanse. This would help to open the “door” so that toxins that are being released have somewhere to go. If still experiencing bloat, it could be an indication that the lymphatic system is not flowing as efficiently as it could. 

 I recommend everyone to get a dry skin brush.  Dry skin brushing is a technique used to move the lymphatic system and clean the dead skin cells from our bodies. Using a natural bristle brush, brush the skin in single strokes up toward the heart. It is important to do this on dry skin daily, before showering or exercising.  The best part is that we can do this ourselves and we can do it anywhere.

• Anger, resentment, and fear may cause our lymphatic system to become congested and inflammation in the body can arise. These feelings put our bodies in a contractive state, disrupting the flow of circulation and energy. The lymphatic system is part of our circulatory system, so to heal our lymphatic system, it would be wise to find a way to heal through our emotions first, then finding ways to get these fluids moving.  A lymphatic drainage practitioner may be of assistance. Although I do not currently practice lymphatic drainage, I can refer you to someone if needed.