Colon Hydrotherapy Colon hydrotherapy, is a safe, effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs. By introducing filtered and temperature regulated water into the colon, the waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis. This process is repeated a few times during a session. Colon hydrotherapy is best used in combination with adequate nutrient and fluid intake as well as exercise. Today's sophisticated technology promotes both the safety and sanitation of this popular cleansing practice. Why Should I Be Concerned About My Colon? The colon has been referred to as the sewer system of the body. It is the place where we store the waste material that most of us would rather not think about and most of us don't until our health becomes poor or we feel constipated or have diarrhea. It best benefits the body due to release of this accumulated congestion in the bowel. Historical View Historians tell us that the practice of Colon Hydrotherapy or, in its most basic form, the enemas was first used by the Egyptians. The Ebers Papyrus, of the 14th century B.C., and the Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 1700 B.C.), both mention enemas and give directions for the use of the enema. The Essene Gospel of the third century stated, "The uncleanness within is greater than the uncleanness without. And he who cleanses himself without, but within remains unclean, is like a tomb that outward is painted fair, but is within full of all manner of horrible uncleannesses and abominations." The 17th Century became known as the "age of the enema", or the "age of clysters". It was an acceptable practice in Parisian society to enjoy as many as three or four enemas a day, the belief being that an internal washing or "lavement" was essential to well-being. By the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, with the advent of rubber, the enema or clyster slowly gave way to colon hydrotherapy equipment which improved the cleansing of the colon. Dr. Kellogg reported in the 1917 Journal of American Medicine that in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease in over 40,000 cases, he had used surgery in only twenty cases. The rest were helped as a result of cleansing the bowels, diet, and exercise. Colon hydrotherapy eventually gained the attention of James A. Wiltsie, M.D., who contended that "our knowledge of the normal and abnormal physiology of the colon, and of its pathology and management, has not kept pace with that of many organs and systems of the body." He went on to say, "As long as we continue to assume that the colon will take care of itself, just that long will we remain in complete ignorance of perhaps the most important source of ill health in the whole body." How Many Colon Hydrotherapy Sessions Does One Need? Of course, the number of colon hydrotherapy sessions desired will depend on the individual. Every person's goals will differ. Just as some people exercise on a daily or weekly basis to tone and tighten their outer body, some people follow an ongoing cleansing, toning and rebuilding regimen for the inner body. Colon hydrotherapy could be used as part of any regular maintenance program. What to Expect Patients are usually expected to go to the toilet just before treatment starts; they then lie on their side on a couch having removed only the lower garments. The therapist will then carefully insert a narrow tube, fitted to a larger hose, into the rectum - in the right hands, this causes little or no discomfort. A measured amount of water is then allowed to flow in. At this point, the patient usually lies on their back as the therapist gently massages the stomach, manipulating the large intestine to loosen any impacted material. Having lain the client on their side again, the therapist will release the water which will contain trapped waste. This procedure may be repeated several times at each session to the therapist's satisfaction. The removal of waste should encourage better colon function and elimination. During the session, most clothing can be kept on and you will be draped, or a gown might be worn to ensure modesty. Your dignity is always maintained. Sanitation Modern colon hydrotherapy equipment is manufactured through compliance with strict FDA guidelines that dictate rigorous accountability. The FDA-registered equipment features temperature controlled water mixing and back flow prevention valves, pressure and temperature sensors, and a built-in chemical sanitizing unit and/or water purification unit. Disposable single-use rectal tubes, and/or speculae are highly recommended. I-ACT recommends the use of currently registered FDA equipment and disposable rectal nozzles/speculae. Should the therapist use reusable speculae, these speculums should, at a minimum be autoclaved for sanitation and cleanliness. Additionally, I-ACT recommends that each therapist not using equipment currently registered with the FDA, consider upgrading their equipment to FDA registered equipment in the very near future. Colon Hydrotherapy Client & Hydrotherapist Population It is estimated that there are many hundreds of colon HydroTherapists in the United States assisting hundreds of thousands of clients to enjoy the benefits of colon hydrotherapy. Many of these clients claim that due to colon hydrotherapy, they have been able to live their lives without drugs, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and pain pills. In a society where Eastern and Western medicine combined to give us the best of both worlds, the acceptance of colon hydrotherapy has continued to grow with impressive results. Professional Associations The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) heightens the awareness of the colon hydrotherapy profession, ensures continuing and progressive education in the field of colon hydrotherapy and implements professionalism beyond reproach. I-ACT � P.O. Box 461285 San Antonio, TX 78246-1285 (210) 366-2888 � fax (210) 366-2999 http://www.i-act.org iact@healthy.net Colonic International Association 16 Englands Lane London NW3 4TG. |
