How do you clean your colon?

Known as a 'colonic', colon 'hydrotherapy' or 'cleanse’ or a ‘colonic irrigation’, names vary but it is the same natural, drug-free procedure where purified water is gently inserted into the colon via the anus. The water slowly loosens and flushes excess waste built-up in the colon by encouraging the colon muscle to move and strengthen, so any old sticky, gristly, gaseous or mucous waste materials are loosened and gently removed from the body. A clean and hydrated colon enables the body to refresh, cleanse and support all the other organs especially the blood, lymph, tissues and bones. Colonic hydrotherapy has enormous health benefits and could make a huge difference to your daily life, by improving digestion, energy levels and so much more.

Why have a colonic?

The truth is after eating, what happens in our body between the stomach and the toilet, has a serious daily impact on our energy, emotions, vitality, complexion and susceptibility to disease. Over time, waste materials can overload the body’s system and become compacted and hardened into gas, mucous, an inflammation or parasites. This impacts the digestive ‘plumbing’ system, slowing it down and weakening the transportation of waste. Just like old or heavily soiled pipes, the colon can be slowly compromised over years of heavy work, illness, trauma and generally just overdoing it to not work effectively and harm our body.

Signs of an unhealthy colon/large intestine:

  • Bad breath, coated tongue and general body odour
  • Unhealthy skin, sallow complexion and dull eyes
  • Aches and pains and/or swollen joints
  • Confusion and irritability
  • Fatigue and insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Allergies and/or chronic sinus problems
  • Bloating as well as flatulence or diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain, tenderness
  • Lower back pain or poor posture
  • Brittle nails and hair
  • Cold hands and feet
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Menstrual changes, discomfort
  • Sluggish mood, lack of interest and enthusiasm
  • Sciatic pain
  • Yeast infections
  • Depression and anxiety

7 reasons to have a colonic:

  • To rehabilitate the colon’s natural peristalsis - muscular movement
  • To cleanse the colon of unwanted, built-up waste
  • To stimulate the reflex points in the colon
  • To re-lubricate and hydrate the lower bowel and overall digestive system.
  • It is a powerful, drug-free process to increase immunity and reduce diseases.
  • To clear the solar plexus of emotional trauma
  • To reduce cravings and addictions 

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Is a colonic natural? Or am I doing something weird?

When asked this question (as she very often is), Lesley White, of Smiling Buddha in Ubud, Bali says dental care is the perfect analogy to colonic care,

“The truth is that the colon gets neglected because we’re a bit squeamish about things ‘down there’ – water therapy is wonderful, powerful and a lot less stress and discomfort than you’ll ever have at the dentist.”

We give serious attention to our teeth by drilling, filling and daily brushing but forget about the other end. Both ends of the digestive system work hard every day, we should really give our colon as much care and attention as we give to our teeth and mouth.

How many colonic sessions should I book?

Often practiced as a series, but one is better than none! Some detox programs or health care practitioners recommend a series of three colonics, taken every second day. To deepen the process of a continuously hydrating, strengthening and flushing colon, others say three over two weeks is helpful. One single colonic, however, will almost certainly NOT clean you out completely.

Most people have a considerable amount of compacted faeces in their colon, which is like a hard, rubbery material and takes work and nudging to release. Your body gets better at colonics as well, and can go with the process more easily each time, so it is true that you will get more out each time you have a colonic – and this too is fascinating to watch! It is incredible to see just how much baggage the large intestine carries around and to observe the benefits to your skin and energy levels by a deep cleanse and letting go of old baggage, both physically and mentally.

When should I NOT have a colonic?

Colon hydrotherapy is NOT safe for those with the following conditions or circumstances:

  • Aneurysms, GI haemorrhage/ perforation
  • Severe anaemia
  • Uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Diverticulitis
  • Severe Haemorrhoids, Cirrhosis or Abdominal hernia  
  • Colon cancer or tumours of the bowel or rectum.
  • Recent colon or abdominal surgery
  • Renal insufficiency, Fissures or fistulas
  • Advanced pregnancy – speak to your doctor first.

You can have a colonic if you are menstruating and you feel comfortable, just let your therapist know. Many women find that colonics ease menstrual cramps, improve flow and relieve symptoms of PMS.