More Colonics Q & A
by Wendy McPhail, CT, CCN
What is a colonic irrigation?
Also known as a colonic, colon lavage, colon hydrotherapy or high colonic, a colon irrigation is a safe, effective method for cleansing the colon of waste material by repeated, gentle flushing with water.

And the colon, what is that again?
The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract (food-carrying passageway extending from mouth to anus). The colon is approximately five feet long and 2.5 inches in diameter.  Its major functions are to eliminate waste, conserve water and the reabsorption of electrolytes and minerals.  Also, there are bacteria living in the colon that synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamin K and portions of the B complex vitamins.

What is the purpose of getting a colonic?
Waste material which has remained in the colon for some time – ie., impacted feces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucus, parasites, worms, etc… pose several problems.
First, this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the bloodstream making us feel ill, tired or weak.  Second, impacted materials impair the colon’s ability to assimilate minerals and good bacteria.   Finally, a buildup of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, slow transit time, and constipation.

How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?
A toxic colon is prevalent in all civilized societies and particularly in America. Common signs may include:  Sinus problems, headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odor, irritability, confusion, skin blemishes, abdominal gas, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, low energy,  bloating, diarrhea, sciatic pain, etc…

A colonic cleanses the colon.
Toxic material is broken down and removed so that it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination. Even debris built up over a long period is gently but surely removed in the process of a series of irrigations. Once impacted material is removed, your colon can begin again to cooperate as it was meant to.

A colonic exercises colon muscles
The buildup of toxic debris weakens the colon muscles and impairs its functioning. The gentle filling and emptying of the colon with pure water improves the peristaltic activity (muscular contraction) by which the colon naturally moves material. This will help speed up the transit time of fecal material once the colon muscles have been toned, strengthened and rejuvenated.

A colonic helps reshape the colon
When problem conditions exist in the colon, they tend to alter its shape and structure, which in turn causes more health problems.  The gentle action of the water, along with the massage techniques and experience of the colon therapist help to eliminate bulging pockets of waste and eventually narrowed, spastic constrictions, finally enabling the colon to resume its natural state.

A colonic stimulates reflex points
Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points. A colonic irrigation stimulates these points, affecting the corresponding body parts, organs, tissues, glands in a beneficial way (similar to reflexology).

A colonic hydrates the body
Our bodies are made up of 60-70% water and with the use of pure water during the colon irrigation session, our bodies are able to absorb much needed clean and pure water to hydrate the cells of the body so that they can function at a higher rate, as well as dilute the toxins already present within the body.

There are three factors involved in having a well-functioning colon:  diet, exercise and attitude. All three must be in balance for a colon to function well.  Often, however, because the colon has been sluggish for so long, it has become severely weakened due to being constantly bathed in toxic waste, stretched from holding excessive stool and constricted by chronic tension.
The process of colon irrigation is excellent for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise and attitude are then able to produce beneficial effects.  Many people find that the relief provided by colonics stimulates the motivation and enthusiasm to create further positive changes in their lifestyle.