Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Is colon hydrotherapy safe?
A : Yes. The speculums (insertion tubes) are well lubricated and made of soft smooth plastic and will not damage the bowel wall. The water used is clean, filtered water. The equipment used has a water filter and over pressure and over temperature safety shut-off mechanisms making it safer than an enema. The water pressure is set low (equivalent of gravity), so that water is not being forced into the bowel. During the treatment the machine monitors the pressure inside the bowel, we can see when your bowel is ready to release and that way we never overfill. Many people think they are going to be pumped full of water, however the water flow rate is so low that you hardly even notice the water going in. We listen to your body and vary the water treatment flow and temperature to suit your needs and make the treatment as comfortable and effective as possible.
Q : What qualification has my therapist?
A : I have a degree in Master Herbal Medicine (Irish School of Natural Healing) and a diploma in Naturopathy (College of Naturopathic Medicine) and have completed 150 hours of training at the Colon Hydrotherapy Institute of Ireland. I am also trained and insured to administer natural herbal and probiotic implants to enhance your treatment.
Q : What is the history of colon hydrotherapy?
A : The practice of colonic irrigation and colon therapy dates back to the Eber Papyrus, an Egyptian medical document written in 1500 B.C, Hippocrates, Pare and Galen also advanced the use of enema therapy. The popularity of colon therapy reached its apex in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. At that time, colon irrigation machines were commonly seen, and regularly used as a standard practice, in hospitals and Doctor’s offices. With the development of laxatives, the public’s use of, and access to, this valuable health treatment greatly decreased. In the last 10 years there has been a resurgence of interest in personal health care responsibility. This interest has led to the development of modern equipment which has made the therapy very safe and hygienic. Today, things have come full circle and progressive hospitals and doctors are now recommending colonic irrigation as an effective, comfortable and safe alternative to bowel medications.
Q : Does colon hydrotherapy hurt ?
A : No. A session of colon hydrotherapy feels just like going to the toilet. Most of the time clients do not even know if the water is going in or out. Occasionally if a large amount of waste is being released it may feel a bit like diarrhoea (after all it is water that is being released) but this passes once the waste has been released. Many first time clients remark that it was much easier and much more pleasant than they had imagined. I try to be as gentle as possible and listen to your body during each treatment.
Q : How much of the bowel is cleaned during colon hydrotherapy ?
The water cleans the large intestine, which is the last 5 feet of the digestive tract. To simultaneously cleanse the 22 feet of small intestine I recommend a two-week detox program of three parts:
1. Dietary changes. Please follow my cleansing program dietary information sheet
2. Colon hydrotherapy treatments
3. Natural cleansing and nourishing supplements
Q : Should I see a doctor before my first colon hydrotherapy session ?
A : If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of colon hydrotherapy you should consult with a doctor. If you have any of the contraindications then you will not be able to receive the treatment. If colon hydrotherapy is not suitable for you, you may want to come for a consultation and/or food intolerance testing instead.
Q : What kind of machine is used ?
A : At the Hydro Clinic I use a closed system, which is the most hygienic system and is now being used in hospitals in the US. Closed means that all the water and waste leave the colon and enter the machine directly through a tube, which means you – the client are not exposed to any waste or odors. The machine also has safety over pressure and over temperature mechanisms and is disinfected after each use.
Q : Is there any possibility of picking up an infection from the machine ?
A : No. I only use sealed pre-sterilized single use disposable hoses and speculums. The machine is disinfected after each session.
Q : How long does colon hydrotherapy take ?
A : Please allow 90 minutes for the first colon hydrotherapy treatment, which includes a 30-minute consultation, and 60 minutes for follow-up treatments. Treatment time varies per person between 30 minute and 45 minutes.
Q : Does having a menstrual period effect the treatment ?
A : Not at all, I have noticed that this is actually a good time to have colon hydrotherapy treatments as your body is naturally eliminating at this time.
Q : Can I work directly after having colon hydrotherapy ?
A : Yes. You can work just as you would after a really good bowel movement. However, since it is common to feel tired after a first colonic I would recommend that you book an evening appointment if it is your first time.
Is colon hydrotherapy safe?
