THERAPISTS
Adrian Mills IST MAI Dip MFHT GBCCH
Gillian Mills BSc PGDip GBCCH
Do you suffer from:
Allergies and/or food intolerances
IBS
Constipation/Diarrhoea
Candida (yeast infections/thrush/athletes foot)
Bloating
Flatulence
Headaches
ME
Bad Breath?
All of the above conditions can be aided/alleviated by a course of colon hydrotherapy.
GUT HEALTH FACTS
1. The healthy transit time of food through our bodies is less than 24 hours, however the UK average time is 60 hours for men and 70 hours for women.
2. The UK is the most constipated nation in the world
3. The UK has the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the world with 35,000 new cases per year
4. In the UK, cancer of the colon is second only to heart disease as the most common cause of death.
5. 1 in 3 people consulting GP's have a bowel problem.
Colon hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method for cleansing the colon of waste material by repeated, gentle flushing with water. The process can result in:-
· Increased energy levels
· Relief from bloating
· Relief from constipation and IBS irritable bowel syndrome
· Stimulation of the body's immune system
· Clearer skin
· Allow the free passage of nutrients into the blood steam
· Provision of a favourable environment for friendly bacteria and micro-flora, aiding digestion
· Promotion of normal and regular bowel movement
· Improved mental clarity
How much does colon hydrotherapy cost?
Each session costs £55. You should allow up to 90 minutes for your first consultation and up to 60 minutes for follow-up sessions. We have two therapists offering colon hydrotherapy on the following days:
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(Pease note: Treatments are available Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 9am-5pm. We may also advise the use of herbal supplements (not laxatives) between treatments to maintain your progress especially if there will be more than a week between treatments. These herbs come at an extra cost but this works out at about £16 for a months supply. If you have any other questions after reading this page, then please do not hesitate to contact us.)
What is the colon?
The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract. The colon is approximately 5 feet long and 2.5 inches in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. In addition there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamins "K" and portions of the vitamin "B" complex.
What is the purpose of having a colonic?
Waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time, (i.e. impacted faeces, dead cells, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms, etc.), poses several problems. Firstly, this material is quite toxic. These poisons can re-enter the bloodstream and circulate making us feel ill, tired or weak. Secondly, impacted materials impair the colon's ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria- produced vitamins. Finally, a build-up of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation, bloating and discomfort.
How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon?
It is likely that most people have this condition as it is prevalent in all civilized societies, and particularly in the U.K. Common signs include: headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin problems, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhoea, sciatic pain, and so forth. If your bowel is working correctly then you should be having a bowel movement 2-3 times a day.
Is intestinal toxicity a common condition?
Yes it is, but toxicity is not limited to just the colon. Toxic material is found throughout the body, particularly in fat tissue, joints, arteries, muscles, liver, etc. Colonics effectively eliminate large quantities of toxic waste, affecting the condition of the entire body. If you don’t unblock your ‘drains’ then excess waste material will have to be stored by the body wherever it can!
As the colon isn't the only organ of elimination, what makes the colonic so important?
While the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver also serve to eliminate toxins, people have experienced throughout history that when they ensure that the colon is cleansed and healed, the well-being of the whole body is greatly enhanced. Colonic hydrotherapy has been found to be the most effective process available to accomplish this work quickly and easily.
What makes a colonic so special?
In a 45 minute session approximately 15 gallons of water is used to gently flush the colon. Through appropriate use of massage and acupressure the colon therapist is able to work loose and eliminate far more toxic waste than any other short-term technique. In addition to removing excess waste material, colonics achieve several other benefits:
1. Cleanse the Colon: Toxic material is broken down so it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination. Even hard debris built up over a long period, which acts like an internal ‘plaster cast’ preventing proper muscle activity, is gently removed over a series of treatments. Once impacted material is removed, your colon can begin to function as it was intended to. In this very real sense a colonic is a rejuvenation treatment.
2. Exercise the Colon Muscles: The build up of toxic debris weakens the colon and impairs its functioning. The gentle filling and emptying of the colon improves peristaltic (muscular contraction) activity by which the colon naturally moves material.
3. Reshape the Colon: When problem conditions exist in the colon, they tend to alter its shape which in turn causes more problems. The gentle action of the water, coupled with the massage techniques of the colon therapist helps to eliminate bulging pockets of waste and narrowed, spastic constrictions finally enabling the colon to resume its natural state.
4. Stimulates Reflex Points: Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points. The action of the water stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts in a beneficial way (similar to reflexology on points of the feet affecting all body sytems).
How can I tell if I would personally benefit from a colonic?
Does your colon now exhibit the signs of a well functioning colon? That is, do you have a bowel movement several times a day and are those bowel movements easy to pass and well formed? If not, one or more sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends. Even if you do not feel comfortable with the idea of a colonic, we can offer a session of advice and abdominal massage which you may find a more comfortable starting point. It is very common for people to be nervous and uncomfortable at their first treatment but it is extremely rare for those same people not to comment on how easy the whole process was and go on to recommend treatment to their friends and relatives.
Is a colonic painful?
No, at most you are likely to feel a bit uncomfortable but your therapist will ensure that you feel in control of your own treatment at all times and if you wish, the treatment can be stopped at any point. A professional colon therapist is skilled at putting you at your ease and minimizing discomfort. Most people actually enjoy the colonic and are especially pleased with the unaccustomed sensation of feeling lighter, clean and clear afterward.
Is it embarrassing to have a colonic?
No, you will fully maintain your personal dignity. You will be in a private room with only your therapist, who fully appreciates the sensitivity of the colonic procedure and will help you feel at ease. After the gentle insertion of a small tube into the rectum, you are completely covered. Rubber tubing carries clean water in and waste out in a gravity pressured system. The mess and odour sometimes present during an enema simply does not exist with a colonic.
Is there anything I need to do to get ready for a colonic?
Since your abdomen will be massaged it is a good idea to eat or drink lightly in the 2 hours immediately preceding a colonic.
What can I expect afterwards?
Most likely, you'll feel great. Probably you'll feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well-being. Not infrequently, someone having their first colonic will remark that it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their life. As soon as the colonic is finished you can carry on with daily routine. For some, the colonic may trigger several subsequent bowel movements for the next few hours, but there won't be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort. Many regular clients have a colonic in their luch hour and then go back to work!
Are colonics dangerous in any way?
Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe and healthy service so that you do not have to worry. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as normal procedure and clean linen is used for each colonic as well. The water pressure used is limited to about 1/5th of the pressure that the colon can handle. There are some medical conditions which may prevent you from safely undergoing the colonic procedure – please ring and ask if you have any specific concerns.
Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhoea?
The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. Sometimes if the colon is weak and sluggish, there may be no bowel movement for several days following a colonic. However this is not due to the colonic, but rather to the weakness of the colon, and should be interpreted as an indication that the colon requires strengthening and healing. Very infrequently diarrhoea or loose bowels may be experienced. This could be due to the extra water introduced into the colon or to the stirring up of toxic waste.
How long does a colonic take?
Probably 90% of all colonics take about 45 minutes. It could also be shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgement of the therapist and sometimes, the wishes of the client. There will also be about 15 minutes required before the colonic for the therapist to go over your medical history, another 15 minutes should be allowed for changing. For your first colonic you should expect to spend an hour and a half at the clinic.
Is there a special kind of water used for colonic hydrotherapy?
We use highly filtered water, which passes through three separate filters before being heated to body temperature. This kind of 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. Tap water is not used because it already has numerous chemicals and inorganic substances present.
Will it be okay to eat after having a colonic?
We suggest that you eat at your normal meal time, and consume a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Just as it doesn't make sense to have you car cleaned and then immediately drive it through mud, eating a meal known to cause trouble in your abdomen directly after a colonic isn't an intelligent choice. Many people feel that the expense of colonic treatments gives them the incentive they need to ditch the junk food!
Will one colonic completely empty the colon?
It is highly unlikely that one session will achieve removal of all the old, stored waste. Firstly, many of us have a considerable amount of impacted faeces in our colon. This hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material requires substantial work to remove it. Secondly, there is always an element of uncertainty with the first colonic but as you relax and become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns how to allow the cleansing experience, you are better able to enter into that process, and therefore more material is released. One colonic will remove some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. How many you may wish to have will depend upon your personal objectives and whether you continue with any bad habits you may have. We can tailor a programme of treatments around each client’s personal and financial circumstances and will help you to achieve as much as possible between treatments.
How will I know when the colon is empty?
It will probably never be completely empty, as its an organ in continuous use. As more of the old impacted material is released you will actually feel 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. Following the initial course of treatments, most people return once or twice a year for a ‘spring clean’ which will maintain the benefits that have been achieved initially.
The digestive system begins at the mouth, food is then swallowed and passes down the oesophagus to the stomach. Once the stomach has completed its part of the breakdown of food, the food passes out into the small intestine. The small intestine is extremely long and coated on the inside by tiny finger-like projections that increase the surface area. The main role of the small intestine is to absorb all the nutrients in the food following its breakdown by the stomach. The colon forms the last part of the digestive tract and carries out a number of vital functions including the completion of the digestive processes. The colon absorbs water from the remains of our food to keep us as hydrated as possible (one of the main problems with not drinking enough water is that the colon absorbs even more water in an attempt to maintain hydration leaving the material in the colon drier and harder to move). The colon also manufactures some essential substances and helps to protects us from infection and disease with large areas of immune system tissue being found in its walls.
The walls of the digestive system consist of layers of muscle that can become weak through inactivity in the same way as any other muscle. If the colon is stretched out of shape or doesn’t get regular exercise (e.g if you are constipated) then the muscles will become lazy and make constipation worse. Conversely, if you take laxatives regularly, the muscles will be overworked and in the same way as over-exercising, they will be too tired to function correctly (which means people take more laxatives and a vicious circle develops). A healthy bowel will have complete elimination two to three times daily. A healthy bowel will move food through the body in approximately 24 hours (gut transit time) – i.e as you finish todays breakfast, you should need to pass the remains of yesterdays breakfast. It is “normal” in this country for the gut transit time to be around 60-72 hours. This means that the average person is carrying around up to 9 meals worth of waste material that should have been flushed away.
In terms of its elimination function, the colon is like the sewage system of the body. Modern colonic hydrotherapy is the gentlest, safest and most effective way yet discovered of clearing out waste matter, faecal matter, gas, mucus and toxic substances which have become trapped in the colon. It uses – in its basics - a fairly simple system of purified water being encouraged to move around the colon under the force of gravity only. Every time new water enters the colon it progressively softens and expels faecal matter and compacted deposits. At the same time the ‘tidal flow’ of water stimulates muscle activity in the wall of the colon helping to restore it to a normal level of activity (hence the common usage of colon hydrotherapy rather than colonic irrigation).
It is not just our western diet of processed food and lack of dietary fibre that causes problems. We also have to contend with the petrochemicals in make-up and toiletries, the stress of balancing our work/home lives, a lack of exercise, pollution and pesticides, not to mention our tendancy to pop a pill to aid our symptoms when we feel poorly. All these things contribute to a build up of toxic waste which our body has to detoxify and eliminate. Is it any wonder we have far more allergies and food intolerances than our predecessors? It is not so much a case of ‘you are what you eat’, but ‘you are what you eat, digest, absorb and eliminate!'