Colon Hydrotherapy: The Ins and Outs

Before we get into colon hydrotherapy, also known as a colonic or colon cleanse, we must first understand what we are working with. So let’s start with the organ in the middle of it all: the colon.

What is the Colon?

The colon, also often referred to as the large intestine or the large bowel,  is a crucial part of our digestive system. Our digestive system is what allows us to eat and pass food through our system. Suffice it to say, having trouble with your digestive system can be very uncomfortable and a hindrance to your day-to-day life.

The Colon and the Digestive System

1. It all starts with your mouth. When you eat, you chew up the food into smaller pieces. Your salivary glands also release juices with enzymes in it to help further break down the food so it can easily pass through the esophagus. And then, it’s one its way through the next part of its journey.
2. After it travels down your esophagus, it gets to the stomach, which is acidic (it has a pH of anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5). In your stomach, with the help of enzymes and the muscles, the food is broken down further and squished to ensure a smooth transition into your small bowel.
3. After the food reaches the small bowel, it gets broken up even further. This is done by the release of liquids from the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. These all come together in the small bowel. It’s at this point of the digestive system that all the goods from your food, vitamins, and minerals, are separated and absorbed through the blood vessels in the lining of the small bowel. It then moves into the bloodstream and your blood carries the vitamins all around your body.
4. After it passes through the bloodstream, the majority of what is left is liquid. The remnants then move into the colon, or large intestine, where the liquid is absorbed and the waste becomes solid. The muscles in there then move the solid waste toward your rectum.
5. The rectum works as a storage space for the waste until it is ready to be pushed out of the anus in the form of poop.

As you can see, the body does a fair bit of work when it comes to digestion. This is all to make sure that you are able to eat and get as much nutrition out of your food as possible. The entire digestive process takes about six to eight hours from beginning to end.

How Does Colon Hydrotherapy Work?

A colonic, or colon hydrotherapy, is a method used to cleanse the colon of waste that’s been left behind.

Basically, colon hydropathy uses a gentle flow of warm, clean water to cleanse out the colon. It is meant to wash old stool remnants and other debris out of the colon. This is all done while you lay on your side as a tube is inserted into your rectum and the gentle flow of water begins.

The water passes into your colon and circulates around your bowel, carrying anything in its path along with it. The waste picked up on its way comes out of the same tube. This process is carried out in a clean room and can take anywhere between half an hour to 45 minutes.

Improving your Immune System

Your immune system is intricately connected to your gut. A healthy and well-functioning gut is paramount to a strong immune system that can protect you from harmful bacteria. A crucial part of this relationship is the microbiome, the healthy bacteria that live in your gut. This bacteria basically teaches your body to protect itself against other bacteria, helping develop and maintain an immune system.

Leftover stool and waste can interact poorly with healthy bacteria. Thus when you get a colonic or colon hydropathy, you are cleaning out the waste, but leaving most of the good bacteria in there. People who get colonics also find that they have more energy and are less lethargic throughout the day.

Preventing Colon Cancer

Some sources claim that getting colonics can help reduce the risk of colon cancer. While there isn’t much research to support this, having regular bowel movements is definitely very important for colon health. This means having a healthy diet that is high in fibre and adequate exercise. For those who struggle with staying on a regular pooping schedule,  a colon hydrotherapy treatment has been proven to be very effective. A healthy person should ideally have two bowel movements a day.

Above all else, if you find that you are not regular, please consult your doctor. Before undergoing a colonic, the person conducting it will ask about previous medical history. This is to make sure that this is the right treatment for you.