Colon hydrotherapy, also referred to as colon irrigation, is the process of cleansing and flushing out the colon, or large intestine. Therapies to cleanse the colon have been around for thousands of years. The earliest recorded versions have been traced to physicians of ancient Egypt. Hippocrates in the 4th and 5th century B.C. used enemas for fever therapy. During the late 19th century, irrigation of the entire colon came into prominence when Russian microbiologist Ilya Ilich Mechnikov first described the concept of "autointoxication." He argued that the body could actually poison itself as the toxins from fecal matter were absorbed through the lining of the large intestine and into the bloodstream.

In the United States, this theory was confirmed by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (founder of the breakfast cereal company), who frequently lectured about autointoxication at his huge natural medicine clinic in Battle Creek, Michigan. In an article entitled "Should the colon be sacrificed or may it be reformed?" which appeared in the 1917 issue of the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), Kellogg reported his success in using colon therapy (along with diet and exercise) to prevent surgery in all but 20 of the 40,000 gastrointestinal patients he had treated at his sanitarium.

A colon therapy treatment is similar to an enema and a colema, only it is much more extensive. Here are the differences… An enema, which you can do yourself, flushes out only the first 5 to 10 inches of the lower bowel, known as the sigmoid area. A colema, which you can also do yourself, requires the purchase of an enema board (which is positioned over a toilet bowl), special tubing & colonic tip, and bucket for the water. In both these cases the water flow is fed by gravity so there is less control over water entry speed, more chance of the sigmoid ballooning, less ‘soaking time’ of the hardened fecal matter (which is required for its removal), and there is a greater risk of flushing out the beneficial bacteria and electrolytes with repeated usage. There is a risk of cross-contamination as both these are ‘open’ (to the air) systems, and then there is the clean up.

A colon hydrotherapy session, performed by a trained & certified technician, is a controlled and gentle administration of water into the bowel. It is designed to flush out the entire length of the bowel (roughly 5 feet) all the way to the cecum. At Conscious Living Rejuvenation Center, colon hydrotherapy is provided using the FDA and I-Act approved colon therapy equipment ‘Hydrosan Plus’. This highly technical machine is pressurized and works with gravity allowing specific amounts of ultra-filtered temperature-controlled water (water is purified to .35 micron with added UV light) to flow through the colon by means of a sanitary disposable instrument. Since the equipment is a ‘closed’ unit, no odor is present. The outflow of water removes excess gas, mucus, feces, and toxic material directly to the sewer line.

During your colon hydrotherapy session, you change into a gown, lie down on your back or side and are completely covered. The session lasts approximately 35 to 45 minutes. How much water will be used is dictated by the condition of the bowel and is unique to each individual, but it can vary from 2-10 gallons or more. Gentle abdominal massage is often included (to loosen and work the gas and feces from the colon and to stimulate peristalsis) as well as the use of herbal/essential oil additives to further stimulate release of toxins and fecal matter. Because low amounts of water are introduced at a time (water pressure is monitored and controlled, not fed by gravity) the balance of good bacteria and electrolytes stays in check. Because the water enters slowly, it has time to seep into nooks and crannies allowing the water to soften and loosen hardened fecal matter, and by changing the water temperature during the session, one is able to stimulate the muscles of the bowel itself, thus creating a toning effect which eliminates the possibility of dependency on colon hydrotherapy.

The colon is the sewage system of the body. Its purpose is to collect all fermented and putrefied toxic waste from every part of the anatomy and, by the peristaltic wave (contraction) of its muscles, remove all solid and semi-solid waste from the body.

There are several habits that slow down elimination, bowel function & transit time:

1. Eating excessive protein, high-fat foods, and low-fiber foods, which are over processed, over cooked and devitalized.
2. Not drinking enough good water.
3. Consuming caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, and colas, which dehydrates the bowel and disrupts proper digestion.
4. Bearing mental and emotional stress, which inhibit proper digestion, assimilation, and elimination due to sympathetic over stimulation.
5. Parasitical, bacterial, yeast and other infections.

When function of the bowel is decreased, the result is stagnation, decay and fermentation of the fecal material in the colon. This decay, in turn, produces a whole host of by-products, including bacteria and other toxins, that can be absorbed into the bloodstream (autointoxication), resulting in a myriad of illnesses.

After colon hydrotherapy people often feel lighter, more energized, and think more clearly. There is evidence to suggest that colon therapy may be useful for a number of ailments including indigestion, gas, headaches, joint problems, allergies, asthma, skin problems, depression, and even toxicity from drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Improvements in cellulite have also been noted. When the colon is cleaner and healthier, elimination is easier, and over-all health is enhanced.

Each case is unique, but generally we recommend 3 or 4 colon hydrotherapy sessions close together (about 2-3 days apart) when beginning your series, then once a week for 3 weeks. Some individuals with specific problems may wish to do a few more. Then a series of 3 colonics twice a year for maintenance. For those doing internal organ cleansing and fasting, please ask our technician for guidance on recommended number of treatments and frequency.

Disclaimer: The preceding is to provide information about Colon Hydrotherapy and the benefits that may be derived. It is not intended to claim a cure for any disease or condition. It should not take the place of medical advice or treatment.