Self-Education:
The following books will enhance your understanding of Colon Hydrotherapy and related topics:

• Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates
• Invisible Illness by Gloria Gilbere
• Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas, MD
• Detox for Life by Loree Taylor Jordan
• Poisoned by My Body by Gloria Gilbere
• Heart of Nourishment by Halé Sofia Schatz
• Renew Your Life by Brenda Watson

Important Information and Common Questions:

1) To begin, it is helpful to understand the working of the colon.

The colon, or large intestine, is a tubular organ approximately 5 1/2 to 6 feet in length and 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. Although most absorption occurs in the small intestine, the ascending colon also absorbs some minerals, nutrients and excess water from the digested residue of the food we have eaten. The contents of digestion (chyme) are moved along by mass muscular movements (peristalsis), which are initiated by the nerve supply to the colon. Toxins and waste materials are then discharged through the anus. The process of digestion and elimination normally takes between twelve and twenty-four hours. When the colon is healthy, we experience a feeling of well-being because we are assimilating and eliminating properly. To ensure a healthy colon, we have observed that sufficient water, good nerve tone, and the proper biochemical nutrients and intestinal flora are needed.

2) How do I know Colon Hydrotherapy will be useful for me?

Today's diets consist in great part of refined, processed foods, high in saturated fats and low in fiber. We believe eating these foods, overeating, ignoring the call to eliminate, stress, allergies, and medications can contribute to poor colon health. The colon contains the largest concentration of bacteria in the body. Waste material allowed to stagnate alters the proportion of friendly bacteria to unfriendly bacteria, disrupting the balance of microorganisms essential to the health of the colon and the body in general. Symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, or gastrointestinal pain may alert you to colon distress. In such cases, it may be necessary to consult a physician. We believe that Colon Hydrotherapy may be valuable in minimizing the effects of both dietary and environmental stresses and toxins that bombard us on a regular basis and can lead to immune system imbalances. That portion of the immune system residing in the intestine may rejuvenate once toxic waste materials are removed. In the case of a serious heart condition or acute inflammatory conditions of the colon such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, your physician can best determine the appropriateness of the procedure.

3) To alleviate anxiety it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the Colon Hydrotherapy procedure.

Colon Hydrotherapy is the safe, gentle infusion of warm filtered water into and out of the rectum and large intestine. hat may be used. The procedure involves a series of fill and release stages using a low pressure. To begin, the therapist will suggest a trip to the restroom to empty the bladder. After disrobing from the waist down, you will be covered with a towel and /or blanket, reclining on a padded table. At the foot of the table is a wall unit displaying a temperature gauge, pressure gauge and an observation tube. After gentle insertion of the speculum, the client remains in a very comfortable, reclined postition on the table with legs either bent and feet on the table, or straightened out completely. Pressure-regulated and multi-filtered water is allowed to flow through the water tube into the large intestine during the fill, and waste material and water are expelled through the outflow tube and the wall unit during the release. The practitioner closely monitors the temperature and pressure flow of the water paying particular attention to mimize any discomfort. A series of fill and releases are performed throughout the session. The hydrotherapist may use various modalities in order to encourage the abdomen to release. To ensure safety, the tubes and speculum are disposable. The session is usually one hour while the process itself takes 30 to 45 minutes.

4) What are the specifics of our equipment?

We have a Toxygen model, which is designed by Dotolo Research Institute, Inc. It is registered and approved with the FDA, and features disposable units consistig of a speculum, insertion applicator, and water and waste lines, all of which are designed to eliminate any possibility of contamination. Additionally, the state-of-the-art unit is sterilized after each session with a Cetylcide solution. This wall instrument has a built-in double check valve along with an external anti-siphoning device, which provides a closed system to avoid offensive odors and leakage.

5) How many sessions of Colon Hydrotherapy should I receive?

The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) suggests the following protocol: Week 1 - two sessions, Week 2 - two sessions and Weeks 3 through 10 - one session per week. Another option, which we often follow, is to begin with one session per week for four weeks. Depending on your response to the first session, your practitioner can help you to determine the number of sessions suitable for your unique needs. Our staff may offer ideas and ways to facilitate detoxification based on our own experiences. We believe Colon Hydrotherapy when supported by a diet of primarily nonmucous-producing foods, water, appropriate exercise, and stress management accelerates the healing potential of your body. Additionally, it is an excellent adjunct method to other modalities such as acupuncture, massage, or nutrition. As a preventative measure, you may benefit from a Colon Hydrotherapy session at the time of a seasonal or cycle change when diet and activity levels shift.