subject: Is Colon Cleansing Therapy Right For You? [print this page] Is Colon Cleansing Therapy Right For You?
If you are experiencing constipation, diarrhea, sluggishness, weight gain or nausea, you may be thinking of trying colon cleansing therapy. The idea that the colon needs to be cleansed is not a new one, although it has only recently come back into favor in certain circles. The ancient Egyptians, and then the ancient Greeks, believed in auto-intoxication', the idea that undigested food is trapped in the large intestine and rots, causing toxins to seep into the circulatory system and ultimately resulting in a decline in health. They thought that to restore and maintain vitality, ingesting herbal preparations to cleanse the colon was necessary.
These days laxatives, enemas, teas and pills are all still used but we have progressed to colon cleansing therapy, known as colonic irrigation, colonic hydrotherapy or high colonic. Is it right for you? Arm yourself with knowledge, read the facts of this popular colon cleansing therapy and decide for yourself.
Unlike enemas and laxatives, which are self- administered, colonic irrigation is administered and supervised by a trained colonic therapist who uses specialist equipment. If you decide to opt for colon cleansing therapy, ensure you choose a clinic that is recognized by a professional association, employing qualified practitioners. You might be given an enema beforehand to rid the body of most of the solid material in order to get the best results. Lying on a table, a tube is inserted into your rectum as warm, purified water is pumped into the colon. Depending on the treatment, herbs or enzymes might also be added to the water. The high pressure of the water causes the muscles of the colon to contract and expand, forcing hardened fecal matter out through a separate tube. The therapist will often massage the abdomen during the treatment to aid the dissolution of the waste matter. This process may be performed several times to ensure complete cleansing and can last between half an hour to an hour. As the colon is six feet long, it may take up to six sessions of colon cleansing therapy to fully cleanse it.
Advocates of colon cleansing therapy insist that colonic irrigation cures constipation, restoring normal bowel function, and detoxifies the intestines and kidneys. By ridding the body of harmful bacteria and parasites, they say that a number of related problems can be eradicated, including bloating, weight gain, poor skin, bad breath, headaches, nausea and IBS. When the colon has been completely cleared of toxic impacted material, advocates insist, it can resume its proper function of removing waste. However, as with all invasive procedures, it is wise to consult your doctor before undergoing colon cleansing therapy. For example, if you have an inflammatory disease such as Crohns, colon cleansing therapy could be dangerous.
Hopefully the information above will have helped you to make an informed decision as to whether colon cleansing therapy is right for you. If you do opt for it, talk to your doctor, do your research and ensure that the clinic you choose is registered with a recognized association.
