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A Forgotten Key To Health |
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PREFACE This page gives a plain talk about the ashes of the
body -
the cast off waste of the human digestive system. For many who are
unacquainted with this material, it will come as a new revelation.
Others who are already familial with this information will welcome a
voicing of the truth. At least three quarters of the modern civilized
world
are
suffering from some degree of constipation (i.e. autointoxication) and
its baneful results, This is contrary to nature and the cause is so
easily removed. Why should this state of affairs be allowed to
continue? There can be only one answer - ignorance of the cause and
cure. There is only one disease: toxemia (dirty blood), everything else
is only a symptom.
More and more of us are choosing to recognize our self-responsibility for health and well-being, This has led to a renewal of interest in so called natural, holistic methods of living and healing the body. One of these methods, as old as man's civilization, is cleansing the colon. Originally, it was accomplished by squatting in a stream and drawing water up into the colon, then expelling it. In Ancient Egypt, a ram's horn or gourd was hollowed out and utilized as the first primitive colonic irrigation machine. Later, enema pots and plants (reeds) shaped in the form of tubing were constructed. Sophisticated colonic irrigation equipment was perfected just at the turn of the 20th century. Unfortunately,
many that are interested in colonics including members of the health
profession
are quite misinformed. This booklet is an attempt to dispel the lack of
and
misinformation that now exists. The format used is question and answer.
The
questions are those most commonly asked of the author, colon therapists
and
other natural health professionals. An attempt has been made to answer
the
questions in a way that presents the viewpoint of the majority, if not
all,
professional colon therapists. Obviously, colonics are given by real people in real therapy rooms. Following the last question, a brief scenario is presented of what it would be like to receive your first colonic at our clinic. |
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How great! I keep hearing about colonics and how great they are, but I've never been able to find out much about them. Maybe for starters, I should ask what is a colonic irrigation? Also known as a "colonic", "colon lavage", " colon hydrotherapy", or "high colonic", colon irrigation is a safe, effective method for cleansing the colon of waste material by repeated, gentle flushing with water. The colon - what is that again? The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract (food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus). The colon is approximately 1.5 m (5 feet) long and 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and conserve water, Also, there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamins "K" and portions of the "B" complex. What is the purpose of having a colonic? Well, Waste material, especially that which has remained in the colon for some time (i.e. impacted feces, dead cellular tissue, accumulated mucous, parasites, worms etc.) poses several problems. First, this material is quite toxic (poisonous). These poisons can re-enter and circulate in the bloodstream making us feel ill, tired or weak. Second, impacted materials impair the colon's ability to assimilate minerals and bacteria-produced vitamins. And finally, a build-up of material on the colon wall can inhibit muscular action causing sluggish bowel movements, constipation and the result of these disorders. How can I tell if I have toxic material in my colon? This condition is prevalent in all civilized societies, particularly in North America. Common signs include headaches, backaches, constipation, fatigue, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin blemishes, abdominal gas, bloating, diarrhea, sciatic pain and so forth. As you can see, intestinal toxicity is part and parcel of many people's everyday experience. 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, the liver, etc. Colonics effectively eliminate large quantities of toxic waste, affecting the condition of the entire body. But the colon isn't the only organ of elimination. What makes a colonic so important? While the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver also serve to eliminate toxins, people throughout history have experienced that when the colon is cleansed and healed, the well-being of the whole body is greatly enhanced. Colonic irrigation has been found to be the most effective process available to accomplish this work quickly and easily. Okay, it appears to be important to cleanse the colon, but why not use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead? Well, everything has its proper place, but those things really aren't substitutes for colonics. Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum, the lowest 8 to 12 inches of the colon. Usually, one or two quarts of water are used to do that. Suppositories are intended to accomplish the same task. Laxatives, particularly herbal laxatives, are formulated for constipation and/or to build up the tone of the colon muscle etc. But the Rolls Royce of colon cleansing without question is colonic irrigation. What makes a colonic so special? In a 40 to 50 minute session, as much as 100 to 140 liters (25 to 35 gallons) of water are used to gently flush the colon. Through appropriate use of massage, pressure points, reflexology, breathing techniques, suggestion etc., the colon therapist is able to work loose and eliminate far more toxic waste than any other short-term technique. Having an experienced colon therapist available as an assistant can be likened to having a professional mechanic repair your automobile's engine. The second, and subsequent, colonics will remove more. How many you may wish to have will depend upon your personal objectives. What will colonics do to the colon? Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following: Cleanses the colon - toxic material is broken down, so it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination. Even debris built up over a long period is gently, but surely removed in the process of a series of irrigations. Once impacted material is removed, your colon can begin again to cooperate as it was meant to. In this very real sense, a colonic is a rejuvenation treatment. Exercises the colon muscle - 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. Reshapes 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 water and narrowed, spastic constrictions finally enabling the colon to resume its natural state. Stimulates reflex points - every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points. A colonic irrigation stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts in a beneficial way (similar in reflexology). Are there any additional benefits I might expect from a colonic? Yes, there are several. When working with a skilled therapist, a colonic can be a truly enlightening and educational process. You will learn to expand your awareness of your body's functioning by listening to signals from your abdomen, skin, face and even from the most taboo of natural products, your eliminations. You will find that you can spot the early developing conditions before they become serious through clues from these body regions and functions. You can deal with them sooner and. more easily than you might otherwise if you waited until they produced effects seen elsewhere in your body. Also, the solar plexus is the emotional centre of the body and the transverse colon passes right through it. If an emotional event is left uncompleted, it often results in physical tension being stored in the solar plexus, which affects all organs of the area, including the colon. This ongoing tightening of the colon muscle results in diminished movement of fecal material through the colon, which is experienced as constipation. Not only do colonics alleviate the constipation, they can assist you in recognizing and releasing the stored emotion causing the problem. In effect, colonics assist you in creating a fully holistic view of your body's functioning, leading to a better quality of life. You've been talking a lot about messed up colons, and I can certainly relate to some of the signs of toxicity you mentioned. What I would like to know is what are the characteristics of a healthy, well functioning colon? Healthy babies, animals and adults not subjected to the "refinements" of civilization (i.e. aboriginal peoples) have bowel movements shortly after each meal is eaten. So, assuming there is sufficient fibre and water available to the colon, one characteristic is a bowel movement shortly after a meal is eaten. Once the urge to eliminate is honoured by a trip to the toilet, the elimination should be easy and take no more than 10 seconds. The stool will be long, large in diameter, light brown in colour, without offensive odour and should float or sink very slowly. When the toilet is flushed, the stool immediately begins breaking apart by the action of water movement. As incredible as this may sound, it is true and commonly experienced in cultures where people live more naturally. How can I tell if I would personally benefit from a colonic? Does your colon now exhibit the signs of a well, functioning colon? If not, one or more sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends. Okay, it sounds like a colonic may be good for me, but will it be painful? It rarely is. Usually, painful experiences are the result of resistance and tension. A professional colon therapist is skilled at putting you at 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. Sometimes during a colonic, the colon muscles will contract suddenly expelling considerable amounts of liquid and waste into the rectum. This may feel like cramping or gas, and may create a feeling of urgency to empty the rectum. Such episodes, if they occur, are brief and easily tolerated. Is it embarrassing to get 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. Your emotions will be acknowledged and honoured. 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 passive gravity 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? Consuming water and fibre as part of a healthy diet will encourage release of fecal matter. Since your abdomen will be massaged, it is a good idea to eat or drink lightly in the 2 hours immediately preceding a colonic. Also, emptying the rectum with a substantial bowel movement, if possible, just prior to the colonic saves time and permits more to be accomplished. And what can I expect afterwards? Most likely, you will feel great. You probably will feel lighter and enjoy a greater sense of well being. Someone getting their first colonic usually remarks that it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their life. Any activity you would ordinarily do, such as work or exercise, is fine to do afterwards. 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. It's also possible you may feel light-headed or chilled for a few minutes following a colonic. I have been told that to be beneficial, one needs to "take a series" of colonics. What does that mean, and is it true? It is important to be aware of your objective when working with a colon therapist. For example, if your objective is to quickly recover from the flu, or lower a fever, or eliminate a lower backache, very possibly one or two colonics may be all that is needed. However, perhaps your objective is to overcome a life-long habit of constipation, to learn to create multiple daily bowel movements and to achieve vital health. To do this may require, in addition to possible dietary, exercise and attitudinal changes, regular colonics for some time. How many depends on the condition of your body and how well it responds to treatment. Having colonics regularly for a while, such as daily, weekly or multiple times per week, is what is referred to as a "series". Many colon therapists believe that to obtain results of lasting benefit, a series of colonics must be undertaken. Again, this can only be properly considered once an objective has been identified. If colonics are so good, why haven't I heard about them before? In a way, the answer to that is a commentary on our present-day lifestyle. Historically, artifacts and records show that people have regularly purified their bodies, including cleansing the colon. Around the turn of the 20'h century, the presentday colonic machine was developed, providing a significantly improved method of accomplishing colon cleansing. Up to the late 1920's, many medical doctors had colonic machines in their offices, and machines were found in hospitals as well. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930's. At that time, modern man began a 50-year love affair with drugs and surgery. These seemed to offer relatively instant relief for body ailments, resulting in purification and prevention techniques becoming less attractive. Recently however, there has been a resurgence of interest in using natural approaches for healing the body, and colonics have rapidly been regaining the respectability they have already earned. Are colonics dangerous in any way? Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Skilled therapists will exercise extra care with an elderly person who is severely constipated. Also, colonics are never performed on a pregnant woman, a person with currently active ulcerative colitis, or following recent colon surgery. 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. Purified water free of chlorine and sediment is mandatory. Chlorine destroys good bacteria in the colon. At our clinic, we would not administer a colonic irrigation to an obviously pregnant woman (unless she has been having colonics throughout her pregnancy) or to someone who had recently undergone colon surgery. I am a woman. What if I'm having my period? No problem. It is perfectly safe and beneficial to have a colonic during your period. In fact, some women find having a colonic on the first or second day of their period reduces the amount of menstrual discomfort experienced. While we are on the subject, many women have noticed that after completing a cleansing program (also known as detoxification), that menstrual discomfort has been eliminated or substantially reduced from that time on. I've heard that oxygenated colonics are the best. Is that so? There are respected authorities taking both sides of this question. We believe it is actually a false statement. First, the primary purpose of a colonic is to eliminate long held waste. Oxygen has nothing to do with that. Second, while there are certain harmful bacteria in the colon that cannot live in the presence of oxygen, they are physically washed out with the flushing action of the water anyway, regardless of whether it is oxygenated or not. And finally, while it is undoubtedly helpful to oxygenate body tissue, there are other, more natural, wellestablished ways of accomplishing this. Deep breathing and aerobic exercises are good examples. Far more important than the equipment used is the skill and sensitivity of your colon therapist. I'm worried that I could become dependent on colonics. If I get too many, the colon may stop functioning on its own. Are colonics habit forming? The colonic is a tool intended to be used to create a clean and healthy colon. A colon therapist who is dedicated to your health will encourage you to set a goal of having a well-functioning colon. Our fulfillment comes from assisting you in healing your colon, not in making you dependent upon colonics. Actually, one of its better features is that a colonic can be used to tonify the colon muscle so that the colon does not perform so sluggishly. Many people have sluggish colons. It may take days for bowel movements to return after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming "dependent" on colonics. One good colonic is worth 20 to 30 regular bowel movements, so it may take some time for fecal matter to build up in the colon once again if one has a sluggish colon. When the colon is sluggish and bowel movements do not return for a few days after one colonic, it is an indication that extensive colon work is needed to remove the debris that the bowel has built up over the years. This build up of fecal matter has decreased the muscular action in the colon. Once a series of colonics is completed, the colon will begin to function more like Mother Nature intended. Colonics give you a feeling of being lighter, cleaner and healthier with a sense of well-being. Cleansing and building programs offer preventative measures so that you can be in control of your own health. Dietary changes are usually necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health. Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhea? 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, diarrhea 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. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. However, since severe diarrhea dehydrates the body, it must be carefully monitored. Suppose I have been suffering from constipation for a long time. Will colonics help? We want to state that constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. Constipation is one of what may be termed "civilized man's diseases". While a typical Canadian has 5 or 6 bowel movements per week, it is not unusual for a rural African to have 3 per day. There are three factors involved in having a well functioning colon diet, exercise and attitude. All three must be in balance for the colon to function well. Often however, because the colon has been sluggish for so long, it has become severely weakened due to being constantly bathed in toxic waste, stretched from holding excessive stool, and frequently, constricted by chronic tension in the colon. The process of colonic irrigation is excellent for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise and attitude are then able to produce their effects. Many people find the relief provided by colonics stimulates motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle. I've heard that I shouldn't get colonics because it upsets the electrolyte balance. What's that all about? Electrolytes are the minerals in the body (mainly sodium and potassium salts), which maintain the proper electrical charge and pH balance (acid and alkaline balance) in the various organs and tissues of the body. Each one of these tissues, organs and body cavities has a certain proportion and balance of minerals to maintain the necessary pH balance. For example, the stomach should maintain an acid pH and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) should be alkaline in order for proper digestion to occur. If this balance is disrupted, then digestion will be impaired. The pH electrical balance in the colon is very neutral, ideally being slightly acid. A strong acid or alkaline environment is not necessary because digestion does not take place in the colon. Rather, a major function of the colon is to reabsorb the fluid from the unformed stool, which is passed into it from the small intestine. After the fluid is re-absorbed and stool is formed, the colon moves the stool into the rectum and out of the body. The majority' of material released during a colonic is formed stool that has already had the fluid and electrolytes removed from it. So the amount lost is very minimal and easily replaced by the body from the food and fluid we ingest. Some people say that colonics wash our intestinal flora and valuable nutrients. Is this so? The truth is that washing out of putrefied material in the large intestine, which is only partially reached in any colon irrigation, increases the good intestinal flora. Good bacteria can only breed in a clean environment, which has been washed free of putrefaction and its accompanying harmful bacteria. That is why the intestines of a newborn baby immediately begin to grow good intestinal flora. Each time you clean out the putrefying garbage and make a better environment for the flora, they start to multiply immediately in their natural media. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one. With all this talk of bacteria, I wonder what effect colonic irrigations have on our immune systems? The removal of stagnant waste material and hardened, impacted toxic residue could rejuvenate the immune tissue that resides in the intestines. Recent European studies speculate that 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. This is much higher than previously thought and makes it logical to believe that this type of therapy could influence such immune deficiency diseases as cancer and AIDS, Colon hydrotherapy is not a cureall, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the patient. How long does a colonic take? 90% of all colonics take between 45 and 55 minutes. It could also be shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgment of the therapist and sometimes, the wishes of the client. For your first colonic, you should be prepared to spend about an hour and twenty minutes at the therapist's office. Is there a special kind of water used for colonic irrigations? The best type of water to use for colonics is distilled or filtered water. This kind of water is capable of absorbing and flushing more toxins out of the colon due to its drawing effect on solid particles, chemicals and particular matter. Tap water already has numerous chemicals and inorganic substances present. I'm wondering what will be okay to eat after having a colonic? What we suggest is that you eat a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Just as it does not make sense to get wash your car then immediately drive it through mud, eating a meal known to cause trouble in your abdomen directly after having a colonic is not an intelligent choice. Salads, vegetable soups and broths, fruits and vegetables either juiced or whole are the best choices. Will one colonic completely empty the colon? Almost never. First of all, many of us have considerable amounts of impacted feces (hardened, rubbery or wall-like matter) in our colons. Substantial work must be done to remove it. Second, there is a subtle learning process involved in receiving colonics. As you become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns 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. How will I know when the colon is empty? It will probably never be completely empty, as it is 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 ought not to be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon. Will a colonic clear up my skin? Your skin actually "breathes" and is a very important organ of elimination of waste material. Sometimes if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will be required to make up the difference. Surface eruptions on the skin of various sorts may occur due to toxins being released. Cleansing and healing the colon diminishes the burden placed upon the skin as well as on the other organs of elimination: the lungs, liver and kidneys. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up. What do you think about having a colonic as part of a fasting program and do you think it's better to have it at the beginning or end a fast? Whenever you do anything that increases the rate at which toxins are released into the bloodstream, it is essential that you eliminate whatever you can through the colon. If you don't, you may unnecessarily experience increased discomforts of toxemia (poisonous toxins in the bloodstream). Instead of being expelled from your body, toxins may merely recirculate and settle elsewhere in organs, muscles or tissues. Whether you use colonics or some other elimination aid, you must do something daily. A knowledgeable colon therapist can be of great assistance during any cleansing program. You may find it beneficial to schedule a colonic at the beginning of your fast and ask the therapist to comment upon your plan. How expensive is a colonic? As of this writing (Spring 2004), in the Montreal area colonics are approximately $45.00 to $70.00 per session. At our clinic the cost is $50.00 with sterilized proctoscope (rectal tube) and $60.00 with disposable one. If you prepay for 5 sessions, you will receive the sixth one free. Although cost is obviously relevant, far more important is your health. A knowledgeable colon therapist can help you on the road to Vital Health. If the colon therapist is so important, what is it I should be looking for when choosing someone? Since having a colonic is an intimate experience and is involved with emotional and mental releases as well as physical healing, you will do best working with someone with whom you can develop good rapport, and in whose environment you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. Sensitivity, skill, knowledge and experience are important to consider as they vary widely among therapists. Anyone you contact should be willing to discuss his or her professional background and health philosophy with you. Our clinic is the training program for many colon therapists in North America. |
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You will be asked certain medical and health questions to make sure that it is not dangerous for you to receive colonic irrigations. Also, your objective for receiving colon irrigations will be discussed. Any questions or concerns you may have will be answered for you at this time as well. Following this procedure you will be instructed to prepare for your colonic and alleviate any bladder or bowel pressure at that time. Next, you will enter the colon irrigation room. First, an abdominal massage will take place. Instructions will be given as to how to lie on the table while gentle insertion of the rectal tube is accomplished. Filling and flushing of water into and out of the colon is the next process. Waste material can be viewed by the patient with a specially designed mirror. Cleansing of the colon lasts approximately 50 minutes depending on the judgment of the colon therapist. When your colonic is completed, gentle withdrawal of the rectal tube is performed and instructions are given to relieve any possible remaining water and waste material through a final visit to the bathroom. After this is done, colon irrigation is complete and you can resume your normal daily activities. |
VISUAL INFORMATION
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
C
entracchio, P.A., Tony: Colon
Hydrotherapy
- A Forgotten Art. The American Chiropractor; October 1986;
pp. 55-59.
Carl, N.D,, H.M.D., Carl L.: Remove IT, or IT will Remove You.
The American Chiropractor; July/August 1980; p. 80.
Signorella, Carol:
High Colonic Irrigation. Cosmopolitan
Magazine; October 1979; pp. 188190.
Wood, Robert A.:
Course Notes from Colon Therapy Course.
Crestwood, IL; 1983.
Walker, D.Sc., Norman: Water Can
Undermine Your Health. O'Sullivan, Woodside and Company;
Phoenix, Arizona; Copyright 1974.
Broeringmeyer, R.A.: Colon Therapy Manual. R.A. Broeringmeyer,
Logan College of Chiropractic Library.
Broeringmeyer, R.A.: Toxemia, Auto-Intoxication & Colon Therapy. R.A. Broeringmeyer, Logan College of Chiropractic Library. |
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