If you have digestive issues then you will probably have considered most of the over-the-counter remedies and many of you will have visited the GP or even your consultant. You may be taking some kind of prescribed medication or supplement or trying to manage the symptoms through food choices.
Gut conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bloating, constipation, excess gas, acid reflux or just general abdominal discomfort can be debilitating for some but the degree of your discomfort will vary enormously.
In the UK we have a very high rate of IBS with the official figures being around 15% but in truth the figure is something in the region of 25% as many people I see do not even visit their GP.
In my opinion colonic irrigation, also known as colonic hydrotherapy, should be considered when certain gut issues present. This therapy is an ancient one dating back to early Egyptian times when animal innards or hollow branches were used to funnel water into the colon.
Colonic hydrotherapy encourages the colon to release toxins and waste; it exercises colon muscles; it encourages ‘kinks’ in the colon to be smoothed out; it releases excess gas and it rehydrates the colon.
During the therapy a disposable speculum is inserted into the rectum and warm, temperature controlled filtered water is very gently introduced into the colon and it is the nervous system which responds sending signals to release this waste and water. Simultaneously water is introduced into the colon and waste is released through 2 different tubing systems.
Colonic hydrotherapy is mostly painless although some slight cramping can occur. I recommend a closed system so there should generally be no smells or mess. The therapy itself is approximately 45 minutes and a consultation should take place beforehand and afterwards meaning my appointments usually last around 90 minutes.
There are some contra-indications, so do be sure to discuss any health issues you may have with the therapist before making an appointment.
In the UK look for a therapist who is a member of The Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists (ARCH) as this is the only association backed by The Department of Health.
If you would like to view a colonic hydrotherapy video then please follow the link.