This practice goes by many names but it’s basic procedure is the same. Colonics involves introducing water into the colon as a means of “cleaning out the pipes”, or more accurately: the large intestine. Basically, water comes in and waste matter flushes out.
If you’re thinking: “um, isn’t it the colon’s job to take care of that?” you’d be correct.
However, there are a LOT of nooks and crannies up there in your ascending, transverse and descending colon (5 feet’s worth to be exact) and several things can go awry during the digestive process, creating less-than-ideal elimination. One common issue is
constipation, another - low intestinal flora.
Consider anytime you had digestive upset or things didn’t come out quite as planned. Colonic practitioners say there could be compacted fecal matter building up along the walls of the colon. Allegedly this fecal matter can add up to anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds. (Take a sec and re-read that last line why don’t cha?)
Usually this is done or, administered, by a professional and there are a few slightly different methods (do your Googling/asking around first if you’re considering it).
Colonics are believed to clear out stagnated feces that could be causing toxins to be absorbed and reabsorbed into the bloodstream, essentially poisoning the body. Festering fecal matter might also lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria and inhibit healthy nutrient absorption. These issues can cause almost any dysbiosis or health problem including
fatigue, constipation, acne, disease, etc, etc.
Now before you turn your nose up at this poopy practice, take note of the possible health benefits and what our experts have to say.
Dr. Brenda Watson: As past President of the International Association of Colon Therapists and a past practicing colon therapist, I’ve been a long time supporter and proponent of the benefits of colon hydrotherapy. Not only can colon hydrotherapy be useful to restore proper bowel elimination but it can also be a great adjunct to most natural healing treatment protocols.
Melissa Ramos: Colonics are definitely not a fad. I’ve seen them work wonders both professionally and personally clearing up old matter that could be there for years! They work at a much deeper level than enemas and can identify gas, undigested food & even parasites! Think of it, Elvis Presley was alleged to have died with up to 70lbs of fecal matter! In short, our gut is the cornerstone to feeling sexy from the inside out.
Check here for a third (and less positive) opinion and here for a fourth.
If you’re not too shy – comment below to let us know how it went!
Niki Boileau from Vancouver, British Columbia
Niki is a lover of learning - she’d study every imaginable topic if she could, including Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts. As her patient boyfriend will attest, she’s obsessed with going just a bit further to see around every bend on the beach and peak of land in the mountains. Her friends will tell you she likes to hug trees, occasionally walks too fast, and makes really tasty porridge. She’s a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Yoga Instructor and all-around life and wellness enthusiast.
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