The following is taken from the website of ARCH – Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists:-

Many people have pre-conceived ideas about Colonic Hydrotherapy (also known as colonic irrigation). Our aim is to explain how the treatment is performed and to give you some idea whether or not it is something you would wish to undertake. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a new treatment. In fact, it was used in hospitals until recent times when it was replaced by strong purgatives which are used for emptying the bowel before procedures or for treating faecal impaction.

The colonic treatment stimulates bowel activity by using the body’s natural nerve and muscular response mechanisms, so is essentially a natural treatment. Laxatives are used to initiate a response by acting in different ways, such as by irritation or reversing the osmotic gradient. By using the body’s natural nerve and muscular activity colonic hydrotherapy may help to tone and exercise the bowel, thus aiding the evacuation of waste both during and after treatment.

Colonic treatment is used as a naturopathic modality and clients who choose this treatment include those who suffer from various bowel conditions. One of the best things about colonic hydrotherapy is that the benefits of the treatment are very personal to the client. This means that as a client you will know how you feel after the treatment. You won’t need to be influenced by anyone else. Many people report an improvement in symptoms and choose to have colonic hydrotherapy on a regular basis. Others wish to experience one treatment to see what it is like. In an ARCH survey, 96% of people consulting an ARCH practitioner would recommend the treatment. This shows an extremely high level of satisfaction. As a professional organisation our therapists will not make claims to cure chronic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need to make any special changes to your diet or lifestyle before a treatment, however many people choose to have a treatment when embarking upon a new health regime. As registered, professional therapists, we are used to people feeling nervous, especially before a first treatment. Part of our job is to put you at ease and ensure you are comfortable having your treatment. At your first appointment your therapist will take a full medical case history, and will explain the procedure and treatment process to you. Do not hesitate to ask any questions.

A brief rectal exam must be carried out and then the speculum is gently introduced 1.5 inches (4cm) into the rectum. This procedure should not be painful. If you feel any pain or discomfort please inform your therapist. An inlet and outlet tube are attached to the outside of the speculum to provide a through-flow of water going in and water and waste going out. The waste is piped away, and since the whole system is closed, there is no odour. After lying on your left side to allow the speculum to be gently inserted, your therapist will ask you to turn onto your back.  To assist elimination of waste and gas pockets your therapist may use gentle abdominal massage techniques. Sometimes herbal infusions are used during a colonic treatment. Your therapist will discuss your treatment with you during the session.

Every treatment is individual, but as a guide we estimate around 75 litres of filtered water is used per treatment. However, only small amounts of water are allowed to enter the bowel at any one time. The water acts as a stimulant to tell the bowel it is full, and the bowel muscle responds by contracting and eliminating waste matter and the water. It acts in the same way as when your bowel is full normally and you have the feeling you want to go to the toilet.The water pressure is carefully controlled and is in fact lower than is normally generated during a bowel movement.In all the colonic treatment takes around 30-45 minutes.

Your therapist will discuss with you your individual motivation for deciding to have a colonic treatment. People have different reason for having a treatment so you will be treated as an individual. An ARCH therapist will never pressurise anyone to have more treatments than are desired or necessary. As a professional organisation our therapists are trained to the highest standards and we will always give you our best advice.

Yes. Since they are not self administered but conducted by an ARCH therapist they have a proven record of safety and are effective. The filtered water is administered at low pressure so there is no danger of bowel perforation. All equipment used is either disposable or sterilised using hospital-approved sterliants. All our therapists are trained to ARCH standards having undergone practical application training along with practical and written exams. The colonic schools that teach to ARCH standards are independently audited. ARCH members are required to undergo continuing professional development and keep up to date with relevant legislation. Furthermore, from 2010, all ARCH therapists are independently regulated by the government recognised CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council) to give you further confidence.

Yes, there are conditions where a colonic treatment would not be undertaken. These include conditions such as active infections, active inflammation (for example, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc) a painful fissure or painful haemorrhoids. In such cases treatment cannot be carried out until they are healed or in remission.

Some diseases such as congestive heart disease, severe uncontrolled hypertension, severe anaemia, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, severe haemorrhaging and colo-rectal carcinoma are absolute contra-indications to treatment as are some physical conditions such as severe abdominal or inguinal hernias which cannot be easily reduced.

If you as a client, or our therapists, are in any doubt, we will refer you to your G.P for advice. Treatments are also not performed during pregnancy, and not at all during complicated pregnancies. We always take a full case history before commencing a treatment. If there is any doubt we will refer you to your G.P.

 

 

Also known as colonic irrigation, colonic, colon lavage or high colonic, Colonic Hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method of cleansing the colon of waste material by gentle, repeated flushing with water.

What is the colon

The colon, large intestine or bowel is situated in the abdomen and forms the last part of the digestive tract (the food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus).  It includes the caecum and appendix, the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon, the rectum and the anus (see diagram on inside front cover). The colon is approximately 5 feet long and 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

An extremely important organ in its own right, the colon and its resident trillions of bacteria also carry out a number of vital functions pertaining to the health of your whole body. These include the completion of the digestive process involving absorption of water-soluble nutrients, the synthesis of valuable nutrients such as vitamin K, short chain fatty acids and portions of the vitamin B complex, energy production and immunity provision.

The colon is a major part of the excretory system, (which also includes the kidneys, liver, lungs and the skin) and is responsible for eliminating food and other bodily wastes.  The healthy colon provides an important role in protecting us from infection and disease.  In a normal functioning colon, this is achieved with the help of approximately one hundred trillion friendly bacteria, which inhabit the colon and make up some 70% of the dry weight of our faecal waste. The colon is principally controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, a branch of the nervous system which controls resting, relaxing, rebuilding and digestive functions.

However, the delicate balance of this internal ecosystem can very easily be disturbed by a number of factors including stress, pollution, poor food and drink choices, certain medications, including antibiotics, smoking, exposure to toxic substances and food preservatives.

 

 

Waste material can build up in our colon and the muscular action of the colon can be diminished resulting in constipation and inadequate bowel movements. Whilst our body is very well adapted and able to deal with the consequences of our modern lifestyle, sometimes the delicate balance can be affected by diet, stress and health. This doesn’t just apply to our colon, and we are not suggesting that a colonic is the answer to all health issues. We always encourage a healthy balanced diet along with rest and exercise as the basis towards good health. It is a fact however, that many people suffer with bowel problems and there are many drugs that are regularly used to treat symptoms of bowel problems. Colonic Hydrotherapy is an effective way of removing waste matter by using the gentle introduction of water into the bowel which stimulates the muscle to contract thus emptying itself.

The colon is part of the body’s excretory system. The other excretory organs, i.e. the lungs, skin, and kidneys are important and work together and have different functions to eliminate toxins. For example, our lungs need clean fresh air and regular exercise to function properly. It is the job of our colon to be able to excrete waste efficiently and absorb water and salts properly. Water is important for proper functioning of the kidneys and to keep us hydrated and to cleanse blood, as well as being the major constituent of most cells. The liver, as an organ of detoxification is also closely linked to the bowel through veins.

Everything has its proper place. Many people take pain killers and then become constipated or being away from home or on holiday can upset the natural rhythm of our bowel movements. Laxatives can be useful for relieving the symptoms of temporary constipation.
Enemas are useful for emptying the rectum, (the lowest 8-12 inches of the colon) usually 1-2 pints of water are used to do that. Suppositories are also used to accomplish the same task.
Colonic Hydrotherapy has the ability to release waste from all areas of the colon.

During a 45 minute session around 75 litres of filtered water is used to gently flush the colon. Your therapist will take time to discuss with you any particular issues or problems you may have and give you information on any diet or lifestyle changes that may help you. A colonic treatment will help to empty your colon, and may be used as one way of helping your bowel function. They will also advise you if you may need to consider other adjustments in order to help.

The best way to find out is to experience a treatment and see how you feel afterwards.  Colonics are very safe and gentle. There is no reason why you would not be able to have a treatment unless you have any contra-indications.

Very rarely there is more than a minor and transient discomfort experienced by some people. ARCH therapists will be able to put you at ease and answer any of your concerns. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, please tell your therapist. Occasionally the colon may contract and give a colicky sensation, but such episodes are usually brief and easily tolerated.

No, you will fully maintain your dignity at all times. You will be in a private room with your therapist who fully appreciates the sensitivity of the colonic procedure and will help you feel relaxed and at ease. Your emotions and feelings will be acknowledged and honoured. After the gentle insertion of the speculum into the rectum, you are completely covered. The mess and odour that some people envisage, and sometimes present during an enema does not happen since the whole system is enclosed and any gas simply comes away as bubbles in the waste water.

We would recommend you eat and drink lightly a couple of hours before a treatment, but essentially you need make no adjustments to your normal routine. You do not need to fast.

Generally speaking as soon as your treatment is completed you can carry on with your normal routine. Occasionally some people may have more bowel movements over the next few hours, but there shouldn’t be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort.

Historically, artefacts and records show that people have regularly purified their bodies, including cleansing the colon. Around the turn of the 20th century, the present day colonic equipment was developed. Up to the late 20’s many doctors had colonic systems in their surgeries and similar equipment was found in hospitals too. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930’s. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in alternative therapies as a natural approach to health and colonics has regained popularity.

Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe, healthy and worry free service. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as a standard procedure and clean linen or gowns are used for each treatment.

Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe, healthy and worry free service. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as a standard procedure and clean linen or gowns are used for each treatment.

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 there may be no bowel movement for some days following a colonic. However this is quite normal and should be interpreted as such. Very infrequently diarrhoea or loose bowels may be experienced. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. If you are at all concerned do contact your therapist.

In many cases constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. There are three factors involved in having a well functioning colon: diet & hydration, exercise and emotions. All three must be balanced for the colon to function well. The process of Colonic Hydrotherapy is an aid for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise, and attitude are then able to manifest the desired results. Many people find the relief provided by colonics inspires motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle.

Good bacteria can only breed in a balanced environment. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one. The important bowel bacteria are present on the bowel wall and are not removed during Colonic Hydrotherapy treatment, thus leaving a large nucleus to grow naturally. If your bowel bacteria are out of balance, your therapist may recommend a course of probiotic treatment.

Recent European studies speculate that 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.

Probably 90% of all colonics take about 45 minutes. It could also be shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgment of the therapist and your individual wishes. Additional time will be required before the colonic for the therapist to go over your medical history, and around 15 minutes should be allowed for changing. At a first colonic appointment you should expect to spend an hour and a half at the clinic.

We use drinking quality water meeting E.U. standards. The water is then further filtered before being warmed to the correct temperature.

We use drinking quality water meeting E.U. standards. The water is then further filtered before being warmed to the correct temperature.

We suggest that you eat at your normal meal time, and consume a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Just as it doesn’t make sense to have you car cleaned and then immediately drive it through mud, eating a meal known to cause trouble in your abdomen directly after a colonic isn’t an intelligent choice. Steamed or cooked vegetables, salads, vegetable soups or broths, fruit, or juices are the best choice.

This will depend on many factors and will vary from one person to another. Everyone has different reasons for having a treatment so this will depend upon your personal objectives and can be discussed with your therapist.

It will probably never be completely empty, as it is an organ in continuous use. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.

Your skin actually “breathes” and is an important organ of elimination of waste material. Sometimes, if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will suffer. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up.

At the Tulip Lotus Clinic the initial appointment includes a thorough medical and lifestyle consultation, physical examination and colon hydrotherapy treatment (1 hour 45 mins in total with the colonic treatment lasting approximately 45 mins). The initial appointment fee is £110.00.

Follow-up appointments are £85.00 (max 1 hour 15 mins).