There is a lot of misinformation about colon hydrotherapy. Many places that train people to perform colon hydrotherapy treatments are making unfounded claims.
Here is the reality:
- you don’t lose weight via colon hydrotherapy
- there is not 25 lbs of sludge on your colon wall
there isn't any dry fecal matter impacted on the colon
- improper colon hydrotherapy is dangerous and can result in the loss of electrolytes, strip the colon of healthy bacteria, and increase the risk of perforation and cross infection
- parasites are microscopic so unless there is a large worm visible to the naked eye, colon hydrotherapy does not address this
In the over 10,000 treatments that I have given, not once did a client lose more than five pounds.
This is why colon hydrotherapy needs to be regulated and made a part of medical protocol. Colon hydrotherapy is not something that should be performed by anyone other than a medical professional who has taken specialized training in colon hydrotherapy.
By “medical professional” I am referring to naturopathic doctors, nurses, doctors and other health care professionals who have the necessary medical knowledge and background to safely perform a proper and thorough colon hydrotherapy treatment.
Why?
A full medical assessment should be taken. This includes noting items such as what medications (if any) the patient is taking, and any health conditions which may be contraindicated. The importance of diet needs to be discussed as well. The trained medical practitioner needs to know what stress signs to look out for and be confident in their ability to deal with them should they come up.
A health practitioner with a solid foundation in medical training will have the knowledge necessary to provide a thorough as well as a safe treatment. This is something anyone who is considering colon hydrotherapy should ensure is provided.
Everyone is different, no two digestive systems are alike and each client needs to be treated as an individual. One cannot treat even similar symptoms the same way because the entire physiology, medical background, previous surgeries, conditions and eating habits form a unique response in each person. Thus, the need for a thorough medical assessment prior to treatment needs to take place. It is entirely possible that the conclusion of the assessment is such that colon hydrotherapy is not advised.
One should not think of colon hydrotherapy as a “buy one get one free” type of deal, which some clinics and online coupon sites tend to offer. Nor should it be treated as a procedure where “if you get 12 then you’ll be clean.” It doesn’t work that way and the public needs to realize this.
It is also important to note that laxatives strip good bacteria and electrolytes. This is something that people who are taking laxatives should be aware of.
Every client is unique, thus, each person must be treated one at a time and reassessment needs to take place with each visit. Perhaps only one treatment is all that is needed, maybe three, maybe more, but no one should be giving definitive statements whereby one should expect to “be clean” after a certain amount of sessions. This is inaccurate.
What is the key ingredient to a healthy colon hydrotherapy treatment?
In my over 30 years of clinical experience, I have found that utilizing a whole isotonic system is of paramount importance.
What exactly does this mean?
Most colon hydrotherapy treatments rob the system of healthy bacteria. Some centres will provide or advise that the patient replenish after the treatment. This is simply not enough. The loss of electrolytes via a treatment can cause cramps, exhaustion and other forms of indigestion while the body struggles to rebuild its levels of healthy intestinal flora.
By consistently adding an isotonic solution (meaning: a liquid which mimics sea water and contains an optimum balance of electrolytes) during the colon hydrotherapy treatment as well as after, results in zero electrolyte loss. By maintaining one’s electrolytes and ensuring remineralization, there is less shock to the system which results in an easy transition afterwards. I call this the whole isotonic system and have found it to be incredibly effective. The isotonic solution truly is incredible!
In essence, colon hydrotherapy evacuates the bowels. It is like changing the oil in your car. When done properly and safely by a trained medical professional, it is highly effective.
Colon hydrotherapy needs to be recognized so that there is a standard of practice and it is being regulated. This is extremely important. The first steps towards this is education.
Carla Roter is Naturally Savvy's Colon Hydrotherapy expert. Carla is a Nurse and Director of The Colon Therapy Health & Education Centre.
Photo Credit: Simon Lexton/ CC 2.0
