How Is Colon Hydrotherapy Done?
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Before the Colon Hydrotherapy Treatment
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Before you get a colon hydrotherapy treatment (also referred to as a colonic or colon irrigation), you should meet with the therapist and discuss your concerns and your expectations of the treatment. The therapist will also want to do a quick examination of your rectum to see if you are a good candidate for therapy. Certain conditions, such as severe hemorrhoids, colon or rectal cancer, diverticulitis or anal fistulas, may make colon hydrotherapy unsafe.
During the Colon Hydrotherapy Treatment
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When you go for your scheduled treatment, you will be asked to remove your undergarments and clothing from the waist down and put on a gown. You will lie on a table that is covered with an absorbent pad and sanitary table liner during the procedure. The therapist will use a sterile, disposable tubing unit to perform your irrigation. You will lie on your side while the therapist gently inserts the lubricated tip into your rectum.
The therapist will then let you know when he or she is going to begin the flow of water. You will be advised to let the therapist know when you feel "full" so that she can then reverse the flow and allow your bowels to drain. There is usually a clear screen that allows you to see the waste and water that are drained from your system. The therapist may describe what she sees and what it means in terms of your digestive and elimination function. This process is repeated several times and can take from 30 minutes to more than an hour. The therapist may also massage your abdomen while the water is in your system to help break up compacted fecal matter on the intestine walls.
Once the last flush and drain cycle is performed, the therapist will leave while you dress. You will then go to the bathroom and allow any water or waste that is left in your system to drain. Sometimes more matter will pass simply because of the change in your body position and from the act of contracting the colon as you bear down.
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After the Treatment
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When you first begin colon hydrotherapy, it will be recommended that you do a series of treatments within a certain amount of time -- generally four to six treatments, each about a week apart. After that you will only need to have a treatment every four to six months to keep long term buildup off of the intestine walls.
Immediately after the first treatment most people feel lighter and emptier in the abdominal area. This feeling generally lasts a couple of days.
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