While the prospect of laying on a procedure bed with a tube placed firmly into your bum does sound, in equal parts, slightly uncomfortable and off-putting, I was still intrigued by the colon-clearing benefits of the fabled hydrotherapy colonic. After some research, I took the plunge to experience it for myself. Here’s how it went.
What’s a hydrotherapy colonic?
A hydrotherapy colonic, or colon irrigation, is a holistic, therapeutic procedure designed to cleanse the colon by introducing water, and in some cases an additional enema, into the rectum through a tube. The water helps soften stored stool in the colon and eliminates waste material and toxins. This process is conducted by trained professionals in a controlled, sterile environment.
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Not the sh!tty experience I imagined
Deciding to undergo a hydrotherapy colonic was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I visited Radiance Health And Wellness, based in Panorama in Cape Town. Here, in the hands of a professional by trade, I learned that the hydrotherapy colonic procedure is much more than what meets the eye.
After an initial consultation for general information, I hopped onto the procedure bed and straight into what I can only describe as a machine with a nervous tick for some lymph drainage and to eliminate gas from my body.
After my body had been shook around for a stretch, it was time for the colonic – which promised to assist in removing toxins from my body that had been impacting my gut health negatively. I was anxious for the next step, but professional, guided support put me at ease.
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Laying sideways with my knees towards my chest, a tube was inserted into my rectum. Uncomfortable, but not as bad as I expected. With a repetitive stop and start mechanism in place, a total of 60 litres of water was pumped into and released from my colon. On every release, more waste was eliminated. Needless to say, I was amazed at the process and what was pumping out of me.
The only discomfort presented itself through pressure, as the water filled my tummy, mimicking the feeling of keeping a bowel movement in. I chose to breathe through it – the discomfort didn’t last long and was a positive indicator of a good response to the treatment.
If you’re worried about the discomfort (which is minimal), a health care professional can use other tools to help the process along, such as a massage with essential oils in the naval, and an enema to assist with the breaking down of stool and waste.
Results from a hydrotherapy colonic experience
Every person will experience this treatment differently, and the amount of sessions you will require will differ, too.
My treatment indicated that I was rather dehydrated, which in turn means that I need to go in for another session. However, I left my first round feeling lighter. Now, a few weeks on, the majority of my bloating has subsided and I feel fresh and clean, internally.
Benefits of a hydrotherapy colonic
Detoxification: Hydrotherapy colonics can assist in detoxifying the body by removing built-up waste and toxins from the colon. This process is believed to contribute to overall wellness and improved bodily functions.
Improved digestive health: Hydrotherapy colonics are thought to promote better digestion by eliminating constipation and aiding in the prevention of digestive issues. This can lead to improved nutrient absorption and overall gut health.
Weight loss support: Some individuals turn to hydrotherapy colonics as a complementary approach to weight loss. The removal of waste material from the colon may result in weight loss as the body finds it difficult to loose weight through stored waste and toxins.
Boost in energy levels: Advocates claim that a clean and efficiently functioning colon can lead to increased energy levels and improved vitality.
Hydrotherapy colonics remain a controversial wellness practice, but I am please to say that I had a pleasant and positive experience. I’d definitely recommend!
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