Dr. Jim Chan, ND Naturopathic Physician








THERAPUTIC SERVICES

WHAT IS COLON THERAPY?
Colon therapy, also called colon irrigation or colonics, is a method of cleaning the colon(large intestine) in order to eliminate accumulated fecal matter and toxic materials from the bowel. The purpose of colon therapy is to cleanse, stimulate and rejuvenate the digestive system. A healthy colon is essential for optimal health and well being of the entire body. Colon therapy is useful in itself and is also an especially valuable adjunct to a detoxification program.

ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS TO COLON THERAPY?

Colon therapy is not recommended if you currently have blood in your stool, anemia, heart disease, high blood pressure, amoebic dysentery, gastrointestinal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis. Can I be constipated even if I have one, two or three bowel movements a day? Yes, the colon is much like a water pipe partly obstructed by mineral deposits and corrosion. An opening allows some water to flow through, but it doesn't mean it's clean. Eventually the opening becomes narrower and narrower as the waste builds to the point where it closes(that's when you have impaction.)

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR COLON THERAPY?
You will be asked some questions about your medical history as pertains to colon therapy. Rubber tubing, sterilized after each client session, carries body temperature filtered water into your colon at a safe and minimal amount of pressure(gravity), stimulating the smooth muscle of your colon to contract and eliminate waste material. Approximately fifteen gallons of water are used during the procedure, but only two or three pints are maintained internally at any one time, though some people can hold much more. The water now is always under direct control of the therapist-Water is introduced and expelled to allow encrusted waste and mucous to be carried away. The waste enters directly into the sewage system so there is no unpleasant odor. A sometimes-nutritive substance such as Acidophilus or wheat grass juice is added to the water or as an implant.


HOW DO I KNOW I CAN BENEFIT FROM COLON THERAPY?

Due to its overall detoxifying effect, nearly everyone can benefit from colon therapy. When the colon is packed or lined with accumulated hardened feces lodged in the pockets of the colon walls, muscular contractions (peristalsis)are obstructed and more feces bui1d up along the walls,resu1ting in the colon's inability to properly evacuate. Waste built up over many months or years can actually result in five, ten, fifteen or more pounds of weight, causing a distended and abnormally shaped colon. The clogged colon interferes with the anal absorption and digestion of food, depriving the body of necessary nutrients and resulting in fermentation and putrefaction of undigested food and creating poisons. The poisons are reabsorbed into the bloodstream and carried to every part of the body, causing a tired and listless feeling; effects on the brain and nervous system cause depression and irritability; lungs produce foul breath and breathing is stressful; dysfunction of the digestive organs causes skin problems and a sallow complexion; and joints become stiff and painful due to toxic deposits. Specific conditions which respond particularly well to colonic therapy are chronic or acute constipation indigestion; gas; prolapsed colon; fatigue; headaches; allergies; lung disorders, including asthma; skin problems, including acne, excema and psoriasis; toxicity due to drugs, alcohol, smoking or toxic chemicals; fibrocystic breasts; many acute illnesses, such as colds, flu and sore throats; joint problems; some kidney problems; and mucous congestion anywhere in the body. Colonics also stimulate the liver,kidneys and lymphatic system to dump toxins. If you already feel healthy and are interested in maintaining health and promoting longevity, colonics can help with increasing energy, maintaining proper weight and preventing disease.


HOW MANY COLONICS WILL I NEED?
Often the waste is so hard and well lodged in the colon that a series of colonics are necessary to sufficiently soften and loosen deposits. The number of treatments varies with the individual and the condition. Your colon therapist can best advise you regarding frequency of treatment.


DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR COLON THERAPY?
Unless you are on a detoxification program, there is no preparation necessary. Allowing time to relax after a treatment is helpful.


WILL I EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM COLON THERAPY?

The purpose of colon therapy, as with therapeutic fasting, is to cleanse the system. As toxins are released, you may experience very brief1y such symptoms as bad breath or body odor, nausea, chilliness or a slight headache. Most people feel lighter and more energetic and have an increased sense of wellness after colon therapy.


IS COLON THERAPY HABIT-FORMING?

No, not when used temporarily in conjunction with a cleansing program. The purpose of colon therapy is to allow relaxation and rejuvenation of the bowel and to promote better peristalsis-The bowel cannot heal when constantly working to get rid of accumulated wastes, gases and poisons.


WILL COLON THERAPY DAMAGE THE NORMAL INTESTINAL FLORA?

One of the functions of the first half of the colon is to gather the intestinal flora needed for healthy colon functioning. When the accumulation of feces in the bowel leads to fecal encrustation, normal functioning becomes impossible and the glands lining the intestine cannot maintain the necessary intestinal flora. The resulting lack of lubrication intensifies a state of constipation and generates toxemia when the acid-alkaline balance is stunted. Cleansing the colon will help to bring the acid-alkaline ration back into balance. Under the improved conditions, friendly bacteria will again thrive and disease-causing bacteria will have trouble developing. Reintroduction of healthy normal flora can assist the body in this process-So drink your Rejuvelac and wheat grass juice and do your implants! They are all very important to the success of the program.



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