...yet another example of the healing properties of water...
Colon Hydrotherapy, informally known as a colonic, is a gentle therapeutic practice based on the healing properties of water. In my practice I use the traditional gravitational method, which offers the twin goals of cleansing and toning the colon. A gentle infusion of warm, filtered water is introduced into the large intestine, while I gently massage the abdomen and control the temperature, volume and pressure of the water. The water hydrates the colon, helping to soften, break up, and then remove impacted and dehydrated fecal, mucoid, parasitic, gas, and other waste material that had been lining the intestinal wall (cleansing). The water also influences the colon’s peristaltic action, either stimulating it in the case of constipation or sedating it in the case of diarrhea (toning). The colon’s nerves and glands are freed to resume their normal activities, thereby allowing the large intestine to absorb the good stuff and release toxins more easily.
People usually get colonics for 1 or more of the following reasons:
- Colon Rehab...help in overcoming long-standing digestive and elimination problems, such as chronic constipation, excessive gas, and colon irritability;
- Acute Care...as part of (not a substitute for) preparing for a colonoscopy; during a fast/cleansing process; and, infrequent constipation;
- Maintenance...occasional colonics, often at the change of seasons, to help keep their colons functioning well, once healthy bowel movements have been established.
In addition to improved bowel function, clients frequently report other, indirect benefits, such as:
- increased energy
- improved sleep
- allergy relief
- clearer skin
- disappearance of certain aches & pains
When you come in for your first session I will ask you to fill out some intake forms and then sit down with you to review your situation and talk about your concerns and objectives. I will also explain the process to you and give you the opportunity to ask questions. The colonic itself usually lasts between 35 and 45 minutes, during which your privacy will be respected with draping. I will offer you feedback based on the results of the colonic and make recommendations regarding follow-up. Plan to be here for about an hour and a half for the first session, and 1 hour for subsequent colonics.
"90% of all disease and discomfort is directly or indirectly related to an unclean colon."
~ Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain
How many sessions do you recommend?
The first colonic can remove much waste; depending on your individual situation, a single session will not remove all the accumulated waste. Remember, healthy colon function and not an empty colon is the true goal of colon hydrotherapy. Keep in mind that many of us probably have a significant amount of old impacted matter clinging to our colon walls; hardened matter that really doesn’t want to let go. Additional colonics are usually recommended, but the number you decide to have is up to you and what you want to achieve with the help of colonics.
Are colonics addictive?
No...as colon function improves you naturally will want to come in less and less frequently, hopefully moving to the maintenance stage. Improved function can be maintained by you, the result of a healthy diet (check out my
Plant-Based & Raw Foods page), and lifestyle practices, such as regular exercise, enough sleep, relaxation, and staying well hydrated.
Won’t colonics flush out the healthy bacteria in my colon?
It can be assumed that most people come in for their first colonic with too many of the unhealthy bacteria, which is indicated by the symptoms they’re experiencing. It is important, however, to make sure your digestive system is re-populated with healthy bacteria. It is quite easy to do so with regular consumption of miso & other live fermented foods (never heated above 118 degrees F., and definitely not pasteurized) and supplemental probiotics.
I’m still not sure...what should I do?
If you’d like more information, please contact me, and I will be happy to answer additional questions.
Ann Marie is pleasant and professional. I went for colonics with her once every week or two for the first 4 months, then once a month and then every other month. It is a year later and I haven't had a colonic in many months. I’ve gone from feeling bad 85% of the time to feeling great about 95% of the time. Colonics are one of the most important things I have done for my health.
~ LS, Albuquerque
I am forever grateful to Ann Marie for helping me. She is thoroughly professional, yet very kind and thoughtful as well. Because of this, she is my best advocate to help me toward my health goals. No words can express how grateful I am for having gone to Ann Marie. I highly recommend her to anyone who has the slightest qualms about getting a colonic because she will help you to overcome them and receive the many benefits the procedure has to offer. All I can say is, thank goodness people like her are in the profession.
~ YK, Cedar Crest
I have suffered many years from stomach issues that result in poor/minimal bowel movements. My mother-in-law suggested I see Ann Marie for a colonic; she had gone in the past and found it to help. After my first visit, I scheduled five more visits immediately. It was the best I had felt in a long time. After my third visit, I no longer felt bloated and tired. I started exercising and found myself less irritated and anxious. I now see Ann Marie regularly and testify to anyone that will listen. My colon works much better than I could have imagined! If I had only known years ago that I could feel so good, I would have started this process much sooner. Thanks, Ann Marie.
~ LC, Albuquerque