Colon-Hydro-Therapy is a method of rinsing and rehabilitation of the intestines.

The colon is an extremely important part of the digestive and eliminative systems. It is approximately 5 feet long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter, however this can expand considerably in the case of long term constipation or a build up of gas pressure. The colon has a number of functions such as the elimination of faeces and toxins, an offloading site for the lymphatic system, absorption of water, electrolytes and some essential fatty acids. Additionally, the colon produces valuable nutrients such as Vitamin K and portions of the B Complex – via the friendly bacteria who are also responsible for detoxifying many waste products of digestion. Around 50% of the dry weight of faecal matter is made up of bacteria, not all of which are ‘friendly’ and beneficial to health. In fact the over colonisation of ‘unfriendly’ bacteria can be quite hazardous to health as they can produce lots of micro toxins which are then absorbed back into the blood stream causing symptoms such as irritability, lack of concentration, skin disorders, and sugar cravings. The delicate balance of your bowel’s micro flora (bowel bacteria) is greatly dependent on your diet but may also be affected by any medication that you may have been on in both the past and present, high stress levels and a lack of relaxation.

Ideally the colon should be a self-cleansing organ, as should all organs, providing that we live within the laws of nature.  Most of western society is out of touch with these ‘rules’ with modern eating habits, pollution and stress all inhibits our self-cleansing ability. High consumption of meat (often full of steroids, growth hormones and antibiotics), diary products, wheat, processed foods (with excessive sugar, salt and additives), and increasing levels of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco are common in our society. Consequently, our intake of water, vegetables, fruit, unrefined grains (fibre) have rapidly declined.

Stress levels are also on the rise with an increasingly competitive society leading to an overload in work and a lack of time for relaxation or repair. It is no wonder that coffee shops are a lucrative business, and many are turning to these false boosts of energy, consequently becoming adrenalin junkies just to make it through the day!! This adrenalin has a detrimental effect on the digestive system as it is meant for the ‘flight or fight’ situation, meaning exactly what it says – to prepare the body to fight off danger or run away as fast as it can. In such a condition all focus will be given to the heart (to pump blood as we increase activity), the lungs (to enable oxygenation), and the brain (to increase alertness and bodily senses).  In such a situation the digestion system is ignored making it go into a semi shut down mode leading to incomplete digestion, absorption and often elimination.

To enable the colon to work efficiently it should be relatively clean of accumulated waste, gas pressure and excessive mucus production. If not, absorption and peristalsis (wave like muscular contractions) of the bowel will be greatly impaired. In the case of an under active colon, the toxins in the lymphatic system and the remaining organs of elimination – the liver, kidneys, lungs and skin will quickly start to build up. Additionally, there is the re-absorption of these toxins back into the bloodstream, leading to the skin, one of the main organs of elimination, to ‘break-out’ just to enable the body to detoxify some of these harmful substances. An over burdened lymphatic system makes you more susceptible to both illness and disease.

The Colon Hydrotherapy is carried out by a fully trained therapist introducing water at gravity pressure and at a controlled temperature slowly into the bowel. Both the use of water and massage techniques will help to soften and eliminate stubborn waste and old encrusted deposits, which are piped away with the waste water.

Unlike chemical laxatives, this treatment will actually help to improve bowel tone, meaning that they do not have the same habit forming effect. Quick fix over the counter laxatives often lead to increased bowel dysfunction as they kill off some of the nerve cells, whilst further weakening the bowel wall.

Concerns for the depletion of good bacteria, due to washing away during the treatment, should be put to rest.  The good bacteria will stabilise over the few days of the treatment and their levels may well increase following elimination of faecal material and mucoid plaque.  This means that Colon Hydrotherapy encourages the growth of friendly bacteria.

All water used has been filtered and the gravity flow of water ensures that there is no danger of discomfort and subsequently bowel perforation. In addition all the equipment used for this treatment is sterilised and is disposable.

There is no immediate answer to this question as each and every one of us is in a different internal state.  It may vary from one treatment to a number over a given period of time and an indication will be given by your therapist following your initial treatment.

£70 per session. Buy 5 sessions and get one free plus 20% off a Full Body Massage!