By Nico Erle Ciriaco
ONE of the ways to detoxify the body that an increasing number of people are looking to is hydrocolonics, a safe and effective method to hydrate and cleanse the large intestine (colon) of waste materials via the gentle infusion of 25 liters of warm purified water through a tube that is inserted into the rectum using a disposable speculum and state-of-the-art colon hydrotherapy instruments. This procedure started at the Yankee Hospital in Bangkok, a very distinguished aesthetic and wellness facility in Thailand.
“Hydrocolonics therapy is more like a spa regimen than a diagnostic procedure, so it’s very comfortable experience. Patients are still in command with their muscle contractions to determine the speed during the procedure. It’s a process of detoxification that removes harmful toxins from the body because toxins are absorbed back into the body if not eliminated. Waste that is not eliminated becomes plaque in the intestinal wall,” explained Dr. Mary Jane Torres, president of The Zen Institute chain of clinics (www.zeninstitute.com).
The colon is the end portion of the human digestive tract, the food-carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus. Approximately 5 feet in length and 2 inches in diameter, it eliminates waste products, as well as conserve water while reabsorbing electrolytes and minerals into our system.
Cleansing and flushing out the toxic wastes and materials that have long accumulated in the large intestines can alleviate health problems caused by an unhealthy colon. Some of these conditions may include constipation and sluggish bowel movement, abdominal gas, stomach ache or diarrhea, headaches/nausea and vomiting/dizziness and mild fever, fatigue/insomnia and anorexia, halitosis (bad breath)/oral cavity problems and body odor, multiple skin problems, allergic reactions, asthma, rheumatism and feelings of irritability, hemorrhoids, intestinal cancer/cirrhosis and lymphoma.
“Intravenous micronutrition therapy can be done with colonics as the procedure takes only about 45 minutes to an hour. Food goes to the liver first to metabolize before going to the intestines. Probiotics is also ingested after the procedure for the body to grow more helpful bacteria,” Torres continued.
After colonics, clients experience a sense of lightness and relief from that stuffed feeling in the stomach. Some even feel high levels of energy aside from great relief, while others attest to a fresher and alleviated wellness.
Once procedure has been completed, moderate amounts of soft and nourishing food like vegetable soups and broth, light salads, fresh fruits and juices rich in fiber should be ingested as part of the cleansing routine.
“High-fiber diets improve bowel movement and absorbs fat from ingested food. Light meals like oatmeal, cereals, vegetable puree, fruits and tea are highly recommended. Coffee is allowed only for those without hyperacidity.
“Hydrocolonics can revitalize and rejuvenate the body and help in weight management. Immune boosters complementing the procedure include vitamin B-complex and Thymus extract [antibodies boost] as antiallergy to combat infection by mimicking the T-cells in our system,” Torres said.
Depending on necessity and/or individual preference or objective, hydrocolonics can be done on a weekly, monthly, trimester or annual basis. Those who have severe hernia, abdominal surgery (not less than eight weeks) colostomy, intestinal ulcers and bleeding piles, hemorrhoids, high and low blood pressure, pregnant women, or those with recent surgical procedures are precluded from undergoing colonics. Women in their menstration period may opt to undergo the procedure as it may reduce discomfort during their monthly period.
Getting a colonic needs no elaborate preparation and use of laxatives, as is the case in diagnostics, but only needs to increase one’s water consumption preceding a scheduled appointment for at least an hour before the procedure proper.