I am a colon hydrotherapist. What does that mean? That means that I administer colonics. What are colonics, you ask? Well, colonics, or colon hydrotherapy, is the process of flushing the colon (also called the large intestine, or bowel) with purified water. It is a complementary treatment which removes metabolic waste from a person's large bowel without applying toxic agents of any kind.

The procedure has seen a popular resurgence of late. In California, about eight years ago, there were only a handful of colon hydrotherapists. Now, according to the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (www.i-act.org/), there are over one thousand of them around the world and their clients include some very high-profile names. Celebrities, like Madonna and Lisa Marie Presley talk about it, and praise the virtues of a good colon cleansing. Models get the procedure done before going out on the catwalk, so their stomachs will be as flat as possible.

Whatever your reason for getting colonics, the benefits can be far-reaching. I don't think people realize how important the proper functioning of the bowel is – not only to their physical health – but to their emotional and mental state as well. In Chinese medicine, the colon is thought of as the "second brain". When people release (physically) during colonics, they often experience a tremendous emotional release as well.

So, why don't we hear more about colon hydrotherapy? What does the medical establishment
think of the procedure? Some doctors say colonics went out with the "horse and buggy". Others know nothing about it. It's surprising, considering that up until the 1920s-30s, colon hydrotherapy machines were a mainstay in hospitals and nurses routinely administered the procedure. Now, when bowel exams or surgery are required, a prescription is usually issued for a very heavy laxative that aggressively cleans out the alimentary canal. It means much less work for the hospital staff, but much irritation to those taking the drugs.

With renewed interest in this procedure from the general public, we're starting to see more articles written about it, and hearing what benefits people have experienced. Generally, it's relief from chronic bowel issues such as constipation (did you know that, for some people, a colonic can be the equivalent of 10-20 bowel movements?). But people are ascribing other benefits to it as well, like healing acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, curing depression, treating an enlarged prostate, and losing weight. Is it possible our ancestors were onto something?

Recommended reading
"Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management", Dr. Bernard Jensen, N.D., Escondido, CA: Bernard Jensen Publications, 1981.

"The Colon Health Handbook", Dr. Robert Gray, Reno, Nevada: Emerald Publishing, 1985.

"Cleanse & Purify Thyself" Book 1, Dr. Richard Anderson, N.D., N.M.D., Medford, OR: Christobe Publishing, 1988.

Teri is a Professional Member of HANS, practicing in Vancouver. Her company name is Higher Source Health and Wellness. She can be reached at 604-450-3757.

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