The world of wellness and detoxification is filled with trends that come and go, many of which see a lot of controversy. Amidst the ever-changing landscape of detox options, is colonic hydrotherapy (also known as colonic irrigation). The practice is by no means a new phenomenon and, whilst it might sound intimidating, colonic hydrotherapy is not as scary as the myths might have you believe.
We’re here to debunk some of these common myths and dive into the truth behind the misconceptions surrounding this fascinating practice.
Myth 1: colonic hydrotherapy is painful
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. The idea of a colonic cleanse might make you squirm, but the reality is far less uncomfortable than you might think. In fact, colonic hydrotherapy is a gentle internal bath and trained professionals have the experience and knowledge to guide the water at a comfortable rate and pressure. The sensation might be unusual, but it’s not something that should cause actual pain.
Most experiences of discomfort or pain usually come from resistance and tension but, in some cases, you may feel a small amount of pressure, like gas or the passing of a regular bowel movement. However, these sensations tend to pass quickly.
Myth 2: colonic irrigation is messy
Let’s clear the air on this one: colonic hydrotherapy is not the messy disaster scene some might paint it to be. Professional colonic hydrotherapy clinics are equipped with all the necessary tools to ensure a clean and controlled experience.
There are a couple of colonic methods — using a machine or gravity. At Health Avenues, we use the gravity method of introducing and eliminating water in a controlled manner to ensure any potential mess is contained.
Trained therapists are well-versed in maintaining a hygienic environment throughout the session. So, fear not – it’s more about tranquillity and cleanliness than chaos and mess.
Myth 3: colonic hydrotherapy strips the body of nutrients
The delicate balance of our gut microbiota is a topic of growing interest in the wellness community. Some might worry that colonic hydrotherapy could wreak havoc on this balance by washing away all bacteria — good and bad.
However, while colonic hydrotherapy can indeed help eliminate waste and toxins from your colon, it doesn’t result in a mass exodus of all your gut’s friendly inhabitants. The vast majority of your beneficial gut bacteria reside further up in your digestive tract, primarily in the small intestine. The water used during colonic irrigation mostly affects the lower part of your colon, where stool is stored before elimination.
In fact, we believe that colonics can actually increase the good intestinal flora. This is because ‘good’ bacteria need a clean environment in order to breed. If you want to gain more knowledge on this, learn more about the benefits of colonic irrigation.
With this in mind, however, it’s still a good idea to support your gut health with a diet rich in prebiotic and probiotic foods after the procedure.
Colonic hydrotherapy with Health Avenues
Colonic hydrotherapy is often misunderstood but it’s a procedure that has stood the test of time for a reason. While not everyone might be ready to embrace it, it’s essential to separate the misconceptions from the reality.
As with any wellness practice, it’s crucial to make informed decisions based on accurate information. Always consult with healthcare professionals before undergoing any procedure to ensure that it’s suitable for your individual health needs. See our FAQs for more details.
If you are interested in the process, Health Avenues is here to provide you with high-quality treatment and support.
Liz is a qualified Colonic Hydrotherapy Practitioner, a Naturopath, and a trained Nurse and Midwife with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. She’ll ensure you are comfortable at all times.
Get in touch today to book your colonic, coffee enema, or food intolerance test.