How does colon hydrotherapy work?
A gentle flow of warm, filtered water is instilled into the colon via a pencil-thin disposable tube which you position yourself in total privacy. The water softens and loosens the contents of the colon and the waste is expelled easily, comfortably and hygienically. Your privacy and dignity are ensured at all times.

Is it safe?
Absolutely! In fact, with our new colon therapy equipment treatments are safer than the common enemas. We use the ‘Libbe’  system which is more comfortable and safer than the closed system. The client is given a sterile, single use plastic rectal tube to insert themselves in privacy and are covered at all times during the session. Waste can be released whenever you feel the need which will flow directly down a well into the external sewer. It is normally a very relaxing, comfortable entire process.

Do the treatments hurt?
Not normally, in fact many people report that their colon hydrotherapy session was both refreshing and relaxing. However, some people do experience some mild intestinal cramping and nausea as the toxins are being released but this normally passes shortly into the session.
Those who have had regular or recent colon irrigations seldom report any discomfort, but it is different for everyone as is their diet and lifestyle.

How do the colonic systems differ?
We have the latest design colon hydrotherapy system called the ‘Libbe’ or ‘Open System’ which is gentle and completely safe. Your therapist is there to instruct, help and give you an abdominal massage if requested but you have the option of being left in private if you prefer.
The sessions are relaxing and effective because of the effect the ‘open system’ has on stimulating natural peristaltic function and colon tone.
We have created a beautiful space with candles, fragrant aromatherapy oils and soft music to provide an atmosphere of relaxation, solitude and healing.

How does a  colonic differ from an enema?
An enema only reaches the rectum and the lower part of the colon whereas a colonic will irrigate the entire length of colon (approximately 5 1/2 feet) to where it joins the small intestine making it a lot more effective. According to Dr. Norman Walker who lived to the age of 108, one colonic is equivalent to 30 enemas! The small intestine is not washed during a colon hydrotherapy session but it may be cleansed using  a specific herbal mix which we can supply you.

How long does the treatment take & how many do I need?
Actual treatment time is about 45 minutes; however we recommend you plan a total session visit of one hour in duration. This allows time to discuss any questions you have with the therapist and have the treatment explained to you in detail.
A minimum of two sessions is fairly important to ensure maximum benefit, however a series of 3 or4 colonics is highly recommended in the beginning and more effective in irrigating the entire colon. Maintenance sessions done once every two months thereafter is advised to keep your colon and digestive system working optimally.
‘One session is great, but a series can reverse a life time of neglect’

Do I need to prepare or fast before my colonic?
We suggest that you eat lightly beforehand and that your meals consist of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and that you avoid wheat, meat, dairy, sugars and processed foods before and after your session. Also, make sure you hydrate well with pure filtered water, fresh fruit/vege juices, herbal teas and vege broths. We have a preparation sheet we can post or email to you before you come in to see us if you’d like more info.

Will my beneficial intestinal flora also be washed out?
Our bodies replenish our intestinal flora on a daily basis and certain foods encourage the growth of this flora. Because the colon is clean after a colonic it actually allows the beneficial flora to flourish more readily as it is not competing against the ‘bad guys’ and your overall immunity is strengthened in the process. However, we do suggest that you take a course of probiotics for a month after your sessions as good insurance.

Will I experience any intestinal discomfort or fatigue after the treatment?
Usually not, but since the cleansing will stir up a lot of old debris and toxins, you might experience some minor nausea or fatigue. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to rest and apply a warm heat pad to the abdomen such as a wheat pack or hot water bottle. A mild vegetable broth or peppermint tea is very soothing if this occurs and normally any discomfort will pass within 24 hours.

Can I work or drive after the treatment?
Certainly, you can work or drive just as you would after a regular bowel movement. Many clients report that they have more energy and clarity of mind than normal.

Is it safe during pregnancy?
Colon hydrotherapy is not normally advised during pregnancy, especially the first and third trimesters, as it activates the colon which stimulates other body organs. It is also possible that toxins can be released into the bloodstream and passed to the placenta. However, if the pregnant client is severly constipated then a colonic can give much needed relief.

Do I need to see my doctor before a colonic or get a referral?
If you have a health concern that you would like to tell your doctor before a colonic then that’s fine but a medical examination prior is not necessary and referrals aren’t required. If you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Chron’s disease, severe haemorrhoids or anal fissures, rectal or intestinal tumors, acute liver failure, an abdominal hernia, severe anaemia, an aneurysm or lupus then colon hydrotherapy is not recommended.

Is there any possibility of cross contamination from the equipment used?
No, we only use pre-sterilised disposable hoses and tubing. Our rectal tubes are individually wrapped in sealed packaging which we open in front of you so you can be assured that they are used once only. The utmost care and high level of hygeine is practiced by our therapists at all times.

We love seeing you increase your vibrancy and radiance.
Prior preparation will optimise your experience of colonic hydrotherapy.

General preparation advice:
Drink 2-3 litres every day. This can include pure water, live vege juice (especially green juices), herbal teas or vegetable broth.

• Eat lightly.
• Consume a diet rich in raw (preferably organic) vegetables and fruit.
• Adopt an alkalising diet avoiding processed or refined food, deep fried foods, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
• Avoid constipating foods.

To achieve maximum benefits from your colonic sessions it is best to limit your intake of meat, wheat, sugar & dairy products for at least the day before your treatment and the day after, (the longer the better).

• Increase your soluble fibre.
• Eating 3 organic apples a day is a good start.
• Take 1 to 4 teaspoons of psyllium husks 3 to 4 times a day with extra water.
• Incorporate rolled oats into your diet.

Enhance mucoid plaque removal.
Mucoid plaque is the name given to the accumulated wastes lining the colons of many western people.

Take psyllium mixed with hydrated bentonite to assist it’s removal during your colonic series.
It’s important that you take your psyllium/bentonite shake 1-2 hours either side of food to prevent hindering nutrient absorption (we have both these products available for purchase).

Optimise your digestion.
Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or squeeze half a fresh lemon into water and drink 20 minutes before food.

Consciously relax.
Schedule some time to breathe out fully, and relax to allow a full inhalation. Relaxation also helps release toxins!

Don’t eat anything for 2 hours before your sessions.

Best approach:
Book an in-depth analysis of your health and get a comprehensive wellness plan with our Naturopath Kirsten, particularly if you have chronic health issues.
(Cost is $80 for an hour’s initial consultation).

Have a infra-red sauna after your colonic session to help release toxins via the skin (your body’s largest organ of elimination).

Have a deep tissue or remedial massage to help stimulate the lymphatic system and remove toxins as well as to release any muscular tension.

Continue with a regular course of probiotics for at least 30 days after your colonic.

These days is it becoming very common for people to be diagnosed with some type of food allergy or intolerance which can make life quite difficult for these individuals and/or their families.

Not only is elimination of the allergen from the diet important, but we must also look at treating the gut   as this is where over 70% of our immune system is located and a compromised gut mucosa is often associated with food sensitivities/intolerance’s. Leaky gut syndrome is commonly found in respiratory problems such as wheezing and shortness of breath as well as many skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes and acne.

A number of natural substances found in foods such as salicylates, amines and histamines can cause sensitivities in susceptible individuals. Reactions may include hives, skin swellings, headaches, irritable bowel symptoms, mouth ulcers, and generally feeling run down or unwell without any apparent reason.

Children are particularly sensitive to chemicals in foods especially MSG, colourings and flavourings and often display ADHD-like characteristics such as restlessness and hyperactivity. These reactions are proportional to the amount consumed and are cumulative in nature with each individual having a unique tolerance threshold.

What’s the difference between a food allergy and an intolerance?

Food allergies are defined as “an immune-mediated reaction, predominantly IgE mediated immediate hypersensitivity reaction” which basically involve the immune system, are more immediate and the reactions are more severe than a food intolerance. Allergic responses typically affect the skin, gut and respiratory tract.

Allergic reactions are commonly characterized by: mucous secretion, sneezing, itching, coughing, bronchoconstriction, asthma, migraines, tear production, inflammation, anaphylaxis, diarrhea and abdominal bloating. The amount of food required to provoke a response is small and the reaction to the food may be altered by it’s method of preparation.

The most commonly implicated foods are:eggs, cow’s milk/dairy products, nuts (especially peanuts), wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and yeasts.

Individuals with allergic tendencies should avoid these foods for at least a month to allow the immune system to strengthen then each food can be reintroduced one-by-one to test for tolerance levels. Most food allergies occur in children due to their developing immune systems and inherited weaknesses but fortunately a large percentage will lose their allergies over a few years.

Food intolerance’s are more common and do not involve the immune system. They can occur due to digestive weaknesses such as enzyme deficiency where people simply do not produce enough of the right chemicals to break down foods (eg: lactose intolerance), or an overly acidic digestive system. These intolerance’s may be present from birth or acquired later in life.

Common symptoms include: anxiety, depression, fatigue, headaches, hyper-activity, indigestion, nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel symptoms, aching joints/ muscles, fluid retention, skin rashes. The reaction is proportional to the amount of food eaten so there may be a threshold below which reaction will not occur. The symptoms provoked by the food are not immediate like allergic reactions and may occur anywhere between 2-48 hours after consumption with the reactions usually lasting longer in duration. Prolonged avoidance of the reactive foods builds tolerance so the longer the avoidance, the more likely the food can be reintroduced without the initial reaction. Also, tolerance can be maintained providing the food is not eaten too often or in too large an amount.

The most common reactive substances are: grains (especially wheat/gluten), yeasts, dairy products, food additives (colourings, nitrates, sulfates), salicylates, and amines.

The more processed a food is, the more likely that it will cause a reaction so it’s best to eat a variety of fresh, organic (where possible) food that is as close to it’s natural state as possible.

If you have any of the above symptoms and would like to find out what foods you are reacting to, please contact us on: 02 6684 1644 to make an appointment. Our Naturopath uses the VEGA test device to determine food allergies and intolerance’s which is an accurate, non-invasive testing procedure that can be performed on people of all ages, including children.
Avoiding those foods that you are sensitive to can make a huge difference to your physical, mental and emotional health so don’t put up with those unpleasant symptoms any longer!