The colon, large intestine or bowel is situated in the abdomen and forms the last part of the digestive tract. An extremely important organ in its own right, it carries out a number of vital functions including the completion of the digestive process involving absorption of water soluble nutrients as well as the synthesis of certain vitamins. The colon is a major part of the excretory system, and is responsible for eliminating food and other body wastes, as well as protecting us from infection and disease. In a normally functioning colon, all this is achieved with the help of billions of friendly bacteria which inhabit the colon and make up some 70% of the dry weight of our body waste. However, the delicate balance of this internal ecosystem can very easily be disturbed by a number of factors including stress, pollution, electromagnetic influences, poor food and drink choices, certain drugs, smoking and exposure to toxic substances. The result of this imbalance may be seen as follows.

How can Colon Hydrotherapy Help?

Colonic hydrotherapy or irrigation is a gentle internal bath, purified water that can help to eliminate stored faecal matter, gas, mucus and toxic substances from the colon. A practice dating from around 1500 B.C., colonics can also help retone and reshape the colon. However, colonics have a much broader effect than simply cleansing the colon. Additional benefits can often be observed throughout the body in the form of cleaner skin, more energy and mental clarity, fewer headaches, with circulatory, immune and weight problems often improving, amongst many other positive side effects. Many people are referred to colonic practitioners by other alternative therapists including homeopaths, acupuncturists, herbalists, etc., since by detoxifying the system using these colonics, these therapies tend to be more efficacious.

What is Involved?

Your visit to a registered colonic therapist will involve the taking of your case history followed by an examination of procedure. The colonic itself will take 30 -45 minutes during which time water will be gently introduced into the colon via the rectum whilst your therapist uses special massage techniques to stimulate the release of stored matter. Your modesty is preserved at all times. Herbal and probiotic implants may be used and your practitioner may advise beneficial dietary changes to further enhance your treatment. No fasting or special measures are necessary prior to a first treatment but colon cleansing programmes may be advised between sessions.

How many Treatments are needed?

This depends upon the individual case and advice will be given at first consultation. This may vary from only one treatment to a number spread out over a period of time, after which preventative or maintenance may be continued.

Is it Safe?

Yes. The water is introduced at a low gravitational pressure, so there is no danger of bowel perforation. All equipment is either disposable or disinfected using hospital approved disinfecting solutions, which kill all viruses, bacteria and fungi. Colonic hydrotherapy, unlike the use of laxatives, is a bit habit forming and actually improves the tone of the colon.

The Colon Hydrotherapists

You may visit a Registered Colon Hydrotherapist with confidence. To be on the register a therapist must either have been trained and experienced in orthodox medicine (e.g. doctor, dentist or nurse), or have satisfactory training and experience in a body-based complementary therapy other than colonic therapy. Subsequently they will have been trained at one of the approved (and inspected) Colonic Hydrotherapy training colleges. The premises of therapists are inspected prior to their admission to the Register and these are periodically re-inspected.

The following is a list of contra-indications to Colon Hydrotherapy:

• Recent surgery to the rectum or abdomen (less than 8 weeks)
• Blood pressure above 160/100
• Pregnancy between 0-8 months
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver/gall bladder disease
• Anaemia
• Sever haemorrhoids
• Fissures
• Fistulas
• Cancer
• Abdominal hernia
• Bowel perforation
• Long term steroid use
• Diabetes

3 treatments = £180

Please note: follow up treatments have to be taken within the year or they are regarded as a 'first'

1st treatment & consultation - £70.00 - allow 90 mins

Follow up treatment - £65.00 - allow 60 mins

Detox Weekends available in conjunction with the exclusive Duntrune House. See Detox Weekends/ Pampering stays for details or visit www.duntrunehouse.co.uk