You may have heard about colonic cleanses, and you might be wondering what is a colonic cleanse and what happens during one? Is it super uncomfortable? Do scary, shocking things happen? To put it simply, a colonic cleanse is when large amounts of water is flushed through the colon by inserting a tube into the rectum. As a result, this stimulates the bowels to help you go to the bathroom. While proponents of colonic cleanses believe it can help get rid of toxins, and even help you have more energy, there are some other things about a colonic you may want to know.
Most people believe that colonics are an essential part of detoxing the body and maintaining good health, and say that generally getting a colonic is a smooth process. The session typically lasts around 45 minutes and is aimed at cleansing your large intestine. Someone might want this as a sort of detox/cleanse method. A colon hydrotherapy instrument will be inserted into your rectum and warm water will pass through your colon. When the water is transported in and out of your colon, your wellness practitioner will also employ abdominal massage techniques to eliminate wastes in your body that are sticking to the colon walls. And just like that, the procedure will be over.
Before someone gets a colonic, they should definitely do their research ahead of time— and check with their primary care physician if a colonic is a good idea based on their health, and also make sure the practice where they make your appointment is reputable, and clean. People who get colonics also should be sure to stay hydrated before and after the treatment. Here are a few things experts say might happen during and after a colonic, if you're curious.
1. It Actually Doesn't Hurt
It might seem like something inserted inside someone's rectum in order to "wash them out" may be a bit... uncomfortable. But it's not bad at all. It is a cleansing process for your colon, which causes many to think that it would hurt, but it should not. Once again, someone who wants to get a colonic should make sure the place where they will be receiving the treatment is reputable to prevent any potential discomfort, pain, or other unwanted side effects.
2. There Might Be Cramping
A colon spasm is a spontaneous and sudden contraction of the muscles in your colon. The colon is part of the large intestine. It’s responsible for forming, storing, and excreting feces. A colon’s muscles contract to help move feces along the lower portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. During a colon spasm, the muscles lining the colon tighten or contract in an unorganized way. These contractions are often painful and obvious, while normal contractions are rarely noticeable. This will be a new experience to your body - and as a result, you might experience some cramping in your abdomen, can be avoided by staying warm. Healthy You's hydrotherapists provide a calming & comfortable warm room where they will also employ abdominal massage techniques to eliminate wastes in your body that are sticking to the colon walls which will also help with cramps.
3. It's Possible To See Waste Leaving The Body
Depending on what type of machine is being used, those receiving treatments might get to see waste leaving their body — if they choose to look. [Clients] can actually see some undigested food pass through the tube. Again, that might be more shocking to some more than others. (Our Angel of Water system allows you to see your instant results. The colon nozzle is sterile and disposed of after each session along with our Colon Hypnotherapist having over 30 years in sterile technique)
4. It's Common For People To Go To The Bathroom A Lot After
Many people are surprised to learn that after receiving a treatment, people actually "go" a lot more once they get home. There will be an increase in bowel movements within the first few hours, but that was the intention of the treatment. Once again, those who have undergone a colonic should be sure to stay hydrated.
5. Some Notice Bowel Movements Smell Differently
Many who experience colonics say that their poop smells a bit different then what they are used to after a colonic. The sight and smell of bowel movements might be different than usual/expected. This is typical of the procedure and happens because the colon is cleansing wastes and toxins from deep inside the intestines.
6. The Whole Cleansing Process Will Last A Few Weeks
Once someone gets a colonic, and even after they've had those first initial bowel movements, the process won't be entirely over. While bowel movements will eventually go back to normal, there typically will be a few more weeks of cleansing.
It will actually take weeks for the body to get rid of all the waste in the colon. Again this is normal and means the colonic worked.
7. Some People's Moods Change
The actual colonic itself may not be too shocking. But the way some people say they feel may be. After the session, some people report feeling lighter, and "peppier." Of course this isn't the case for everyone, but some people do report feeling less bloated, and even experience a more even complexion.
Even though colonics are not for everyone, those who have undergone the treatment often say they experience no pain, but occasional cramping, as well as more frequent bowel movements thereafter. It is important to note that though colonics may seem like a popular form of detoxifying the body, anyone interested should talk to their doctor beforehand to learn the potential risks associated with colonics.
Is it true that colonics also flush out all the good bacteria in your gut? This is the only thing that's putting me off getting one done.