Overview | Certified Colon Hydrotherapist | Treatment Workup | Advanced Hydrotherapy Equipment | Pre-Treatment Expectations | Post-Treatment Expectations | Contact Information | Insurance Coverage
As part of a patient's integrative treatment plan, more and more health care professionals are referring patients to Certified Colon Hydro-therapists to proactively address functional disturbances of the digestive system that are associated with increased exposure to stress, chemicals, medications, poor diet and food additives.
Colon hydrotherapy is quite commonly prescribed for patients when elimination of waste material is required quickly and easily. This procedure is considered safe and effective for treating numerous health concerns caused by dysfunction of the colon. Constipation and impacted fecal matter are good examples of two problems that if left unresolved, impede proper digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to toxemia, liver burden, and chronic degeneration of various regulatory systems (gastrointestinal, nervous, immune, circulatory, hormonal, genitourinary and musculoskeletal).
The prescribed number and frequency of colonic treatments is based on a number of health factors and how well a patient responds to treatment. A typical treatment protocol accomplishes the following:
Patients can expect the safest and most effective colon hydrotherapy treatments based on the qualifications and experience of Catherine Hughes, a Certified Colon Hydrotherapist who works under the supervision of Kurt Stauffert, Clinic Director and Licensed Naturopathic Doctor. Treatment involves the delivery of the most advanced and effective colon hydrotherapy protocols especially suited for patients with more complicated health concerns. Anchor-Link
Catherine Hughes, MLT, CCH received her certification to practice colon hydrotherapy at the Natural Health Outreach Centre in Penticton, BC, and is registered to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technician in Ontario. She is a member in good standing with the Ontario Society of Medical Technologists and the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapists (I-ACT).
Before beginning a series of prescribed colon hydrotherapy treatments, patients are required to complete a detailed medical history form including information on nutrition, digestion and elimination. To minimize any risks or complications during treatment that could be associated with hemorrhoids, fissures, polyps or warts, the ND may conduct a brief anorectal (AR) exam. In rare cases where colon hydrotherapy is not immediately advisable, the patient's referring primary health care provider may offer alternative solutions prior to the implementation of colon hydrotherapy treatments.
The Colonet is one of the most advanced high volume, free-gravity flow colon cleansing units available to clinical colon hydrotherapists. This entirely closed-system is Canadian-designed and built by health care professionals with over 15 years experience. Its high volume triple filtration system reduces sediment, rust, chlorine and suspended particles while its ultra violet water sanitation unit renders treatment water free of bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi. The built-in cleaning and sterilization system has back-flow protection and connects directly to the sewer via a closed system so there is no mess or odour. A precision flow meter allows the therapist to measure and adjust water flow and temperature to comfort levels, and a separate implant tank allows for a variety of implant solutions (ie. probiotics, wheatgrass, bentonite). The unit includes a hot water limit stop, automatic hot and cold water surge protection regulator, and large holding tank to absorb sudden changes in water temperature.
In order to gain the greatest therapeutic benefit, patients are urged to avoid eating certain foods and beverages 24 - 48 hours prior to each treatment. Patients are quickly put at ease in a private, professionally-designed colon hydrotherapy room with a private, ensuite bathroom.
Patients are provided with colon hydrotherapy pants and then comfortably positioned on a treatment table and draped for complete privacy. While lying on their back, the treatment begins with a gentle abdominal massage to assess and help stimulate the colon for elimination, followed by gentle insertion of a single use, medical grade speculum 1-1.5 inches into the rectum. A small amount of purified warm water is slowly introduced at a low gravitational pressure into the rectum and through the descending, transverse and ascending sections of the colon, gently stimulating it's natural peristaltic action and instigating the gentle release of waste and water.
This process, including abdominal massage, is repeated sequentially for 45 minutes, cleansing the entire five foot length of the colon. A clear view-tube and adjustable mirror allow for expelled waste material to be viewed by the patient if desired. During the course of treatment, colon muscles can sometimes contract in response to sizable releases of wastewater, causing sudden feelings of cramping, gas, or an urgency to empty, however episodes are brief and easily tolerated. As the treatment closes and no more visible waste is being removed, gentle withdrawal of the speculum is undertaken and the patient is assisted from the table into the ensuite bathroom for further elimination.
Post-Treatment Expectations: Anchor-LinkAfter a brief rest and intake of a nutritional beverage, the patient can comfortably resume his or her normal duties for the day. Most patients can expect to feel lighter and clearer with a greater sense of well being. They can also expect to experience several subsequent bowel movements for the next few hours however shouldn’t worry about any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort. Also, depending on how much waste was released during treatment, it's not unusual to wait a few days before the next bowel movement. It’s also not unusual to have heightened sensitivities to certain foods after treatment. Patients should continue consuming plenty of water and abstain from processed and gas producing foods. If a patient has not already been prescribed a probiotic, it's recommended to re-establish good bacteria in the gut. Each treatment is well documented by the colon hydrotherapist, reviewed by the supervising ND, and forwarded to referring health care providers for the purpose of determining a baseline and then monitoring treatment outcomes to ensure intended goals are being met.
For more information, please contact the EcoClinic at ajohns@ecoclinic.com Anchor-Link and Email LInk
Colon hydrotherapy treatments at the EcoClinic are covered by most private naturopathic medical insurance plans.
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