Ballarat Colonic Hydrotherapy

Where exactly is the colon situated? “The colon is the end point of digestion. It is connected to the small intestine. The ileo-cecal valve allows liquefied digested food to pass from the small intestine to the colon. This one way valve stops waste in the colon from getting into the small intestine. It is also this valve that stops the water in the colon during a colonic from passing into the small intestine.” What is the primary function of the colon? “The colon is where the water is extracted from the digested food and compacted for elimination. They call the colon the second brain and it accomplishes all that with the same tools as the big brain - a sophisticated nearly self-contained network of neural circuitry, neurotransmitters and proteins. New understandings of the way it works and the interactions between the two, are helping to treat disorders like constipation, ulcers and Hirschsprung's disease. The colon is also responsible for the production of serotonin - the feel good neurotransmitter, as well as playing a major role in immune system functioning and production of vitamin K and biotin (a B vitamin). The colon also houses over 700 species of bacteria that perform a variety of functions.” How would I know that my colon is not functioning properly? “The most common problem with the colon is constipation or a sluggish bowel. Other indications of your bowel not being 100% "happy" are bloating and wind, which can indicate an over abundance of bad bacteria and not enough of the good ones. When someone embarks on a colon cleansing program these problems generally fall by the wayside.” How does colon hydrotherapy work? “Colon hydrotherapy or colonics is a safe and effective process that works by gentle flowing warm water into the colon to assist in the break down of wastes for elimination. When using the open system colonic the client pushes the water out. It is rather like being on a lay down toilet. When using the closed system the therapist releases the waste for the client. I personally have worked with both systems for many years and I can assure you that both systems give you a great treatment. There are just some differences in the delivery and privacy aspects.” Is colon hydrotherapy painful? “No, it is not painful. This is probably the most frequently asked question. I won't say it feels lovely though. The closest description would be that it feels rather like diarrhoea or having a bowel movement, because you are! The water in the colonic stimulates the peristalsis or contractions of the colon which pushes the waste out. Better out than in I always say.” Is it safe and is the equipment regulated in any way? “All commercially produced colonic units whether open or closed are safe. Depending on where it is manufactured, the local regulation body certifies the equipment. The open system we use is Australian made and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved. The closed system is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved device manufactured in the USA.”