Detoxification

Through the use of herbs, vitamins, minerals, foods, and colon hydrotherapy, the body is cleansed of many toxins that contribute to a myriad of diseases and health complaints. Chelation & IV Therapy may be prescribed if heavy metals (such as lead & mercury) contribute to the body’s health burden. In addition, education around cleaning up the home environment with plants, special filters, and hypoallergenic cleaning materials & home materials is provided. An annual detoxification program individually tailored to specific health conditions may be prescribed under doctor supervision.

Colon Hydrotherapy

Your colon, or large bowel/intestine, is the site of fluid and electrolyte absorption from intestinal material. Over 400 species of human bacterial species reside in the colon, using undigested food particles as fuel for growth. The beneficial bacteria play an important role in our health, manufacturing short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate, propionate), which are the preferred fuel of our intestinal cells and contribute to a healthy bowel pH level. These bacteria also inhibit the overgrowth of yeast, parasites, and pathogenic bacteria. Chronic constipation, digestive problems, food allergies, poor diet, and medications such as antibiotics and steroid medications often contribute to poor colon health, which may lead to many other chronic illnesses.

Colon hydrotherapy is a session, or series of sessions, using gentle "flow" of water to flush out intestinal material from the bowels. Unlike enemas, which only cleanse the last 12-18 inches of the 5-foot bowel, colon hydrotherapy directs water flow through the entire length. Such a method is used to treat various causes of constipation by stimulating normal peristalsis - the movement of the bowels. Constipation can be treated using different methods of water flow such as adjusting the temperature of the water. Together with proper diet, exercise, and supplementation, constipation of various types can be effectively resolved.

Colon hydrotherapy may also be used as part of a cleansing or detoxification protocol. Colon hydrotherapy promotes the effective elimination of toxins and helps rectify digestive dysfunction. Implantations of restorative nutrients such as lactobacillus acidophilus, butyric acid, or chlorophyll can help promote proper bowel pH, provide fuel for the colon cells and beneficial bowel bacteria, and promote detoxification. These particular therapies are indicated for various autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), immune dysfunctions (allergies, eczema), chronic pain syndromes (chronic fatigue/ fibromyalgia), intestinal infections (candida, parasites, worms, pathogenic bacteria), irritable bowel syndrome and a multitude of other conditions. Colon hydrotherapy sessions last about 45-minutes on average. A nurse or colon hydrotherapist performs the treatments under the prescription of your Naturopathic physician. Patients are prescribed on average three to seven sessions, depending on the goal of treatment and condition being treated. A screening exam is required before any prescription for colon hydrotherapy is written. Ask one of the doctors if colon hydrotherapy is appropriate for you.

Colon Hydrotherapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it painful?

A. You should never experience any pain. If you do, tell the therapist immediately and the treatment will be stopped. You may experience some mild cramping but this is not the norm. A professional colon hydrotherapist will be able to minimize the discomfort.

Q. How many treatments will be needed?

A. This will depend on what your situation is. For example, someone who has had chronic constipation for many years may need 6 or more initial treatments. Most people find that after the initial treatments, a maintenance program further helps maintain good bowel health.

Q. How long is the treatment?

A. The treatment usually lasts about 45 minutes. For the initial appointment, please allow one and one half hour so that there is time for the therapist to review your health history, and answer any questions you may have.

Q. Who performs this treatment?

A. You will be treated by our licenced colon hydrotherapist who has done hundreds of treatments and is also a member of I-Act (the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapists).

Q. How will I feel after the treatment?

A. The majority of people state that they feel "lighter" and more "energized. A small number of people may feel fatigued while others will go back to their normal routine. Most clients actually enjoy the colonic and its accompanying sensation of feeling lighter, clean, and clear.

Q. Is there any preparation before the treatment?

A. No, but it is wise to eat lightly before the treatment. No Steak dinners!

Q. Can everyone have this treatment?

A. No. There are certain contra-indications. This is why at the initial appointment your history is carefully reviewed, making sure you are a good candidate for this.

Q. What type of water treatment is used?

A. The water used for colonics at Okanagan Natural Medicine first goes through a 3-part filtration process and ends by passing through a chamber with an ultra violet light system. The end result is pure, sterilized water.