Gentle Pathways ~  Colon Hydrotherapy & Photon Sound Beam Therapy
Serving the Rochester, NY and Surrounding Areas
Commonly Asked Questions 



Colon Hydrotherapy:  Fact & Fiction

How Do I Prepare for a Colonic
?
 

Properly preparing for a colonic can make a big difference.  We strongly recommend that you follow the suggestions listed below:

On the Day of your Colonic Session

  • Don't eat a meal within two hours of your session
  • Don't drink anything within one hour of your session
  • Eat light choosing foods such as fruit, salad, steamed greens, whole grains and lean meats
  • Stay well-hydrated

On the Day Before your Colonic Session

We invite you to refrain from the following.  These are just suggestions to help make the process easier for you.

  • Alcohol, carbonated and caffeine containing beverages
  • Refined carbohydrates or processed foods
  • Refined sugar
  • Fried foods
  • Gas producing foods such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, etc.
  • Dairy products
  • Red meat and soy products

For Two to Three
Days Before your Colonic Session

  • Eat lots of leafy greens and fruit
  • Eat whole grains like whole-grain breads and brown rice
  • Eat lean meats like fish or chicken

Note: Some people find avoiding all wheat and gluten products as well as dairy products is helpful for them to prepare for their series of colonics as well as throughout the duration of their series.


What Can I Expect
?


Sometimes people are afraid or nervous the first time they receive a colonic.  This is normal.  By understanding the process, these feelings may be minimized.  Your comfort and safety are the main concerns of your certified colon hydrotherapist. 

  • The session takes place on a comfortable massage table in an immaculate treatment room
  • You will be provided with a gown and asked to disrobe from the waist down in the private changing area.  Once on the table, you will be draped with a sheet for privacy
  • Relaxing music, a heating pad for your abdomen, rescue remedy and essential oils are available to provide an atmosphere of peace and calm and to help you relax
  • Only temperature and pressure regulated, triple-filtered water is used for each session (water is 99.9% pure before being introduced into the rectum)
  • Disposable speculums and tubing are utilized
  • For maximum comfort, clients are offered the option to insert their own speculums (assisted by the therapist if desired)
  • All waste is released into a closed waste tube that can be viewed by the client.  Because it is a closed system, there is no odor or embarrassment
  • Water is introduced slowly (approximately 1 cup at a time), allowing the body time to rest between fills.  The therapist and client work together to monitor any sensations in the body and when it is time to release the water.  This process may be repeated several times during the 40 - 50 minute session
  • At the end of the session, the client will be shown to the private bathroom where any residual water and/or waste can be eliminated
  • Each client will receive a glass of spring water filled with trace minerals to replenish lost electrolytes and a pro-biotic to help replenish the healthy flora (good bacteria) that may be lost during the session

You should plan on an hour and a half to two hours for your initial session.  This should allow ample time to review your intake form, explain the process in detail, perform the session and allow time for questions.  Follow up sessions generally last no more than one and a half hours.



Is Colon Hydrotherapy Safe?

Yes, in fact, with modern colon hydrotherapy devices and the standardization of training and procedures, it is often safer than administering an enema.  Colonics have a definite advantage and greater long-term benefits over laxative overuse which can be irritating to the colon.

All materials, including tubing, speculums and sheets are for one time use and are disposed after each client. In addition, the Dotolo Toxygen, FDA Class II cleared colonic device has a one way check valve to prevent the clean water from ever becoming contaminated with the waste water
and an internal self-cleaning system that uses only a hospital grade disinfectant.   The device, table, treatment area and private bathroom are cleaned and disinfected after each client.

However, there are circumstances in which colon hydrotherapy should not be considered. 
You should not pursue colon hydrotherapy services if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Recent Rectal or Colon Surgery
  • Cancer of the Rectum or Colon
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension
  • Kidney Disease (decreased kidney function)
  • Fissures or Fistulas
  • Abdominal Hernia
  • Severe Hemorrhoids
  • GI Hemorrhage/Perforation
  • Aneurysm

If you have a concern about your health or the appropriateness of colon hydrotherapy, you should consult a doctor.  If you are diagnosed with any of the above conditions or have diverticulitis, diverticulosis, colitis or crohn's disease, you will be required to have a doctor's letter in order to receive colon hydrotherapy.



Does Colon Hydrotherapy Hurt? 

Most people describe their colon hydrotherapy session as refreshing and relaxing.   The warm, purified water is introduced in a manner that is similar to a slow trickle from your faucet.   The insertion of the speculum can be an odd feeling for some but lasts for only a few seconds.  Some people may experience some slight cramping immediately prior to a release.  There is always close monitoring and interaction between the client and therapist to ensure that your experience will be as comfortable as possible.



Can I Get a Colonic During My Menstrual Cycle? 
 
There is no reason to avoid having a colonic during your menstrual cycle.  In fact, it is a good time to receive a session as your body is already cleansing.  Your flow will not interfere with the success of the session.  However, tampons should not be used during a session.  Sanitary napkins will be available.




Can I Go to Work Directly After a Colonic? 
 
Most people feel refreshed and energized after a colon hydrotherapy session and should be able to return to work just as you would after having a normal bowel movement.





Where Can I Go to Get More Information?  

Below are links to some great resources about Colon Hydrotherapy and the importance of good digestive health and general wellness:

Colon Hydrotherapy Links:

Value of Colon Hydrotherapy Verified by Medical Professionals
International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT)

Cathy Shea International School for Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon Health and Colon Hydrotherapy Articles


Colonoscopy Preparation Using Colon Hydrotherapy - Video



Digestive Health and General Wellness:

Digestive Care Expert, Brenda Watson

Dr. Ann Louise, First Lady of Nutrition

Natural Health Articles, Dr. Joseph Mercola
The Body Ecology, Donna Gates

Other Links:

AllTherapist.com - Click here to find Annette Barber and other Natural Health Professionals in our area

Body Mind Spirit Directory - Click here to find other Natural Health Professionals in our area


Natural Alternatives Wellness Center ~ Webster, NY

Rochester Sports and Spine Chiropractic ~ Webster, NY

Garman Chiropractic ~ Fairport, NY


Elements Acupuncture & Massage ~ Canandaigua, NY

Christina Sluman Acupuncture
~ Webster, NY


Lori's Natural Foods ~ Henrietta, NY

Abundance Co-op Market ~ Rochester, NY


Available at Natural Alternatives, Inc.

Gentle Pathways at Natural Alternatives

1695 Empire Blvd, Suite 100

Webster, NY  14580

(585) 209-9109

for more information email:  info@gentle-pathways.com



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