A clean inside makes for a happy outside.
So... I'm going to discuss my colon today! Oh the joys of reading a backpackers blog, right!?
This may be the most personal blog posting you read of mine. I debated about not sharing it but I think it's an important topic. Much like everything in the health world this has 2 very different views.
It's a topic that many don't want to talk about with others but let's be realistic everyone poops, everyone is at risk of colon cancer and everyone could use a good cleanse once in awhile.
I bet your wondering at this point if I'm sick again and if I'm actually going to discuss the details. Nope, I'm not sick and I wouldn't do that to you. That would be TMI (to much information) for me to share with you. But somehow the topic of my colon health isn't.
My dear friend Shasta talked me into trying colon hydrotherapy. She has done this back home and discovered that the yoga barn offered it. She was quick to tell me how beneficial the effects were. Best part is, we are in Bali so it's much cheaper! Almost half the price you'd pay to have it done in the states.
So we made our appointments.
Prior to the appointment we were going to take a yoga class but we were late so we relaxed in the Organic and raw foods cafe until it was "go" time.
I wasn't really nervous. Shasta had already described the process to me and that it wasn't painful. She said it's not as horrible as one would imagine and usually comfortable with the colon hydrotherapist. She was right.
Megan was my hydrotherapist, she's from Canada and had lived in Bali for 12 years now. She has been practicing in this career for 3 years and she was super cool.
Colon Hydrotherapy is the best way to detoxify your body and support your immune system when you are fasting, cleansing, losing weight, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People also do this to remove accumulated waste from the colon, to help prevent constipation and help prevent colon cancer.
I thought it'd be interesting to try it for health reasons. With my recent, yet mild case of the backpackers sickness I figured it'd also be good to clear out any possible bacteria as well.
So the process starts out like this: After completing a health history form and then going over it with the colon hydrotherapist, you are walked thru the procedure and showen the equipment. Then you go off to the bathroom where you change into a gown and empty your bladder. When you returned to the room you lie face up on a treatment table.
Then you turn on to your side, away from the hydrotherapist and they insert a disposable speculum into your bum. The speculum is connected to a long disposable plastic hose connected to the colon hydrotherapy unit.
Warm, filtered water is slowly released into your colon. The water causes the muscles of the colon to contract, called peristalsis. Peristalsis "pushes" feces out through the hose to be disposed in a closed waste system or straight into the sewer.
You can not smell the feces so there isn't anything to be grossed out about abd there is no mess. The therapist usually looks at the feces through the clear hose, and may comment on the color if something is not normal. There is sometimes a small mirror set up so that you can see the tube as well. It's often a lot of clear water with the occasional waste, running thru the tubes.
You might feel some discomfort in the abdomen during the therapy. I'd say this is true but the discomfort isn't bad, it just feels like you need to "pass gas" to put it politely. Depending on the therapist, you will usually lay on your side the entire time. Some hydrotherapist swill have you move from your side to your back during the procedure. You lay completely relaxed and don't push or hold anything in, just let gravity do the work.
You will receive a light massage to the abdominal area to keep the process working at times and the hydrotherapist will most likely need to listen to your stomach as they rub to see if they can hear any water still inside you.
After the session, the tube is pulled out and then you head to the bathroom to sit on the toilet and pass any residual water and stools.
When my session was over, Megan gave me some very helpful tips on my diet and what to do and not do if I get the backpackers sickness, again. I'm glad I went to her because I wasn't doing my body any favors when I was sick. If there is a next time, things will be different and better.
A typical session lasts 45 minutes to one hour. After your done in the bathroom you'll check in with your hydrotherapist to let them know how you feel and your all finished.
It usually leaves you feeling very hydrated and your skin feels moisturized. Apparently it can also leave you with a nice glow as we ran into friends of Shasta's and that's what one of them told her.
It's most common, Megan told me, that she sees more women having this done then men but the yoga barn does have a stronger female presence. I have a feeling that overall if this procedure is just an option, females are still going to be the ones more likely to do it. It's a great way to help prevent colon cancer though and I think the general population should be more open to having this procedure done.
Remember...
Health is wealth! :)