Naturopathic medicine and holistic healthcare are increasingly emphasizing the significance of digestive, or “gut,” health, making it a frequently discussed topic. Colonics, also known as colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy, is a procedure that involves the flushing of the large intestine with purified water. During a colonic, a speculum is inserted into the rectum and water is gently introduced into the colon to loosen and remove fecal matter, toxins, gas, and other waste materials.
At Alivio Wellness, we offer the Woods Gravity Method, the original method of Colon Hydrotherapy. The gravity method does not use any machinery to introduce water into the body. Instead, a 5 gallon tank is suspended about 3 feet above the treatment table and the gravity of the water coming down from that tank is what gently introduces the water into the body and through the large intestine. The water is typically warm, about 98 degrees, and the treatment is about 45 minutes to 1 hour long with a certified Colon Hydrotherapist with you the entire time. We offer a closed system at our studios, which means the water and waste exists through a closed tube and directly into the plumbing, so there is no mess or smell to worry about. There is even the option to see what is being released through a view tube. It’s eye opening to see how much the body can hold on to!
The goal of colonics is to cleanse the colon and improve digestive function. Some people who undergo colonics report feeling benefits such as:
1. Improved Digestive Function: Colonics are believed to help improve digestive function by removing waste material and toxins that may be stuck in the colon, which can help alleviate symptoms like bloating, constipation, and gas.
2. Increased Energy: By removing waste material and toxins from the body, colonics are believed to help boost energy levels.
3. Weight Loss: Colonics may help with weight loss by removing excess waste material and bloat from the colon and improving digestion.
4. Skin Health: The body communicates with us in many ways and when there is a gut imbalance, many people see signs of that through acne, eczema, blemishes, and skin rashes. The skin is your largest detoxification organ so when we hold on to excess waste in the intestines, one of the first places it’ll show up is the skin. Cleansing the colon and relieving the body of excess toxins will allow your skin to shine and glow, the way it should!
The colon is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from waste material that passes through the digestive tract. If waste material stays in the colon for too long, it can become impacted and lead to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and gas. Additionally, colonics may help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. The gut microbiome plays an important role in overall health, including digestion, immunity, and mental health. Studies suggest that colonics may help reduce harmful bacteria in the
gut, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive.
Prior to our rebranding as Alivio Wellness, our New York studio was formerly called Vitality NYC and owned by Mike Perrine (@everydaydetox on Instagram). Mike developed the Vitality Broom Cleanse which is intended for pre-colonic prep. Before undergoing a colonic, it’s important to follow certain preparation steps to ensure optimal results and minimize potential discomfort and allow for a smoother session. Here are some general guidelines that we recommend for preparing for a colonic:
1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your colonic to help soften and loosen waste material in the colon. Do not drink liquids one to two hours prior to your session to avoid needing to urinate.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Eat a healthy, balanced diet in the days leading up to your colonic, focusing on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid heavy, processed, or fried foods, dairy, and refined sugars for at least 24-48 hours before your colonic. Do not eat anything for at least three hours before your appointment so that you are not still digesting foods during your treatment.
3. Consider a juice cleanse: Although optional, we recommend consuming 16 to 32 oz of raw vegetable juice daily and incorporating a large green salad with each meal one to two days before your appointment. It is best to consume these on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. Check out the Vitality Broom Cleanse for juice, smoothie, and salad dressing recipes to try!
After your session, activate the colon by beginning with water and/or raw vegetable juice within the first 10-15 minutes after your session. When it’s time to eat your first solid food, we suggest choosing plant-based options, and waiting for at least two hours after the session to give your body time to integrate the benefits of the treatment and continue the cleansing process. After this initial period, you should be able to resume your normal meals as usual. By following these post-colonic care guidelines, you can help ensure an effective colonic experience and maintain the benefits of your treatment at Alivio Wellness!