THE COLON The colon, aka large intestine, is a tube-like muscular organ that absorbs water and nutrients. It propels waste materials out of the body by wave like motions known as peristaltic action. It also houses friendly bacteria that make some of our vitamins. The gut 3ssociated lymphatic tissue - the largest part of your immune system, surrounds it. From the cecum - where the colon meets the small intestine - to the rectum, the length of the colon is approximately five to five and one-half feet tong. With the help of a good diet the colon can have a profound effect on maintaining the health of the entire body. I f you are constipated (having less than one large bowel movement a day) fecal matter stays in the colon too long. This allows bacteria to release many toxic putrefying byproducts into the sluggish stagnant colon that are reabsorbed into the blood. These toxins flow through the blood to the liver for clearance. I f the liver becomes overburdened, or is genetically less efficient, it cannot clear the blood. Since the blood circulates through every organ and reaches every cell, toxins from the colon can reach the entire system. Some people (not all) accumulate fecal matter in the colon, which can interfere with proper absorption and sets up a good breeding ground for yeast, parasites and harmful bacteria (dysbiosis). The degree to which a colon is affected by the accumulated fecal matter and dysbiosis varies from individual to individual. Often times infections, poor digestion, the wrong foods and 'toxic" bile from the liver can cause inflammation in the intestinal system. The inflammation leads to a "leaky gut" and then food allergies ensue. Excess mucus can also result from the infections and inflammation further hampering absorption. A healthy colon should eliminate after every meal. Stools should be medium to light brown in color, have very little odor, be 1½ to 2 inches in diameter, one to two feet long, and should be passed without straining. If constipated you may observe a darkening of the stool due to the longer transit tine in your digestive system.

ABDOMINAL PAIN Many people have severe abdominal pain that is caused by their unhealthy colons. For some the pain is so severe, their doctors recommend surgery to remove all or part of the colon. Many people who choose colon hydrotherapy, diet and lifestyle changes, and natural therapeutics to support the digestive tract find significant relief from pain and they are able to avoid surgery and keep all of their colon.

TISSUE DETOXIFICATION It is no secret that we have been exposed, usually unwittingly, to many environmental pollutants - such as pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals. Many of these are stored in our body tissues, especially if we have genetic weaknesses that impair our detoxification pathways (especially those of the liver). So sometimes, in addition to minimizing exposure, we need to help our body eliminate the stored "toxins." Colon hydrotherapy can be a useful adjunct in a tissue - detoxification program. In addition to removing the toxic products of the colon, the close association of . the gut with the lymphatic system, and the liver allows a colonic to positively affect the health of those systems. Heavy metals can leave the body via the . colon, as can pesticide residues.

SYMPTOMS OF COLON DYSFUNCTION or SYSTEMIC TOXICITY MAY INCLUDE: Chronic fatigue, Poor immunity, Constipation, Diarrhea, Excessive gas, Foul smelling gas and stool, Bad breath, Fatigue, Menstrual problems, Allergies, Multiple chemical sensitivities, Swelling of legs, PMS, Indigestion, Asthma, Headaches, Backaches, Irritability, Loss of memory or poor mental functioning, Nervousness, Hemorrhoids, Depression, Prostate trouble, Insomnia, Craving for unhealthy foods and sweets, Bloating, Abdominal discomfort, Anxiety/ worry, Lack of sexual response, Skin problems, and many other ailments.

THE BENEFITS OF COLON CLEANSING The previous list of symptoms can be reduced and in some cases eliminated with Colon Hydrotherapy. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure, but a valuable procedure used to assist the body with a wide variety of different colon or toxicity related conditions. Colon Hydrotherapy tones and exercises the bowel and improves colon function eliminating a "lazy colon'', The close association of the lymphatics to the gut allows colonics to be a way to effect the detoxifying of the lymphatic system. Common reported effects of regular colonics are: relief from headaches, more energy, improved bowel function, clear sinuses, loosening of mucus in the lungs, the posture automatically improves, the abdomen softens and gets smaller, skin tightens, and clients often report weight loss and feeling more vibrant.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY & HEAVY METALS Excerpted from: A Comprehensive Review of Heavy Metal Detoxification and Clinical Pearls from 30 years of medical practice. "Colon Hydrotherapy removes not only fecal matter from the bowels but also sludge and debris that has attached itself to the wall of the colon. It has been shown that these residues can be years, even decades old, and often leaked out toxic doses of many different chemicals during those years of residue collection. During the metal detoxification program, many toxins appear on the bowel surface and shift from bowel to fecal matter. However, since many of the toxins are surface neurotoxins, and the colon is lined with nerve endings, many of the mobilized toxins are reabsorbed into the body on the way down. To intercept these toxins while in the colon, Colon Hydrotherapy is the ideal method. Recommended use: 1 - 2 colonics per week during active phase of detox."

Dietrich Klinghardt., MD. PhD.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1. What is colon hydrotherapy?
A. After you gently insert a pencil-size tube into the rectum, filtered purified temperature-controlled water is gently infused into the colon. Following your natural rhythm, as the colon fills, it will contract expelling feces and water into the trough to be carried away in an enclosed tube. No mess - NO odor. A session takes approximately one hour.

2. Is the procedure painful?
A. Rarely. Sometimes during the session there is some cramping or mild nausea. This usually is of short duration and is followed by a good release of "gunky" material. Most of the process is mild and gentle with a wonderful light and empty feeling afterwards.

3. What type of equipment do you use?
A. We use the UBBE System. It is FDA approved for safety and designed for patient comfort and modesty. The disposable tubing is as thin as a pencil. It is a gravity fed system. The water is purified by ultraviolet light and a carbon filter before entering your colon. A feature of this system is the ability to reintroduce probiotics, the friendly bacteria, back into the colon at the end of the session.

4. Is colon therapy embarrassing?
A. The LIBBE system we use in our office provides maximum comfort and privacy. You insert the tube on your own and may work independently if desired. You are completely draped during the entire process.

5. Can one become dependent on it? Could the colon stop functioning on its own?
A. No. Actually, one of the features of regular colonics is that they can tone the colon muscles so they don't perform so sluggishly.

6. Will one colonic completely detoxify my system?
A. A single colonic session can be very helpful for an acute case of constipation, but returning the colon to a healthy state and detoxifying the body is a process. Full body detoxification can take 2 years.

7. Do I have to fast before I have a colonic?
A. No - although we suggest not eating two hours before you appointment to reduce the risk of nausea during the session.

8. How many colonics do I need?
A. That depends on your personal health objectives and the current state of your body. If you are very ill, we would recommend you begin the series of ten to twelve sessions. Once you are feeling better, your body will tell you how often you need to come in - once a week, once a month, or once a quarter. For a relatively healthy person going through a preventative detox, we recommend a minimum of three within a short period of time (7 - 10 days).

9. Can Colon Hydrotherapy be used for bowel preparation for colonoscopies or other procedures?
A. Yes, there is a protocol for bowel preparation colonoscopies. Ask your colon hydrotherapist for the specifics.

10. How will I feel after a colonic?
A. Most people feel refreshed with a pleasant feeling in the abdominal area. You may continue on with your day without restrictions.

11. How do you improve the function of your colon and digestive system?
A. 1. We offer and highly recommend the FoodPharmacy^TM Therapeutic diet plan. It provides you with a customized food list taking into account various individual factors such as blood & metabolic type. You may be eating healthy foods that are detrimental to you. 2. CHEW YOUR FOODS THOROUGHLY enough to form a smooth paste - a hard habit to get into but very important. 3. Eat 50% of your foods raw. Choose foods that are fresh, organic, and in season from your local area. 4. Relax while eating. 5. Reduce stress and tension by daily exercise. Get the proper amount of sleep. 6. Drink 5 to 6 - 11 oz. glasses or water a day, sipped between meals. 7. Avoid intestinal overloading by responding to the "call of nature" immediately. 8. Make sure your stomach, liver, gallbladder, and small intestine are functioning properly. Remember they are part of your digestive system and affect how well the colon functions, 9. Have your naturopathic physician evaluate you for parasites, yeast, heavy metals, and unbalanced flora in your colon. 10. Identify and remove any foods you are allergic to from your diet.