Information from International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy

P.O. Box 461285, San Antonio, TX 78246-1285 Office: 210-366-2888 Fax: 210-366-2999

What Is Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon hydrotherapy, is a safe, effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs.
Colon hydrotherapy is an internal bath that helps cleanse the colon of toxins, gas, accumulated fecal matter and mucus deposits. This gentle treatment has been practiced throughout history for its health benefits, with the first recorded use in 1500 BC. Colon Hydrotherapy is more effective than enemas because the entire colon is treated and water is not purposely retained.

Colon Hydrotherapy at Sankofa is a guided tutorial experience under the careful supervision of Dr Michelle Gamble a trained and experienced colon therapist for over 15 years. Sterile, single-use equipment introduces filtered water via the rectum. The client controls the water flow, and uses external abdominal massage to soften fecal matter and old deposits on the colon wall. This waste is then removed from the body when the gentle water pressure is released.​

Colon Hydrotherapy can be used on its own to improve health or it can be used in conjunction with other therapies. When elimination is improved, the body can detoxify more effectively, a key component in healing. By introducing filtered and temperature regulated water into the colon, the waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis. This process is repeated a few times during a session.

​Colon hydrotherapy is best used in combination with adequate nutrient and fluid intake as well as exercise. Today's sophisticated technology promotes both the safety and sanitation of this popular cleansing practice.

Why Should I Be Concerned About My Colon?
The colon has been referred to as the sewer system of the body. It is the place where we store the waste material that most of us would rather not think about and most of us don't until our health becomes poor or we feel constipated or have diarrhea. It best benefits the body due to release of this accumulated congestion in the bowel.

Historical View

Historians tell us that the practice of Colon Hydrotherapy or, in its most basic form, the enemas was first used by the Egyptians. The Ebers Papyrus, of the 14th century B.C., and the Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 1700 B.C.), both mention enemas and give directions for the use of the enema.The Essene Gospel of the third century stated, "The uncleanness within is greater than the uncleanness without. And he who cleanses himself without, but within remains unclean, is like a tomb that outward is painted fair, but is within full of all manner of horrible uncleannesses and abominations."

The 17th Century became known as the "age of the enema", or the "age of clysters". It was an acceptable practice in Parisian society to enjoy as many as three or four enemas a day, the belief being that an internal washing or "lavement" was essential to well-being.

By the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, with the advent of rubber, the enema or clyster slowly gave way to colon hydrotherapy equipment which improved the cleansing of the colon.Dr. Kellogg reported in the 1917 Journal of American Medicine that in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease in over 40,000 cases, he had used surgery in only twenty cases. The rest were helped as a result of cleansing the bowels, diet, and exercise.

Colon hydrotherapy eventually gained the attention of James A. Wiltsie, M.D., who contended that "our knowledge of the normal and abnormal physiology of the colon, and of its pathology and management, has not kept pace with that of many organs and systems of the body." He went on to say, "As long as we continue to assume that the colon will take care of itself, just that long will we remain in complete ignorance of perhaps the most important source of ill health in the whole body."

How Many Colon Hydrotherapy Sessions Does One Need?

Of course, the number of colon hydrotherapy sessions desired will depend on the individual. Every person's goals will differ. Just as some people exercise on a daily or weekly basis to tone and tighten their outer body, some people follow an ongoing cleansing, toning and rebuilding regimen for the inner body. Colon hydrotherapy could be used as part of any regular maintenance program.

What Is A Colon Hydrotherapy Session Like?

A session is a comfortable experience for many people. It produces no toxicity. Techniques utilized allow a small amount of water to flow into the colon gently stimulating the colon's natural peristaltic action to release softened waste. The inflow of a small amount of water and the release of waste may be repeated several times. The removal of waste should encourage better colon function and elimination.

During the session, most clothing can be kept on and you will be draped, or a gown might be worn to ensure modesty. Your dignity is always maintained. This cleanse is performed on a FDA Class I professional devise. The rectal nozzle is 1/4" in diameter and is very flexible. The disposable nozzzle is attached to the scoop devise where the client is lying. The client inserts the nozzle and slides against the scoop allowing the nozzle to enter no more than 11/2 to 2 inches into the rectum.

The scoop directs the debris away from the client and into the large bowl below the removable board where the client is lying prone. A spray of fresh water in the bowl along with a vacuum fan controls the smell, providing a virtually odorless experience. The cleansing water flows gently through the nozzle from water containers located in the console at the foot of the client. The water is pure and is consistently body temperature. Since the client is virtually prone, the water gently hydrates the entire colon. When the client feels the urge to eliminate, the body does it naturally, pushing the fecal matter past the nozzle and into the bowl. The fecal matter remains in the bowl until completion of the session and can be inspected inspected if desired. Colon hydrotherapy is comfortable, safe, effective, odorless and private (non-evasive). The FDA has approved this form of therapy for the general cleansing of the colon. This form of colon hydrotherapy does not require a prescription unless certain contraindications a present.

Sanitation
Modern colon hydrotherapy equipment is manufactured through compliance with strict FDA guidelines that dictate rigorous accountability. The FDA-registered equipment features temperature controlled water mixing and back flow prevention valves, pressure and temperature sensors, and a built-in chemical sanitizing unit and/or water purification unit. Disposable single-use rectal tubes are used at Sankofa.

Colon Hydrotherapy Client & Hydro therapist Population

It is estimated that there are many hundreds of colon hydro therapists in the United States assisting hundreds of thousands of clients to enjoy the benefits of colon hydrotherapy. Many of these clients claim that due to colon hydrotherapy, they have been able to live their lives without drugs, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and pain pills. In a society where Eastern and Western medicine combined to give us the best of both worlds, the acceptance of colon hydrotherapy has continued to grow with impressive results.