By Pat Bauer,
NP-C Nurse Practitioner
Constipation, everyone knows what it is but only those who suffer from it know the pain and discomfort it can cause. Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks.
Treatment for chronic constipation depends in part on the underlying cause: poor diet (high sugar and low fiber), lack of exercise, a deficiency (as in low thyroid function), a condition (IBS/IBD) and/or a drug (some narcotics and some anti-depressants).
Regardless of the source of constipation it is painful and must be addressed for long-term health. Once a person has identified the source of the constipation a viable way to get the stool moving is a colon hydrotherapy session.
A colon hydrotherapy session consists of the gradual and gentle introduction of purified and temperature-regulated water into the colon/large intestine. The water softens and loosens waste for easy elimination. The gentle washing of the colon is combined with abdominal massage to help stimulate natural peristalsis (contraction of the bowel to move waste through). A specialized FDA approved device ensures patients an odorless, easy and safe way to improve elimination.
The procedure lasts 30-35 minutes and is best performed by an I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist. The FDA approved equipment regulates water volume, water pressure and temperature. The water flows in under gentle pressure, cleansing the colon and enters and exits the body through a speculum, which is attached to a hose leading to the colonic device/equipment. Both the speculum and the hose are sterile and disposable. The water softens and loosens toxic wastes, old fecal matter and mucus in the colon, which are then flushed out through the waste flow hose. During the cleansing, a series of water fills and releases helps to stimulate the contraction of the muscular walls of the colon. Occasional changing of water temperature from warm to cool relaxes the colon and promotes the restoration of the natural and proper peristaltic action. When the colon has been sufficiently stimulated, the therapist releases the water pressure. The watery fecal waste from the colon passes through the hose into the machine’s waste drain (which is connected to the sewer). Fresh filtered water is again introduced into the colon. The therapist is in direct control of the water flow and repeats the process of fills and releases for the length of the appointment time, while remaining present and in communication with the patient throughout the session. During the session the patient is draped.
The benefits of colon hydrotherapy are many and include improved colon muscle tone, the reintroduction and rebalancing of intestinal flora and reduction in abdominal discomfort associated with constipation. Additionally, after the session the body is able to assimilate and absorb nutrients from food more easily. Colon hydrotherapy encourages better colon function and elimination.
Esther Gitukui is an I-ACT certified colon hydrotherapist with 15 years of experience in the St. Louis region. She is highly skilled and knowledgeable of the digestive process, educating her patients about how to improve their health during every visit. Esther’s gentle nature puts her patients at ease, insuring a comfortable session. Colon hydrotherapy sessions are available at Wildwood Integrative Healthcare, 16111 Manchester Road, Suite 202, Ellisville, MO 63011. Patients may call 636-489-2000 to schedule a session or book online at www.wildwoodintegrativehealthcare.com.