Before we go any further let's define what the Colon is and its purpose.
The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract which extends from the mouth to the anus. The Colon is a muscular tube approximately 5 to 6 feet long and should have an average diameter of approximately 2 ½ inches.
Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points. A colonic irrigation stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts in a beneficial way.
The main functions of the colon are absorption of water, electrolytes and minerals, and it is responsible for the formation and elimination of toxins from ALL PARTS OF THE BODY, not just digestive waste; and it has a built-in alarm system for the presence of toxic materials. Some of the signs that a colon may contain toxic waste are headaches, back pain, muscle aches, joint pain, skin blemishes, bad breath and body odor, excess gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, etc.
When the colon is functioning properly, it is normal to have a bowel movement shortly after each meal. However, with the typical modern diet of overcooked, processed and refined foods, chronic constipation and digestive problems are on the rise. In addition, many people do not drink enough water, consuming primarily coffee, sodas, and sugar-laden fruit drinks.
These beverages are very acidic and can greatly dehydrate the intestines and promote the breakdown of healthy flora in the digestive tract, while the sugar in many of our foods and drinks feeds the unhealthy bacteria and Candida, leading to overgrowth of yeast. Mental and emotional stress, which are so prevalent in our fast-paced society, can also interfere with proper digestion and elimination.
(Please take time to educate yourself about the danger of artificial sweeteners.)
The colon contains nearly 60 varieties of microflora or bacteria to aid digestion, promote vital nutrient production, to maintain pH (acid-base) balance, and to prevent proliferation of harmful bacteria. This microflora provides important functions such as the synthesis of folic acid and valuable nutrients from foods, including vitamins 'K' and portions of the 'B' complex. The colon plays host to a zoo of bacteria: over one hundred trillion microorganisms call the colon home. There are more microorganisms in the colon than are contained within the skin, heart, bones, brain, and the rest of the body's cells combined. A healthy digestive tract helps support a healthy immune system.
The process of digestion, from ingestion of food to defecation, normally takes between 12 to 24 hours assuming that the colon is fully functional and non-toxic. Irregular or infrequent bowel movements can allow toxic residues, from the by-products of undigested foods, to remain in the colon.
The intestines can store a vast amount of partially digested, putrefying matter (as well as drugs and other toxic chemicals) for decades! The average person stores between 5 to 25 POUNDS of waste accumulated over the years in their colon.
Some intestines, when autopsied, have weighed up to 40 pounds and were distended to a diameter of 12 inches with only a pencil-thin channel through which the feces could move.
Again, a person with a healthy colon will have 2 to 3 bowel movements per day, shortly after each meal taken. Elimination should be complete and easy. The stool should be light brown in color, long and large diameter. There should be no offensive odor and it should break apart with toilet flushing. This would describe the normal function of a healthy colon...
But in this society, it is very rare to find people who can describe their eliminations in this manner!
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Important:
In the section of “Differences between Open and Closed Systems” I have covered a lot of details to clarify all the confusion that is out there about What Is What? and How It Works? Unfortunately, most sites that talk about the differences between Open and Closed equipment are written by colon hydrotherapists who only have personal experience working on one type of system. Therefore, their opinion about the use and effectiveness of the other type of system is unreliable. I have personally administered colon hydrotherapy using both types of systems. Please take time to read that section and educate yourself.
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Disclaimer: Information on this website is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, or treat a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for medical care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your primary care provider.