This is such a controversial topic that many people are not sure how to approach and discuss. I wanted to share my personal experience and this interview with therapist Kara Mia from KX Gym. I’ve been getting colonics for the past two years and usually go every three-four months. This doesn’t mean that you should do the same. Listen to your body and work with your therapist to figure out what’s best for you. I always feel better after a colonic and truthfully, it’s not the most comfortable feeling in the world but there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. It does not hurt, it’s just uncomfortable and the more you go, the more you will get used to it.
I have some friends who have shared with me that they only have one bowel movement per week and they feel so bloated all of the time. This means they are holding onto so much toxic, which can create many health problems if not addressed in time. A regular colonic combined with a high fiber diet can be very beneficial to those suffering of chronic constipation. Many women hold onto stress in the gut and a colonic can get things moving. BONUS – If you let Kara Mia know that you read this article, she will give you 10% off!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background in Wellness.
My father was adversely affected by drugs in the 80’s and as a family, we then saw Naturopaths, therefore I grew up with Natural Medicine. Personally, I’ve had colonics since 27 years of age, and have found them to be very supportive to my overall health. I started my own studies in Natural Medicine back in 2000, since then I have diplomas in Nutrition, Naturopathy, Homeopathy and trained in other modalities besides colon hydrotherapy. I continue to study and learn on a daily basis, it’s an all-encompassing job and passion!
How long have you been in this field?
I have been working full time in Natural Health and colonics since 2008.
Can you describe gravity vs. hydrotherapy colonic?
Hydrotherapy is a word that is interchangeable with colonic. There are two main methods: open and closed. I find the original method, gravity, to be the most effective and less complicated for the client. It allows me to focus on the person as opposed to a bunch of dials (machine based) or the do it yourself kind which is known as the open system.
Can you describe how colonics and gut health are related to one another?
As a Naturopath, we have long postulated that health and disease begin with the gut. Today the focus is largely on healthy eating, which is great, but it doesn’t cover the digestion and elimination part of gut health, which is also extremely important. People don’t realize that we were never designed to eat three meals a day, essentially many of us eat far too much. This puts further stress on the digestive system and If you have a compromised evacuation system then you have an issue. This is where colonics can help address this.
How many bowel movements should someone have in a day to be considered healthy?
In a perfect world about 20 minutes after each meal. Essentially one in one out as the average digestion period is about 24 hours. Men generally have better bowels than women do (it is a long answer as to why). However, I think most people should aim for twice a day and absolutely once a day without question.
What’s are the benefits of colonics?
- Colonics help to cleanse, tones and exercise the colon, improving muscle contraction.
- Re-educates the colon helping it return to its more original form.
- Can help to balance the micro-flora ecosystem by removing both good and bad bacteria and giving the body a helping hand to replace the good.
- Can increase the absorption of nutrients through the colon wall.
- May possibly decrease the risk of colon cancer by regular health maintenance.
- It can improve the overall health of the body, including the immune system.
- Encourages the expulsion of parasites and other negative creatures living in the gut.
How often should one get a colonic?
This varies very much depending on the person. Obviously, a 25-year-old who opens their bowels twice a day would need them less than a 45-year-old who goes to the bathroom 3 times a week. I work with each client on a case by case basis. It would be unethical and bad Karma to suggest clients come in more than they should. My job is to help you reach the highest state of health available for you as an individual.
Are there any uncomfortable symptoms after a colonic, such as gas, bloating or acne?
How a person responds is directly related to their state of health. The healthier you are, the better you feel after. Some people’s bowels are in a state of “dysbiosis”, a fancy word for good bacteria/ bad bacteria having an argument. Generally, people find bloating decreases after a colonic, their skin clears and they feel fantastic. With all natural interventions, including the gym, there can be some temporary discomfort. For example, the fitter I am, the less the gym hurts. The better the bowel, the better the after effects.
You add coffee enemas to your colonics, what are the benefits of that?
I find that using coffee for a brief period during a colonic can help shift gas and improve the efficacy of the treatment. Many detox protocols suggest a 20 minute coffee enema, I am happy to offer this to clients who wish to use coffee in this way. Caffeine and other compounds like palmitic acid, when not consumed orally help to stimulate the liver’s production of one the of the body’s most important detoxifying enzyme; glutathione S-Transferase (GST). That stuff is like gold dust.
Are there any foods to avoid before a colonic?
Try not to have a heavy meal beforehand. Although it’s more important to be well hydrated and not have had a big binge the night before. However, some people have used it to support a hangover as they are very hydrating and a great way to clear excess toxicity from the body in a short period of time.
What about post colonic?
Eating sensibly is best. Avoiding gassy foods is a good idea also, but that depends on the person. Each new client receives a post-colonic handout and I am always happy to answer any questions by phone, text or email afterward.
A lot of people experience emotional releases during a colonic, can you tell us a bit more about that?
I wouldn’t say it’s common, but it can certainly be experienced by some during the treatment or afterward. We hold stress in our guts and many people have no idea how much stress really is affecting their physical body and to what level. A physical evacuation can lead to a large amount of stress released and sometimes this helps us to understand our bodies better and how we react to the world around us. We are not cars, and as the gut and mind are intrinsically linked, addressing one will always have an effect on the other.
Are colonics safe during pregnancy?
I personally think so, and we used to do them without the accompanying massage. However, the leading body for colonics, ARCH, decided a few years back that it would be better to not treat pregnant clients in the rare event of something happening. Therefore, unfortunately, they are no longer performed.
Can colonics be dangerous in terms of getting an infection through the tubes?
Absolutely not, and the internet is full of misinformation on this topic. In the UK all tubes are disposable and the water is double filtered. We have very strict rules and regulations to adhere to. I have performed over 10,000 colonics without a single adverse event.
Where can we find you?
I work for the prestigious medical clinic at KX Gym, which is open to non-members and men. My personal website is www.embracinghealth.co.uk
This has been extremely helpful. I only recently tried colonics as part of a detox program I was doing in Phuket and upon returning home I have been trying to find out how often I should get them done. This article has really help shed light on that. Do you have any partnerships with clinics in Dubai or recommend any in particular here that I can go to?