cleanse out that gut this summer - colon hydro-therapy.

Usually the slightest mention of the dreaded colonic irrigation sets my pulse racing faster than a Galway races champion and my mouth instantly dries up frantically. I simply can’t understand how the therapy could be any way comfortable and how the benefits could possibly outweigh the obvious disadvantages, i.e. embarrassment, discomfort and so on. That was of course until I met up with Susan O’ Leary (Dip. Chem, Dip. R. Ch registered colonic hydrotherapist, member of IARCH) of Santé, Main Street, Midleton.
I can honestly say that I have never met a woman so passionate about anything (so odd!) before in my whole life. The lady is just nuts about colonics! Previously a lab technician in Dublin for 22 years Susan decided she needed a career change. Having completed a course of colonics in Dublin and raving about the results she decided that the therapy was her true calling and since qualifying and setting up practice in Midleton she hasn’t looked back.
“Have you ever considered the simple question: are you clean inside? We shower, brush our teeth and wash our hair on a daily basis, but we tend to ignore cleansing our inside until some disease sends us a wake-up call,” Susan explains energetically, “Believe it or not, our insides, especially the colon function as the ‘sewer system’ of our body. Constipation, parasites, IBS, gas, bloating, stomach pain, chronic fatigue and digestive problems can all be signs of a toxic colon.”
The colon, which is also known as the large intestine or the bowel, is situated in the stomach region. It takes up the majority of the digestive system and is in charge of absorption of water and the uptake of vitamins and minerals by the body. The bowel is an excretory organ responsible for the elimination of solid waste from the body. As this waste is passed through the large intestine by the movement of the intestine walls some waste can get stuck in the walls and may lead to problems later in life.
Colon-hydro-therapy involves water at body temperature being passed through the colon under pressure to remove any stagnated stool and decay substances stuck to the bowel walls. ”The process I use is called the gravity process, which involves filtered water being flushed through the colon with the intention of pulling out any stagnant vulcanized faeces,” Susan graphically describes, “This does not hurt! Despite what people may think a slight discomfort may be experienced at the beginning of the treatment.”
Although I hate to admit that I have been wrong about colonics (all those years of dodging!) it seems that the benefits of colon hydro-therapy far exceed the awkwardness of the treatment. “Benefits are huge! Clear skin, less headaches, rehydration of the body and an increase in energy levels. Basically everything is improved!” Susan tells me, her expressive face lighting up with the excitement. “Look, if your toxic inside then your whole body is toxic. If you are not going to the toilet every day then there is a build up of toxic gasses and toxins in the colon, the diameter of the colon decreases and our ability to absorb nutrients decreases causing a decrease in the metabolism (breakdown of our food in the body).”
The list is basically endless but here’s an idea of what problems colonics can help treat:
Aids constipation.
Aids detox.
Helps to kick start a weight loss program.
Beneficial for migraine sufferers.
Helps to clear skin eruptions.
Increases energy levels.
Relieves depression.
Relieves digestive disorders.
That’s all well and good but what of the good bugs living in our digestive system that help aid digestion and are so often harped on about by the likes of Danone and Yoplait I wonder. “If you’re chronically toxic your ‘bad’ bacteria have taken over causing self poisoning. As a result there is an imbalance in the gut therefore good bacteria can not flourish no matter how many probiotic drinks you drink. This build up can be removed by colonics to allow the good bacteria to replenish and grow with the aid of probiotics after the treatment,” Susan corrects me as she quickly takes a sip of her soup before continuing, “I give a detox diet and a guideline of supplements to help with the colonic.”
“40% of my client base are men and they tell nobody!” she continues, “Women love that it’s brilliant for weight loss.” So whether your male or female, young or old colonic irrigation is suitable for everyone as a total clean out and detox. “It’s important that it’s stressed that colon hydro-therapy is for ordinary people. Don’t be thinking about it. Just do it and feel the benefits!” says Susan, “If you have any questions, no matter how silly you think they are just give me a call.” For more information contact Susan on 085 1352406 or call into her clinic at 100 Main St, Midelton, Cork (open 6 days, flexible hours).