What is a colonic?

A colonic is a form of therapy intended to cleanse the bowels. It is usually part of a complete detoxification treatment. To this end, a machine mechanically introduces water into the bowels to cleanse them and prepare the bowels to actively eliminate toxic substances and harmful bacteria. The system is designed to allow an evacuation of the contents of the colon during the administration of the colonic irrigation. Our colonic machine is an FDA Class II medical device that consists of a container for fluid that is connected to a nozzle via tubing which enables pressure, temperature, and the flow of water through the nozzle to be controlled at all times. Class II performance standards include devices that are intended for colon cleansing when medically indicated; ie: before radiological or endoscopic examination. Federal law restricts the sale of these devices only to licensed practicioners.(Class I medical devices include enema kits which use gravity flow and are exemptfrom current good manufacturing practice regulations. At Second Nature Care, we only use Class II devices)

Cited in the bible, colonics were made from gourds with bamboo reeds to gently cleanse the internal body. Colonics have been in clinical usage for over 100 years in this country. They were routinely administered as a front line therapy to patients in hospitals in the early 1900's . Today, patients still receive high colonics in the hospital prior to certain procedures, surgeries and childbirth.

Colonics are used to relieve inflammation, congestion and pain in the body. They can relieve constipation and aid in detoxification from chemical exposures and or medications. Colonics can help to heal an irritated and inflamed bowel. Colonics are recommended for patients who struggle with allergic reactions, asthma, incomplete digestion and skin conditions like: eczema and psoriasis. Colonics are used for the treatment of low grade impaction, pinworms, parasite infections, and flaccid colons. Other clinical indications include: mucous colitis, fever therapy, diverticulosis, abdominal distention and chronic gas, preparation for diagnostic studies of the large intestines (barium enema, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy), pre-surgery and post-op and following pregnancy. Retention colonics can be used for hydration purposes. Colonics can often prevent colds and upper respiratory infections and or reduce the recovery time. Cold water colonics can be used to retrain a flaccid bowel (in paralysis patients) so that the colon can empty itself after meals.

Colonics do not make the body dependent on this method of elimination. A colonic is not intended to replace normal bowel movements. It is an assistive method so that the patient can gain a stronger baseline of overall health. Colonics can be a part of a treatment protocol that is relevant for a specific period of time (heavy metal detoxification) or they can be used as a mechanical tool to address clinical symptoms while the patient is making more permanent lifestyle changes. A colonic is administered by a trained and certified colonic therapist or board certified and licensed Naturopathic doctor who determines the clinical usage for each patient.

Are colonics safe?

Second Nature has FDA approved and patented colonic therapy machines in accordance with the Federal Code of Regulations that are only sold to licensed physicians. Our clinical model is designed to meet the highest safety standards. Our speculums (Class II disposable) are also patented by the same distributor and can only be purchased by a licensed physician.

The clinical model contains a sanitation/disinfectant system and a 4-filter water filtration system coupled with an ultra-violet water treatment system to make the water used safe. Safety features like pressure and temperature gauges are built into the model so that they are visible to the therapist at all times during the procedure. A combination of valves maintains set pressure and temperature levels by the therapist and if the unit cannot maintain these levels it will automatically shut down to avoid injury to the patient or damage to the machine.

All colonic patients must be approved for treatment before their first colonic session by the supervising physician to ensure patient safety. Contraindications for colon hydrotherapy include the following:Severe cardiac disease, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, aneurysm, GI hemorrhage and or perforation, severe hemorrhoids, colon or rectal cancer, fissures, fistulas, early or advanced pregnancy, abdominal hernia, recent colon or rectal surgery within the last three months, renal insufficiency, abdominal surgery within the last three months, intestinal perforations, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and acute electrolyte imbalances due to severe eating disorders.

Colonics do not cause pain when administered properly. Patients are made comfortable during the session with full explanations of all techniques, methods and procedures to be used during the colon session. Patients are draped with acceptable coverings during all procedures. Techniques used during the session always maximize client modesty, dignity and comfort.

Your first visit will be about 20 minutes longer than the actual colonic session because you will be meeting with Dr. Guggenheim to discuss your medical conditions that pertain to getting colonic therapy. She will review all current medications and supplements that you are taking, brief diet history, medical history and bowel habits. You will be evaluated to make sure that you do not have any contraindications to receiving this service. If you are not a naturopathic patient and have extensive questions you can schedule a full new patient intake for another time. This visit is limited and is specifically for ruling out any contraindications to colonic services. The doctor and the colonic therapist will share feedback about your session so that appropriate recommendations can be made concerning supplementation or specific dietary recommendations. This valuable communication is shared with each session. These recommendations will be shared with the patient so that changes can be integrated seamlessly between sessions.

The Second Nature Dispensary stocks some of the recommended supplements. These items are available for purchase for your convenience or Dr. Guggenheim can provide an ordering sheet so that supplements can be shipped directly to patients. All pharmacy items are GMP grade or pharmaceutical grade and every batch is independently tested for purity and content, rancidity, micro-organisms, heavy metals and pesticides, etc.

Once you have been evaluated and cleared for your colonic session it is recommended to eat lightly the night before your colonic. It may also be recommended for chelation patients to take liver support herbs the night before the session. If your colonic is scheduled for later in the day you can eat lightly up to two hours prior to your appointment. It is not recommended to water fast before the colonic as this will inhibit the body's ability to release colonic material. It is important to stay well hydrated with water. Your vitals will be taken before your session and you can empty your bladder before changing into a gown. Your therapist will assist you onto the table for a quick rectal exam prior to the speculum insertion. This exam is done before each colonic session to ensure patient safety and to note any changes in the rectal area.

During your session, your therapist will make any adjustments to maintain your comfort. Your therapist will constantly regulate temperature and water pressure. Your questions and concerns about colon therapy can also be addressed. Based upon immediate colon feedback, your therapist may integrate abdominal massage, foot reflexology and or relaxing visualizations. Gentle lighting and music in a warm environment

Each session usually lasts about 45 minutes. Your therapist will give you some transitional time at the end of a session so that you can prepare to stop eliminating with machine assistance. You may use our convenient bathroom for additional bowel elimination/urination. During your visit to the bathroom, your therapist will be running the sanitation cycle (CDC guidelines) on the colonic machine. This ensures total safety to each patient with no cross contamination. Patients are given a Bio Terrain Alkaline pH balancer and preprobiotics to support electrolyte balance and good bowel bacteria at the end of each session.

Our office staff will direct you to your next appointment if you have another service scheduled like: infra-red sauna, massage or naturopathic medicine consult. If your time at Second Nature ends with your colonic therapy session then we have some suggestions for your post care.

Continue to hydrate yourself with water or diluted teas. You can add fresh squeezed lemon or lime to further alkalinize the tissues. Steamed vegetables with or without rice, vegetable broths or light soups (no dairy) can be supportive foods. Try to avoid high acid producing foods like: meats, dairy, wheat, corn, coffee, alcohol, commercial sauces, refined baked goods and sugar in all forms.

Rest is vital as your body is adjusting to a new balance. When possible consider lying down for an hour after your colonic session in a semi-warm, dry, dark room. If rest is not possible then continue nurturing yourself with conscious breathing. Some patients jot down thoughts or feelings into a “colonic journal”. As we open up and release toxins from the tissues biochemically we also begin to open up emotionally. These recorded inner messages in the journal can be shared with your therapist/counselor or other appropriate practitioner.

It is usually recommended that you schedule two or three consecutive colonics in the beginning of treatment. Based on your body's feedback, the colonic therapist will make a professional recommendation for repeat visits. This will vary from patient to patient.

*Colonic series can be purchased with prepayment for the series. The colonics must be used within a 6 month period. No refunds or exchanges can be made. Individual sessions can be purchased without any discounts. All services are paid for on the day that they are rendered except for prepaid series. Sessions are reserved with a credit card deposit. Gratuities are accepted and paid directly to the colonic therapist. Cancellation policy: Patients must cancel within a 24 hour period or they will be held responsible for the session fee. The only exception is a medical emergency. We look forward to serving you on your path to better health. Thank you for your support and confidence in our expertise.