Herbal Colon Cleansing Vs Colon Hydrotherapy
How do you choose between herbal colon cleansing and colonic hydro-therapy? There are distinct differences between the two, even though they both strive to achieve the same objective. One has been dubbed the “Rolls Royce” of colon cleansing, while the other dubbed a “Cadillac.” Both are very good choices when it comes to cleansing the colon of toxins, waste and parasites, but which one is right for you?
In this article we will explain the differences between the two options and provide you with a clear understanding of how they both work to cleanse and tone the colon.
The main objective of both herbal cleansing and colonic hydro-therapy is to help revitalize and strengthen the entire body by toning the colon and removing waste, parasites and toxins. Many who complete either report benefits dealing with conditions such as IBS and diverticulitis. While others report reduced bloating, gas and constipation and an overall feeling of wellness.
What you personally have to go through for each option is as different as night and day. Let’s look at both, beginning with a summary of herbal cleansing.
The Caddy: Herbal Colon Cleansing
The alternative to colonics is herbal colon cleansing. Herbal colon cleansing has been around for thousands of years. Herbal cleansing can be done in the comfort of your home, which is a big advantage to people averse to doctors and doctor visits. It’s also much less expensive than colonics, and more affordable.
Remember, colonics is the “Rolls” and herbal cleansing is the “Caddy.” They are both excellent choices, but it really comes down to price, effort, comfort and privacy.
Herbal colon cleansing uses a combination of herbs to help cleanse the colon of waste, parasites, mucous and toxins. The best programs also replenish the entire digestive tract with probiotics (healthy bacteria), which is critical to having a strong immune system.
With herbal cleansing a special combination of herbs helps increase the wave-like motion that happen naturally in the colon. The increased motion helps tone the colon. Other herbs also help remove parasites, toxins and mucous during the cleansing period. Since herbal cleansing is done with a pill or combination of pills, it affects the entire digestive tract.
Herbal cleansing is convenient because there are no doctor visits. It’s done at home and should not interrupt your schedule. The best programs will help you produce larger, more productive bowel movements more often, with no need to schedule time off for cleansing.
Results will vary, as with any procedure. Some people find immediate results with herbal cleansing, while others find it takes a bit longer to benefit, sometimes even after the cleansing period is complete. This can be attributed to the differences in physical make up or outside factors during the cleansing period such as stress, biorhythms and personal history.
Herbal cleansing programs vary in time. The shorter programs can be much more effective because of one simple factor, the user completes it. The longer the program, the less likely a user is to complete it, gaining fewer benefits. Puristat's colon cleansing programs have been condensed and modified to be used comfortably over a 7, -14 or 21-day period.
When choosing between different length programs, check the dosage per serving. Many of the short programs are stronger than their month-long counterparts. This can only be attributed to the quality of the company behind the program and the studies done with the herbal ingredients effectiveness.
The Rolls: Colonic Hydrotherapy
Colonics, colon irrigation or colon hydrotherapy are all the same and refer to an alternative procedure used to cleanse the colon. For simplicity sake, we’ll refer to it as a colonic throughout this article.
A colonic is considered a medical procedure and should be done in the office of a trained Colon Hydrotherapist. A Hydrotherapist is a professional who registers and trains at a colonic hydrotherapy college, but they do not need to be an MD to perform the procedure. In the United States these procedures are not regulated.
To complete the registration process, a Hydrotherapist also has to pass an office inspection by the College. Once registered, the Hydrotherapist can expect periodic inspections to maintain registration.
An actual colonic is a procedure that involves having a tube inserted into the rectum and flushing warm purified water through the colon. Most hydrotherapists use purified warm water only. While others choose to use water that is infused with different minerals that are believed to enhance results. Abdominal massage techniques are also sometimes used to stimulate the release waste.
The process uses several gallons of water and can take up to one hour per session. Completing just one colonic will not be enough to completely flush out the colon; a Hydrotherapist will more than likely recommend several treatments for a complete cleansing of the colon. Best selling author Kevin Trudeau recommends 15 colonics over a 30-day period to fully cleanse the colon. This can become quite costly; hence it being dubbed the “Rolls Royce” of colon cleansing.
Once you complete a series of colonics as described above, the colon should be cleansed of waste, parasites and toxins. People who have gone through such a regimen describe feeling vibrant, clear headed, focused, regular, and healthy for the first time in years. Some even report weight loss and/or a reduction in discomfort from illnesses such as IBS and diverticulitis.
It is said that the pulsing action of the water against the colon walls is like a work out at the gym, helping to tone and strengthen the colon so it can function better on its own.
All this comes with a cost, but if you can afford it, the price could be well worth it. The cost of a Colonic Hydrotherapy session varies from practice to practice. Prices range from $100-$300 per session. Usually, insurance will not cover a colonic.
Beware the Risks
All the good reports on colonics are exciting and tempting. However, as with any medical procedure there are risks involved. In this case most of the risks come from the qualifications of the practicing Hydrotherapist. Be sure to do your research to make sure he or she has been well trained and has a lot of experience. You don’t want to be a training dummy; you want to be the patient they help!
Any time a tube is inserted into the rectum, there is the risk of perforation or fissure. Perforations or fissures are tears that can leave the area vulnerable to infection.
The level of water pressure during the procedure is maintained by the Hydrotherapist. A well-trained professional will make sure your procedure is comfortable. However, if the individual performing the procedure is not well trained or lacks experience, the pressure of the water flushing through the colon could cause discomfort, and possibly tear or perforate your colon walls. In this event, bleeding may occur and irreversible damage to the colon could occur.
Due to the nature of the procedure, it is also critical that the equipment used be well maintained and sterilized after each procedure. Anytime non-sterile equipment is used, there is a chance of passing infection from one patient to the next.
Your colon carries both healthy and unhealthy bacteria. The colonic procedure does not discriminate and will flush out the good along with the bad. If you choose colonics, be sure to find a good dietary supplement with acidophilus to replenish the healthy bacteria after each procedure. Without it, you leave yourself susceptible to disease and a weaker immune system.
Having a colonic is not recommended for those that suffer with colitis, appendicitis, and hepatitis.
Lastly, due to the invasive nature of the procedure, if you are uncomfortable having a physical in the doctor’s office, this procedure is not for you.
Colonics vs. Herbal Cleansing: A side-by-side comparison
Herbal colon cleansing and colonics are both good tools in cleansing the colon. What you choose depends upon your personal preferences.
The Process
Herbal Colon Cleansing uses natural herbs to increase contractions of the colon. These contractions push waste matter through the colon and out of the body. These same contractions help strengthen the muscles of the colon so it contracts more regularly on its own.
Colonics use water and massage techniques to flush out waste and strengthen the colon. The pulsing water can help strengthen the colon walls.
Risks and Side Effects
Herbal Colon Cleansing is not an invasive procedure and carries no risk of perforation or infection. There are little to no side effects from herbal cleansing. Some mild cramping can occasionally occur but this can be corrected by reducing the dosage to suit your bodies needs.
Colonics are invasive and can have more serious side effects if administered improperly. This procedure requires you to do your research to get a well- trained Hydrotherapist.
The Cleanse
While both Colonics and Herbal Colon Cleansing flush the colon of impacted waste, they may also deplete good bacteria from your digestive system.
Herbal Colon Cleansing programs often include healthy bacteria in the program.
Colonics require you to replenish healthy bacteria with probiotic supplements after the procedures.
Follow-up
Herbal Colon Cleansing requires ingesting a supplement and is done in the comfort of your home on your schedule. Results will vary; some people get immediate results, while others take a bit longer. Follow-up cleanses will be needed as your symptoms return.
Colonics require multiple visits to an office. Repeated colonics will be needed as your symptoms return. Either procedure should be part of a preventative care plan for your colon and digestive health.
The Cost
Herbal Colon Cleansing is significantly less expensive than colonics. Prices of packages available on this site vary, depending on the severity of your issues.
Colonics are considerably more expensive, but then again so is a Rolls vs. a Caddy. As with herbal colon cleansing, your costs will be directly related to the severity of your issues.
Summary
Both herbal colon cleansing and colonics are procedures that can greatly benefit your health and longevity. People rave about the benefits of both, citing increased energy, weight loss, relief from bouts of constipation, IBS and diverticulitis discomfort.
People have seen many unpleasant things removed from their colons during both procedures, including parasites, mucous and the occasional undigested pieces of food. One radio disc-jockey claimed she even found a long lost childhood toy!