Frequently Asked Questions

Colonics

1. What is the difference between a closed system colonic and an open system colonic?

   
   
   They are two different systems with the same result in mind: helping you to rid your body of toxins.
   
   Closed System Colonics
   
   With a closed system colonic you lie comfortably on a padded massage table.  Your colon hydrotherapist assists you as you insert a small, disposable rectal tube.  She then turns the flow of warm, purified water on very gently.  When you feel full, you say "release" and the waste matter leaves your body via a different tube than the clean inflow water source.  You don't push because the water stimulates your involuntary internal muscles in your colon.  When these muscles contract, the natural muscle movement moves the waste matter out of the colon and into the disposable tubing.  The waste matter passes through a view tube where you get to see what is leaving your body.  Your colon hydrotherapist is in the room with you for the entire session, offering abdominal massage, holistic counseling, reflexology, breath coaching, answering questions, or simply holding silence if that's what you prefer.
   
   The closed system is generally regarded as more productive per session than the open system.
   
   
   Open System Colonics
   
   

   With an open system colonic you lie comfortably on a fiberglass table. The customized table has a basin cut into it and a small, disposable rectal tube, about the size of a pencil is attached at one end. After demonstrating how to gently insert the tube, the therapist leaves the room, providing you total privacy. The therapist returns after the client has inserted the tube and begins a gentle, continuous flow of gravity-fed water. When you feel full, you simply push out and the tube automatically moves to one side within the rectum allowing the softened matter to flow out. It then flows down a drain in the bottom of the basin.  An odor exhaust system ensures the room remains pleasant at all times. The therapist is available to assist or answer any questions, but you can have all the privacy you wish.
    
   This type of system is very gentle and is usually the better choice for clients who have had bowel surgery or any type of bowel disease, are extremely overweight, have lots of gas pressure, or simply wish to have more privacy.  The open system is generally regarded as more comfortable and private than the closed system.
   
    

2. Why is Abundant Health different than other places to get a colonic?

   
   In a word, experience.  Our Master Colon Hydrotherapist is highly trained, certified, and has given over 10,000 colonic (colon hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation, high colonic, colonic cleansing) sessions over the past 18 years. We use abdominal massage, aromatherapy, holistic counseling, breath work and body awareness, along with creating and holding a warm, safe space to help our clients have more productive sessions.  Our sessions are also longer than other places.  We schedule colonics for a full hour, not 45 minutes.  We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your colonic.
   
   Of course we have only ever used disposable tubing and top of the line, self-sanitizing equipment.
   

3. Is a colonic the same thing as colon hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation and high colonic?

   
   Yes, colonic, colonics, colon hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation and high colonics are all the same method of gently cleansing the colon with warm, purified water.

4. How do I prepare for a colonic?

   
   It is recommended that you refrain from eating for 2 to 3 hours before your appointment.  If you need or want to eat within that time frame for any reason then eat lightly.  Also, you will be more comfortable if your bladder is not full during the colonic, so it's best to take it easy on liquids for 2 to 3 hours before your colonic, as well.  It's similar to preparing for a yoga class - you want to be light.

5. What exactly happens during a colonic?

   
   You come into our spa, change into a gown, and relax on a comfortable treatment table.  Your therapist will show you how everything works, will walk you through the process before it starts, and will stay in the room with you throughout your colonic.  We use disposable speculums, disposable tubing, and a self-sanitizing colonic unit.  You self-insert your speculum, so you have total control.  Warm, purified water gently enters your body, and then is released, along with waste matter from your colon, via the disposable tubing.  During a closed system colonic, the waste matter passes through a view tube, where you get to see what is leaving your body.  During an open system colonic, you release the waste matter but it does not pass through a view tube. Then, it leaves through professional plumbing, and heads for the sewer.  There is no odor or mess, and your privacy and dignity are always maintained.  

6. Do I need to fast before a colonic?

   
   If you are familiar with the benefits of fasting and have done so before, you may fast before your colonic; however it is not necessary.  Always check with your doctor if you aren't sure if you should fast or not.

7. Is it o.k. to get a colonic if I'm on my period?

   
   Yes, it's fine to get a colonic any time of the month.  Some women prefer to get colonics during their menses, as their bodies are already in cleansing mode.

8. How long does a colonic appointment last?

   
   We schedule colonic appointments for 60 minutes.  The actual colonic may lasts from 50 - 60 minutes, depending on your needs, with extra time to allow you to change clothes, use the restroom, and have a replenishing drink after your colonic.  Please allow extra time, as this is the last place you want to feel rushed.
   
   Please allow up to 90 minutes for your first colonic.  We ask that you arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paper work, use the restroom, change and settle in, and it's a good idea to allow yourself some extra bathroom time at the end of your first colonic session.  Your first colonic may take a little longer.  We also go over your goals at your first session.
   
   Please allow up to 75 minutes for each additional colonic.  If you need to be out within the hour, please let your therapist know that at the beginning of the session, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.  
   

9. Do colonics hurt?

   
   We have done thousands of colonics. Every day, new clients tell us that our colonics are much more relaxing and comfortable than they could have ever imagined. Because this is a new experience, our imaginations tend to go a little wild, but colonics in general are very gentle, relaxing and renewing. Clients who have excessive intestinal gas may experience some discomfort in the form of abdominal cramps during the session, but this passes as the gas pressure is relieved.  Have you ever had a massage, and you didn't realize your muscle was sore until it was massaged?  Colonics are like a water massage for your colon.  We do not create any toxins, but you may feel minimal discomfort as the toxins are stirred up to be eliminated.  Trust us - it's worth it!

10. How will I feel after my colonic?

    
    Most people feel fantastic after a colonic!  Most clients leave with bright eyes and glowing skin, feeling much better than when they walked in.  Occasionally, a client will feel the effects of the body continuing to detox, which pass quickly.  A general rule is that you will feel fine, but you probably won't want to go straight to the gym or a Bikram yoga class, although a number of our clients do just that and report feeling great.

11. Do you accept tips?

    
    Yes, tips are are graciously accepted for all services except NLP Holistic Counseling.
    We accept tips in the form of cash only.

12. How many colonics do I need?

    
    This varies from person to person.  Most clients choose an initial series of 3 to 10 colonics, depending on factors such as age, diet, weight, health issues and goals.  The majority of our clients return regularly.  During your session, you and your practitioner can discuss your history and goals, and you then decide how many colonics you think would be best for you.

13. Will I lose weight?

    
    The matter in your colon does have a weight, so you can expect that as matter leaves, you will weigh that much less.  It was rumored that the colons of both John Wayne and Elvis weighed between 40 and 50 pounds. Remember, your colon is approximately 5 feet long, and may have years or even decades of build-up of waste matter.  In addition to the solid waste matter, there can also be a build up of gas.  While gas doesn't weigh much, a lot of gas can make you feel big, bloated and miserable.  Colonics can help reduce the amount of gas and inflammation in your belly.  You may find that your clothes fit your better even if the scales do not show a loss in pounds.  Colonics also stimulate your liver and lymphatic system to cleanse.  Your liver is your second largest organ, and has hundreds of functions, including removing impurities, regulating hormones, and metabolizing fat.  A cleaner, healthier liver means your body can process and eliminate fat and toxins more easily, helping you to be more balanced.  Your lymphatic system carries up to 40% of the waste out of your body every day. Lymph is liquid like blood but does not have a heart to pump it, so it gets stagnated easily. Lymph stimulation helps your body to remove wastes and function at a higher level.  Our Far Infrared Sauna and Dtox Herbal Body Wraps also work with your lymphatic system, which is why our Urban Dtox (Colonic, Dtox Herbal Body Wrap and Far Infrared Sauna) is our most popular cleanse experience.
    
    You may also want to consider our 6 Day Liver/Gall Bladder Flush for flushing toxins from the liver.  
    More information about our Liver/Gall Bladder Flush and other Cleansing Programs can be found on our pricing/packages page.
    

14. Will colonics cure me of diseases?

    
    It has been said by many healers, including Dr. Bernard Jensen, that health and death begin in the colon. Cleansing the body is an ancient practice employed by many on the healing path, both for prevention and restoration, and your healing journey is about your personal choices.  That being said, please know that we are not medical doctors.  We cannot and do not diagnose, prescribe or treat any condition, and we highly recommend that you see your medical doctor if you have any health concerns, as well as for regular check ups.

15. Will a colonic dehydrate me?

    
    No, quite the opposite:  Colonics hydrate the body.

16. Will a colonic wash out all my friendly flora?

    
    No way.  Cleaning out the gunk from your colon can help to reestablish an environment where healthy bacteria can flourish. You wouldn't dream of not brushing your teeth for fear of rinsing out some enzymes and saliva, would you?!

17. Do you accept insurance or flex dollars?

    
    We wish we were allowed to accept insurance.  We have never heard of an insurance companies covering colonics.  Please let us know if yours does, and we will spread the word.
    If you have flex dollars, please check with your company to see what is covered. If your company is interested in offering colonics to its flex spending plan, we would be happy to participate.

18. Are you licensed?

    
    Currently, Florida is the only state in our nation that offers licensing to the profession of colon hydrotherapy. In California, we are certified by our peers.  All of the colon hydrotherapists at Abundant Health Wellness Center are Certified Colon Hydrotherapists.  There are professional associations for colon hydrotherapy, but volunteer membership in any peer based group does not guarantee a good colon hydrotherapist.  Please ask questions, get references and trust your intuition in choosing a colon hydrotherapist who is right for you.

19. Who should not get colon hydrotherapy, colonics, colonic irrigation, high colonic?

    
    Contraindications for Colonics, Colonic Irrigation, Colon Hydrotherapy, High Colonics

    You should not have a colonic if you have any of the following:  congestive heart failure, severe anemia, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease in the acute inflammatory stages, severe hemorrhoids, recent colon surgery, first or last trimester of pregnancey or a tumor in the rectum or large intestines.  If you have any health concerns whatsoever, please consult your doctor before considering colonics.

Dtox Herbal Body Wraps

1. Do I need to take a shower after my Dtox Herbal Body Wrap?

   
   After your Dtox Herbal Body Wrap, your skin will be amazingly soft.  You will not need or want to shower.  The longer you wait to bathe, the more your skin continues to be conditioned.  For maximum detox and inch loss, it is recommended that you follow your Herbal Body Wrap with a Colonic and an Ionic Foot Bath.  

2. What can I do to speed up the inch loss process?

   
   Certainly, diet and exercise are important factors.  You cannot eat at a size larger than you wish to be and still maintain a smaller size.  Yet, diet and exercise may not be enough, as fat deposits can develop over time and need to be addressed more directly.  
   
   Depending on your current size and lifestyle, it is possible to drop 2 clothing sizes while doing a series of 12 Dtox Herbal Body Wraps.  Each wrap is done 3 to 4 days apart, while using our Aloe Body Wash and taking natural products to cleanse your body and boost your metabolism.  
   
   When combined with Colonics and Ionic Foot Bath sessions, the results of our Dtox Herbal Body Wraps can be greatly enhanced and accelerated.

3. Will I see results after just one Dtox Herbal Body Wrap?

   
   Our Dtox Herbal Body Wraps wraps condition and soften your skin, which is noticeable even after just one session, and combined with Reiki Energy Balancing, you will likely float out glowing, body and mind relaxed and renewed.  Many of our clients experience inch loss after just one Dtox Herbal Body Wrap.  Naturally, the more inches you have to lose, the more quickly you will lose inches.  Newer, softer fat deposits come off the easiest. For older, harder deposits of fat, especially around the abdomen, a series of 7 or 12 Herbal Body Wraps may be necessary in order for you to get your desired results.  
   
   

4. How long is the session?

   
   We allow 60 minutes for your Dtox Herbal Body Wrap.  You will be soaking in the herbal solution gel for approximately 45 minutes, during which time you will have the option of receiving a 25 minute Reiki Energy Rebalancing Session.

5. How do I prepare for my Dtox Herbal Body Wrap?

   
   Take a bath or shower on the day of your Dtox Herbal Body Wrap. Use water as hot as feels comfortable to you, and scrub your skin with a loofah, washcloth, or natural fiber skin brush. Avoid using soaps, oils, lotions or perfumes, as these can clog your pores and make it difficult for the herbal solution to penetrate your skin. For best results, wash with our Aloe Body Wash. The aloe enzymes will exfoliate dry surface skin and deep clean clogged pores to restore natural skin moisture. No product buildup on the skin allows the herbal solution to penetrate more easily, which means better results for you.
   
   After your Dtox Herbal Body Wrap, it is recommended that you have a Colonic and an Ionic Foot Bath to complete your toxin flush. Otherwise, drink at least 1 gallon of water per day for the next 3 days following your Dtox Herbal Body Wrap.  Avoid salt, alcohol, dairy, meats, fried food, spicy food and smoking for accelerated cleansing benefits.
   

6. How do your Dtox Herbal Body Wraps work?

   
   Throughout your life, toxins get stored in your fat cells and can remain there indefinitely.  Our natural herbal solution gel is applied to your body and absorbed through the skin.  The enzyme-active ingredients penetrate the protein walls around your fat cells and flush the toxic fatty deposits out of your fat cells and into your lymphatic system.  After your Dtox Herbal Body Wrap, it is recommended that you get a Colonic or drink one gallon of water per day for the next three days to complete the flush.  
   
   This wrap is not a compression wrap nor a mummy wrap. There is no sweating, and no water loss.
   As you are absorbing the herbal solution gel, you relax and enjoy a soul-soothing 20 minute Reiki Energy Balancing session.  

   
   To maximize the cleansing and detoxification effects of our Dtox Herbal Body Wrap, it is recommended that you have a Colonic and Ionic Foot Bath on the same day as your Dtox Herbal Body Wrap, as this super hydrates you and further flushes the toxins out of your lymphatic system.  This 2.75 hour cleanse, the Urban Dtox, is our most popular service.

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