Colonic irrigations are most beneficial when used in conjunction with a dietary cleanse or juice fast, both of which assist the body in “cleaning house”. Best results are seen when clients are self-motivated and take responsibility for their own health, rather then depending on the system, doctors or other health care professionals to ”fix them”.

To reach new levels of health awareness and clarity of mind, one’s body must be cleared of putrefactive waste in the intestine and toxins in the blood cells. Colonic irrigations are an important part of this process. Deeper programs for detoxification that involve herbs, minerals, supplements and fasting can be laid out in two or four week programs. The following is a general outline for the recommended steps in preparing for your colonic.

1. Diet: For better results, a day or two before your colonic, eat more fresh and raw food. Cut out dairy products, animal protein, seafood, coffee, alcohol, salt, sugar, and gluten or mucus-forming foods (e.g. wheat, pasta, bread products).

Brown rice, quinoa, millet, baked yams or squash, bean salad or soups, soaked, raw unsalted nuts and seeds are recommended. This vegan diet is nourishing yet cleansing for all people, however if you normally eat a lot of protein, you may want to ease yourself slowly into this vegan diet and eat some ocean fish or free range eggs 2-3 times per week.

Unpasteurized (raw) fruit and vegetable juices help the intestine detoxify as well as green leafy vegetables and chlorophyll-rich foods such as algae, alfalfa, broccoli, kale and of course, raw organic salads. A word about organic—support sustainable agriculture and cherish your body by eating only certified organic foods. Pesticides are toxic and toxicity is what we want to remove from the body!

2. Herb Cocktail or flax seed powder will help to soften debris in the colon if taken a day or two before a colonic. Take 1-2 teaspoons of powder with 8 oz of water, 2 oz of apple juice, shake or blend and drink immediately. It is important to follow by another 8 oz of water. Decrease the ratio of fiber to water if bloating occurs. Aloe Vera, which is a natural laxative, can also be added to help soothe an irritated colon.

3. Eat lightly or nothing at all in the 2 hours before a colonic. Food steals energy from the intestine. If you must eat, have something easy to digest like fruit or drink vegetable broth, water or herb tea. At this stage, these foods will build up your alkaline mineral reserves (electrolytes) which will help buffer the acids and toxins and help the body to detoxify safely.

4. After a colonic some feel light and energetic, or chilled and a little light-headed. It is always best to rest for ½ an hour afterwards and drink an alkalizing beverage. Some clients feel fatigued and relax for the rest of the day; others go back to regular activities. It is normal for a colonic to trigger several bowel movements a few hours later or to stop bowel movements for a day or two if the colon lacks proper tone. It is beneficial to have two or three colonics per week in the first phase of cleansing to support the elimination until the old plaque and toxins are removed. Then weekly, and finally, monthly maintenance colonics or a bi-annual series of four will keep things in good shape. Diet, exercise, relaxation practices and adequate water intake are all important to healthy bowel function as well.

5. Your first colonic can be a pleasant experience. Keep in mind to relax the belly and breathe deeply throughout…a positive mental attitude contributes greatly to a successful colonic!