Acne
What causes acne?
The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.
Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.
In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. acnes, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed
I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get acne?
Many people still believe that acne is caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. Washing does, however, help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Many people use all kinds of products, including alcohol-based cleansers, and scrub vigorously, only to irritate the skin further and worsen their acne. Washing the skin twice a day gently with water and a mild cleansers is usually all that is required. However, acne is actually caused by a variety of biologic factors that are beyond the control of washing. For that reason, you should use appropriate acne treatments for the acne
.
I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult?
Usually, acne begins at puberty and is gone by the early 20s. In some cases, acne may persist into adulthood. Such types of acne include severe forms that affect the body as well as the face (which afflict males more than females) and acne associated with the menstrual cycle in women. In other cases, acne may not present itself until adulthood. Such acne is more likely to affect females than males.
There are several reasons for this. As females get older, the pattern of changes in hormones may itself change, disposing sebaceous glands to develop acne. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy may also cause hormonal changes that lead to acne. Some women get acne when they discontinue birth control pills that have been keeping acne at bay. Sometimes young women may wear cosmetics that are comedogenic-that is, they can set up conditions that cause comedones to form.
What is the difference between an "open" and "closed" comedo?
The open comedo's orifice is open and the material is more compact.
The closed comedo forms an inflammatory process by the lipids rupturing the dermis. This results in an entire comedo mass breaking into the dermis and producing a full inflammatory response. This results in a nodule or pustule or a combination of both.
What role does diet play in acne?
Acne is not caused by food. Following a strict diet will not, clear your skin. While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet--but diet shouldn't really matter if the acne is being appropriately treated.
What kind of cosmetics and cleansers can an acne patient use?
Look for "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne.Some acne medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most acne patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to promote color blending.
Is it harmful to squeeze my pimples?
Yes. In general, acne lesions should not be picked or squeezed by the patient. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.
Acne Scars
What are Acne Scars?
Scar is a collection of new connective tissue. In the skin scar implies damage to both epidermal and dermal layers. If there is more deposition of connective tissue(collagen), the scar is known as hypertrophic scar. These scars are initially red, raised, firm, and, at times, itchy and painful. If the skin heals with the least amount of collagen, this is known as atrophic scar. Atrophic scars are shiny and papery thin to the touch.
How are Acne scars formed?
Acne scars are caused by healing of inflamed acne lesions. Skin repairs itself after any injury, including inflammation, by generating new collagen underneath. This deposition of new connective tissue causes acne scar (see above). The main cause of acne scar is uncontrolled disease activity causing continuous inflammatory response within the dermis. The damaged skin repairs itself with scarring.
I have a face full of acne scars and dark spots. My friend also had acne, but now has a clear face! Why do some people get acne scars and others do not?
How and why some people get scar and others do not is not completely understood. The following may be the reasons:
- Some people may be more prone for acne scar than others
- They may be genetically predisposed to get scars: getting scars, not only the acne ones but the regular scars as well, runs in the family!
- People who have severe and very severe types of acne (the deep nodulo-cystic variety of acne), where the inflammation is not controlled properly and in time, can have deeper and pronounced acne scars.
Picking at the acne lesions with nails or pins increase the chances of scarring in acne
How to avoid getting acne scars?
The single most important way to avoid scarring is to effectively treat the acne before it worsens and causes severe inflammation. The more the inflammation, the deeper and larger will be the scar. So taking steps in generally limiting the inflammation at its early stage is very important to avoid getting acne scars. Also avoid irritating the acne lesions by constantly picking at the lesions
Can I start my acne scar treatment while I am on isotretinoin treatment?
Harsh topical treatment and laser treatments should not be performed while on accutane. You should wait at least 6 months after accutane is stopped to treat your scar. Some studies have pointed out that accutane causes more scarring in some individuals But these are not conclusive as accutane treatment is taken for severe and very severe types of inflamed and nodulocystic acne, which otherwise also heal with scarring, with or without scarring.
Wrinkles
What causes wrinkles?
A variety of factors cause wrinkles. Free radicals, ultraviolet and visible light, and pollutants, like smog and cigarette smoke, all shrink and thin the cells that give our skin shape and hold it firm. The effects of damaging factors are cumulative. Over time, our skin loses its ability to hold its shape and firmness. The sad result is wrinkles.Gravity makes the problem that much worse.
When do wrinkles start?
There's no fixed age. Different people are susceptible to wrinkles to different degrees depending on their heredity and lifestyles. Unfortunately, no one is immune to wrinkles forever.
How Wrinkle Treatments Work?
- Fillers
- Botox
- Laser rejuvenation
- Peels
- Microdermabrasion
Laser Hair Reduction
What is a laser?
Laser ia an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.Unlike normal light , laser is made of one colour. The rays of light are parallel and the rays travel in sync with each other. These properties make laser light very powerful and capable of removal of unwanted hair.
What is laser hair removal? How does it work?
Laser hair removal offers patients a safe, fast, and effective alternative for dealing with unwanted hair. Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that is passed through the skin and preferentially absorbed by its target, i.e. hair follicle.The laser energyis absorbed by the pigmented shaft and transferred to the surrounding follicle.the heat build-up caused by the absorbtion of energy by the hair itself is capable of creating follicular damage and retard to prevent future hair production by the follicle.
What does ND -YAG laser stand for ?
ND ----- NEODINIUM
Y -----YTTRIUM
A -----ALUMINIUM
G -----GARNET
Why is ND-YAG safe for Indian skin?
ND-YAG is a laser with a long wavelength of 1064nm. Indian skin type (type four and five) being darker a as good amount of melanin. Since ND-YAG has a long wavelength it is not absorbed to a great extent by the melanin in the skin. Hence the energy is not robbed by the skin the laser can penetrate deeper into the skin reach the hair follicle. This also avoids the damage to the skin. One can also increase the energy settings safely in this type of laser, which in turns increases the efficacy of the laser. This make ND-YAG most suitable laser for all type of skin and all types of hair especially Indian skin type.
How many treatments will be needed?
The no. of treatments required to obtain optimal results vary with hair density, hair color, skin types, the treatment area and your hair growth cycle. The density of your hair and its growth cycle affected by many things such as your age, ethic background , hormones or medications. Laser treatments impair the growth capacity of hair follicles when they are in growth cycle at the time of the treatment. All hair follicles are not active at the same time.depending upon the growth cycle of the follicles when the treatment is applied, several treatments with a few weeks in between may be required to obtain the desired effect.
Will the laser hair removal be painful?
While some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, most clients report little or no discomfort most people experience a stinging, burning sensation when a laser pulse is delivered. a mild redness in the treated area is expected. This will remain for some time. To reduce discomfort, we apply a cooling gel also the laser itself has a cooling device, which cools your skin minimize the discomfort.
Why ND-YAG laser is better than any other laser?
ND-YAG laser is long wavelength laser of 1064 nm. Longer wavelength are best suited for Indian skin type (1V And V ) since these are not absorbed by the melanin in the skin (Indian skin being darker has a good amount of melanin in the skin). Hence there is not much absorption of energy by the skin. Also the laser can now go deeper into the skin and reach the hair follicle. ND-YAG is suitable for all type of skin and all types of hair.
What are the steps in the laser hair reduction process?
The hair on the part to be treated will be shaved. If hair is not shaved and the laser delivered, the long shaft will is absorb energy and may also burn the surrounding skin after shaving a cooling gel will be applied to the skin. This helps in cooling the skin and minimizing the discomfort. On day one a patch test would be done. This patch test ensures that we set the right settings for your skin and hair type. Also this patch test tells us how the laser suits your skin type. You would be called after 2-4 days for the first service.
What are the risks associated with laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal has proven to be a very safe procedure. Immediately after the service the skin will look pink and slightly inflamed similar to sunburn. This will subside within an hour or two but a slight redness may last for up to two days. Occasionally, some clients will have temporary pigment changes.
Why should I wear gauze in my mouth while doing an upperlip/ chin/ jawline?
In some individual laser can cause a sensitization of the teeth, especially, if you have a filling in your tooth. In order to avoid that, we request you to put gauze while operating on an upperlip/ chin/ jawline.
After I have taken all the 6-7 sittings, will I get complete removal of hair or do I need maintenance service?
After all the sittings are over, the hair growth will be definitely reduced. Where you were having thick coarse hair like underarms etc, you will now have fine light hair. Depending upon the hair growth cycle, different people may require maintenance sittings at different times. On an average, an individual may require anywhere between 1-4 maintenance sittings per year.
what is the influence of skin colour and hair colour on laser hair removal?
The best candidate for the laser hair removal is the one with a light skin and dark hair. This is because dark hair absorbs more melanin while light skin absorbs less melanin. Hence in such an individual the energy levels can be increased safely.
On the other hand, an individual with dark skin and light hair is not a good candidate because dark skin will absorb more energy, while light hair will absorb less energy. Thus the energy levels cannot be increased safely in such an individual since there is a risk of burning the skin.
What are the areas on which laser should not be used?
The area on which laser should not be used are periorbital ridge (area surrounding the eye) the eyes, and inside the ears , inside the navel and the dark area of the nipple since these are extremely sensitive areas.
What laser do you use?
We use long pulse ND-YAG laser. The US FDA (food and drug administration) has approved this laser system for permanent hair reduction for the skin types. This laser has a 1064nm wavelength light that specifically targets the pigment contained in the hair follicle and shaft. To diminish the client’s discomfort, the hand pieces have a cooling device which cools the epidermis before, during, and after exposure.
How long does the service take?
The service time can vary based on the area. The upperlip takes only 20-30 minutes while the back an hour or so while legs can take approx. 3-4 hours.
Will laser hair removal permanently remove all the hair?
Laser hair removal service will result in permanent hair reduction. Depending on the service area and the growth the dermatologist will suggest the number of sittings you will need to undergo.
Why do I need to shave before the laser hair removal?
If laser is applied on unshaved hair (hair with the long shaft) then the shaft absorbs laser energy and may burn the surrounding skin. To avoid this we need to shave before the laser hair removal service and keep the shaft as short as possible.
Can I shave at home and come?
For your first sitting, shaving has to be done at the a plus medispa. Before initiating the service the dema aesthitican would want to see the growth in the area to be treated and then decide the energy settings based on the growth pattern. With every subsequent service this also helps in determining how the service is working on you.
Can my moles and warts be treated with the laser? I have a big mole on my chin with two hair on it can I come for laser hair removal?
Since the moles and warts are dark and contain more melanin treating these areas is not advisable. I suggest you meet our dermatologist who will assess your challenges and prescribe a service accordingly.
I have had a laser service earlier but the experience has not been very pleasant. Is your laser service safe?
Safety is our prime concern and we assure you all are sittings are safe. All our services are advised by our in house dermatologist who meets every client of ours before we suggest any service.
How permanent is hair removal?
From our experience we have seen a 48% reduction in hair growth after 3 sittings and upto 80% lasting reduction after 5 sittings. After 4 to 6 sittings the hair growth will be finer and lighter in colour.
What is fluence?
Energy per unit area is fluence. In laser, energy is measured in joules and unit area in cm2. Hence fluence is joules/cm2.
What is pulse width?
A pulse width (pulse width) is measured time in which a fixed quantity of energy is delivered. Time is measured as ms (millisecond).
Why do I need to do a patch test for my laser hair treatment?
We do a patch test to determine the right settings for your hair and skin type and also to observe how the laser suits your skin. A gap of 2-4 days between the patch test and actual service is required.
Does the laser service lead to pigmentation?
From our experience pigmentation due to laser is rare and temporary. How ever we suggest you meet our in house doctor who be able to clarify your doubt.
My daughter is 12 years can she undergo laser hair removal?
Since a child of 12 years is going through a growing phase, she is undergoing some hormonal changes .hence the laser service may not be effective. However our clinic doctor would be able to guide you better on this.
When do I come back after my first service?
We would like you to come after 4-6 weeks for your next appointment.
Why should I not wax or pluck my hair in between services?
For laser to work presence of hair is essential. Waxing or plucking of hair will remove the entire hair from the follicle. Hence when the laser is applied there will be nothing that can absorb the laser energy. Hence waxing or plucking in between service is not allowed.
Why should I not bleach my hair in between sittings?
The derma aestheticians need to know the true colour of your hair as this unable them to set the correct energy settings. Bleaching the hair lightens it and the true colour will be hidden. Hence it is advisable not the bleach the hair between sittings.
I am pregnant. Can I undergo laser hair removal? Will it harm the baby?
Although laser removal will not harm either the baby or the mother, since it does not penetrate that deep into the body, it is`advisable to avoid any form of laser during pregnancy. Also in pregnancy, the body is undergoing a lot of hormonal changes which in turn affects the hair growth. The laser hair removal under such conditions will not be effective and hence we advise you not to undergo the laser hair removal during pregnancy.
Melasma
What is melasma?
Melasma is skin discoloration (tan, brown, blue or black) found most commonly on sun-exposed areas of the face.
What causes melasma?
Melasma is a common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone, women with darker skin tones (especially Hispanic, Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern) are at greatest risk. Melasma can be associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in pregnant women, women who are taking oral contraceptives, and women taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause. The use of cosmetics is associated with melasma but the relationship between the two is not understood. Sun exposure is strongly associated with melasma.
What are the symptoms of melasma?
Melasma has no associated symptoms.
What does melasma look like?
Melasma causes irregular tan, brown, or even blue/black patches on parts of the face including cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, jaw line, and upper lip. It is most often symmetrical (matching on both sides of the face).
How is the diagnosis of melasma made?
Our dermatologist can diagnose melasma based upon the appearance of your skin. She may want to examine your skin with a Wood’s lamp to help guide treatment.
Colon hydrotherapy
How is Colon Hydrotherapy different from enemas?
Enemas are good to clean out the sigmoid and rectal areas of the colon, which extend to about 1ft. A series of colon-hydrotherapy treatments can clean out and remove impacted material from the whole colon which around 5 1/2 ft long. Additionally, colon hydrotherapy promotes peristalsis and helps the colon muscles regain tone therefore assisting the return of regular bowel movements.
Will a laxative accomplish the same result?
Laxatives empty the colon short term but are an irritant to the body. Therefore, the body produces a thin watery substance that goes through the colon and leaves behind impacted toxins and waste. Colon hydrotherapy uses pure water and does not irritate the body. In contrast to laxatives, it actually hydrates the body.
What can I expect from Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure, but a valuable procedure used to assist, the body for a wide variety of different colon-related conditions. By re-toning the bowel wall and improving colon functions, the entire body is able to function more efficiently.
How do toxins accumulate in the body?
Toxins accumulate in the body as a result of stress and/or consuming too much acidic food, such as sugar, white flour caffeine and alcohol.
When the bowel becomes unnaturally acidic, it attempts to protect itself by secreting a glyco-protein substance that lines the entire intestinal wall. This is known as mucoid plaque. This substance is what makes it hard for the body to absorb vitamins and nutrients, which could result in chronic malnutrition.
When the bowel becomes toxic, it contaminates the blood, which in turn, spreads the toxins to the heart, lungs, brain, muscles etc as it is delivering nutrients throughout the body. In the end, the liver is left to deal with toxic blood, and after years of relentless toxicity, it will become sluggish until it will no longer function. At this point, the toxins will begin to collect in other parts of the body. Disease will manifest wherever they settle. Overall, cleansing allows you to remove accumulated mucoid plaque in order to rebuild your bowel and your liver and protect yourself from disease.
Can you describe what a healthy well functioning bowel is?
When one feels the urge to eliminate and immediately honours the urge by a trip to the toilet, elimination is quick and painless and will feel complete. Stools are medium to light brown have very little odour and will break up in water.
How many daily movements does a healthy bowl have?
A healthy bowel may have two to three bowel movements daily, depending on what you eat.
What is a colon?
The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract (food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus).
The colon is approximately 5 feet long and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to conserve water. Also, there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamins "K" and portions of the vitamin "B" complex.
Is intestinal toxicity a common condition?
Yes it is, but toxicity is not limited to just the colon. Toxic material is found throughout the body, particularly in fat tissue, joints, arteries, muscles, liver, etc. Colonics effectively eliminate large quantities of toxic waste, affecting the condition of the entire body.
As the colon isn't the only organ of elimination, what makes the colonic so important?
While the lungs, skin, kidneys and liver also serve to eliminate toxins, people have experienced throughout history that when they ensure that the colon is cleansed and healed, the well-being of the whole body is greatly enhanced. Colonic hydrotherapy has been found to be the most effective process available to accomplish this work quickly and easily.
What makes a colonic so special?
In a 45 minute session approximately 15 gallons of water is used to gently flush the colon. Through appropriate use of massage, pressure points, etc., the colon therapist is able to work loose and eliminate far more toxic waste than any other short-term technique.
What will colonics do to the colon?
Specifically, a colonic is used to accomplish the following:
1. Cleanse the Colon: Toxic material is broken down so it can no longer harm your body or inhibit assimilation and elimination. Even debris built up over a long period is gently, but surely removed in the process of a series of treatments. Once impacted material is removed, your colon can begin again to co-operate as it was intended to. In this very real sense a colonic is a rejuvenation treatment.
2. It Exercises the Colon Muscles: The build up of toxic debris weakens the colon and impairs its functioning. The gentle filling and emptying of the colon improves peristaltic (muscular contraction) activity by which the colon naturally moves material.
3. It Reshapes the Colon: When problem conditions exist in the colon, they tend to alter its shape which in turn causes more problems. The gentle action of the water, coupled with the massage techniques of the colon therapist helps to eliminate bulging pockets of waste and narrowed, spastic constrictions finally enabling the colon to resume its natural state.
4. It Stimulates Reflex Points: Every system and organ of the body is connected to the colon by reflex points colonic stimulates these points, thereby affecting the corresponding body parts in a beneficial way.
Are there any additional benefits I might expect from a colon hydrotherapy?
Yes, there are several. Working with a skilled therapist a colonic can be a truly enlightening educational process and you will find that you can spot the beginnings of developing conditions through clues from these body regions and functions before they become serious. You can deal with them sooner and more easily than you otherwise might if you waited until they produce effects seen elsewhere in the body. Also, the solar plexus is the emotional centre of the body and the transverse colon passes right through it. If an emotional event is left uncompleted, it often results in physical tension being stored in the solar plexus, which affects all organs of the area, including the colon. This on-going tightening of the colon muscle results in diminished movement of faecal material through the colon, which is experienced as constipation. Not only do colonics alleviate the constipation, they can assist you in creating a fully holistic view of your body's functioning, leading to a better quality of life.
What are the characteristics of a healthy, well functioning colon?
Healthy babies, animals and adults not subjected to the "refinements" of civilization (i.e. aboriginal peoples) have bowel movements shortly after each meal is eaten. So, assuming there is sufficient fibre and water available to the colon, one characteristic is a bowel movement shortly after a meal is eaten.. As incredible as this may sound, it is true and commonly experienced in cultures where people live more naturally.
How can I tell if I would personally benefit from a colonic?
Does your colon now exhibit the signs of a well functioning colon? If not, one or more sessions with a knowledgeable colon therapist may bring you great dividends.
Is a colonic painful?
Very rarely. Painful experiences are the result of resistance and tension. A professional colon therapist is skilled at putting you at your ease and minimizing discomfort. Most people actually enjoy the colonic and are especially pleased with the unaccustomed sensation of feeling lighter, clean and clear afterward. Sometimes during a colonic, the colon muscles will contract suddenly expelling considerable amounts of liquid and waste into the rectum. This may feel like cramping or gas, and may create a feeling of urgency to empty the rectum. Such episodes, if they do occur, are brief and easily tolerated.
Is it embarrassing to have a colonic?
No, you will fully maintain your personal dignity. You will be in a private room with only your therapist, who fully appreciates the sensitivity of the colonic procedure and will help you feel at ease. Your emotions will be acknowledged and honoured. The beauty of the LIBBE system is that you can insert the pencil thin rectal tube by yourself.
Is there anything I need to do to get ready for a colonic?
Since your abdomen will be massaged it is a good idea to eat or drink lightly in the 2 hours immediately preceding a colonic. Also helpful, but not essential, emptying the rectum with a bowel movement just prior to the colonic saves time and permits more to be accomplished.
What can I expect afterwards?
Most likely, you'll feel great. Probably you'll feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well-being. Not infrequently, someone having their first colonic will remark that it was one of the most wonderful experiences of their life. As soon as the colonic is finished you can carry on with daily routine. For some, the colonic may trigger several subsequent bowel movements for the next few hours, but there won't be any uncontrollable urgency or discomfort. It's also possible you may feel light-headed or chilled for a few moments following a colonic.
If colonics are so good, why haven't I heard about them before?
In a way, the answer to that is a commentary on our present day lifestyle. Historically, artefacts and records show that people have regularly purified their bodies, including cleansing the colon. Around the turn of the 20th century, the present-day colonic machine was developed, providing a significantly improved method of accomplishing colon cleansing. Up to the late 1920's many doctors had colonic machines in their offices, and machines were found in hospitals as well. Articles dealing with colon health frequently appeared in prestigious medical and scientific journals until the early 1930's. At that time modern man began a 50 year love affair with drugs and surgery. These seemed to offer relatively instant relief for body ailments, resulting in purification and prevention techniques becoming less attractive. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in using natural approaches for healing the body, and colonics have rapidly been regaining the respectability they have already earned.
Are colonics dangerous in any way?
Being an essentially natural process, there is virtually no danger with a colonic. Our intent is to provide a safe and healthy service so that you do not have to worry. Cleaning and sterilization of the necessary equipment is done as normal procedure and clean linen is used for each colonic as well.
Are colonics habit forming?
The colonic is a tool intended to be used to create a clean and healthy colon. Our fulfillment comes from assisting you in healing your colon, not in making you dependent upon colonics. Actually, one of its features is that a colonic can be used to tone the colon muscle so that the colon doesn't perform so sluggishly. Many people have sluggish colons. It may take days for bowel movements to return after a good colonic. This is when people think they are becoming "dependent" on colonics. One good colonic is worth 20 or so regular bowel movements, so it may take some time for faecal material to build up in the colon once again if one has a sluggish colon. When the colon is sluggish and bowel movements do not return for a few days after one colonic, it is an indication that extensive colon work is needed to remove the debris that the bowel has built up over the years. This build up of faecal material has decreased the muscular action in the colon. Once a series of colonics is completed, the colon will begin to function like Mother Nature intended. Colonics give you a feeling of being lighter, cleaner and healthier with a sense of well-being. Cleansing and building programs offer preventative measures so that you can be in control of your own health. Dietary changes may be necessary to ensure long lasting and vital health.
Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhoea?
The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. Sometimes if the colon is weak and sluggish, there may be no bowel movement for several days following a colonic. However this is not due to the colonic, but rather to the weakness of the colon, and should be interpreted as an indication that the colon requires strengthening and healing. Very infrequently diarrhoea or loose bowels may be experienced. This could be due to the extra water introduced into the colon or to the stirring up of toxic waste. If this should occur, it is usually of very short duration. However, since severe diarrhoea dehydrates the body, it must be carefully monitored.
Suppose I have been suffering from constipation for a long time, will colonics help?
We want to state that constipation can be successfully treated with natural, harmless techniques, including the use of colonics. Constipation is one of what may be termed "civilized man's diseases". There are three factors involved in having a well functioning colon: diet, exercise and attitude. All three must be in balance for the colon to function well. Often, however, because the colon has been sluggish for so long, it has become severely weakened due to being constantly bathed in toxic waste, stretched from holding excessive amount of stools, and frequently, constricted by chronic tension in the colon. The process of colonic hydrotherapy is excellent for cleansing and healing the colon sufficiently so that changes in diet, exercise, and attitude are then able to produce their effects. Many people find the relief provided by colonics stimulates the motivation and enthusiasm to institute positive changes in their lifestyle.
Some people say that colonics wash out intestinal flora and valuable nutrients. Is this so?
The truth is that the washing out of putrefied material in the large intestine, increases the good intestinal flora. Good bacteria can only breed in a clean environment which has been washed free of putrefaction and its accompanying harmful bacteria. This is why the intestines of a new born baby immediately begin to grow good intestinal flora. Each time you clean out the putrefying rubbish and make a better environment for the good flora, they start to multiply immediately in their natural media. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one.
What effect does colonic hydrotherapy have on our immune systems?
The removal of stagnant waste material and hardened, impacted toxic residue could rejuvenate the immune tissue that resides in the intestines. Recent European studies speculate that 80% of immune tissue resides in the intestines. This is much higher than previously thought and makes it logical to believe that this type of therapy could influence such immune deficiency diseases as M.E., cancer and AIDS. Colon Hydrotherapy is not a cure-all, but an important adjunctive therapy in the overall health care of the client.
How long does a colonic take?
Probably 90% of all colonics take about 45 minutes. It could also be shorter or longer than that, based upon the judgement of the therapist and sometimes, the wishes of the client. There will also be about 15 minutes required before the colonic for the therapist to go over your medical history, another 15 minutes should be allowed for changing. On a first colonic you should expect to spend an hour and a half at the clinic.
Is there a special kind of water used for colonic hydrotherapy?
We use highly filtered water, which passes through three separate filters before being heated to the correct temperature. This kind of water is capable of absorbing and flushing more toxins out of the colon because of its drawing effect on solid particles, chemicals and other matter. Tap water is not used because it already has numerous chemicals and inorganic substances present.
Will it be okay to eat after having a colonic?
We suggest that you eat at your normal meal time, and consume a moderate amount of whatever seems gentle and nourishing to you. Just as it doesn't make sense to have you car cleaned and then immediately drive it through mud, eating a meal known to cause trouble in your abdomen directly after a colonic isn't an intelligent choice. Salads, vegetable soups or broths, fruit, or juices are the best choice.
Will one colonic completely empty the colon?
Almost never. Firstly, many of us have a considerable amount of impacted faeces in our colon. This is hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material. Substantial work must be done to remove it. Secondly, there is a subtle learning process involved in receiving colonics. As you become more aware of what is going on in your abdomen, and as your body learns how to allow the cleansing experience, you are better able to enter into that process, and therefore more material is released. One colonic will remove some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. How many you may wish to have will depend upon your personal objectives.
How will I know when the colon is empty?
It will probably never be completely empty, as its an organ in continuous use. As more of the old impacted material is released you will actually feel the water enter higher regions of the colon without any sense of obstruction. The objective should not be an empty colon, but rather a well functioning colon.
Will a colonic clear up my skin?
Your skin actually "breathes" and is an important organ of elimination of waste material. Sometimes, if the colon, liver or kidneys are functioning poorly, the skin will be required to make up the difference. Surface eruptions on the skin of various sorts may occur due to toxins being released. Cleansing and healing the colon diminishes the burden placed upon the skin as well as the other organs of elimination: lungs, liver and kidneys. As elimination is accomplished through its proper channels, the skin will very often clear up.
How often should I have colon therapy?
Like brushing your teeth, you might choose to make colon cleansing a part of your regular hygiene program. Regular colon cleansing can be a very healthy choice. There is no one prescription for all. A hair analysis gives you a picture of what toxins are stored in your body and what toxins you need to remove. Using the hair analysis on a seasonal basis will guide you to the cleansing program that will best suits your needs. If you don’t choose to utilize the hair analysis, know that most people find that after a colonic experience, they feel much better. It is this renewed vitality that is your guide. Keep it in mind. As soon as you find it diminishing, have a colon therapy session or a series of enemas. You’ll find that in doing this you might feel better instantly. And, if you find that you don’t feel better after a colon cleansing series, take a break for a period of time. In my clinic, it seems that most people benefit greatly from cleansing their colon at least one time per month.
After colon hydrotherapy will I need to be close to the toilet all day?
No, this is not a worry.
How will I feel when I am finished?
Some feel relaxed and a little tired, others feel empty or lighter, and 95% of my clients just feel great!
Is there any time I shouldn’t have hydrotherapy?
Yes. If you have uncontrolled hypertension or congestive heart failure, aneurysm, severe anemia, GI hemorrhage/perforation, severe hemorrhoids, renal insufficiency, cirrhosis, carcinoma of the colon, fistulas, abdominal hernia, recent colon surgery (less than three months) or are in the first and third trimester of pregnancy, you shouldn’t have hydrotherapy. If you have any of these conditions, using the OHC Plan without the colon therapy could reverse your symptoms
Will I leak or make a mess all over?
No, most people don’t leak. Part of the colon therapist’s job is to diminish your chance of leaking by controlling the water flow and listening to you. It is rare that a client makes a mess.
Why do people receive Colon Hydrotherapy?
Athletes use colon therapy to improve metabolic efficiency. Many receive the treatments during a period of life-style change or as a preventive measure. Another group manifests symptoms of intestinal distress; constipation (some from prescription drugs), carb indigestion, diarrhea, gas, bloat, hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diverticulosis, colitis, parasites, skin conditions such as psoriasis, shingles, and eczema, inability to loose weight, and scar tissue and adhesions from surgery.
Some people actually achieve or maintain weight loss with regular CT. Another group is pain motived; abdominal pain, continuous headaches and migraines, back or shoulder pain, aching joints, gout. Some clients are immune compromised with lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, cancer, chronic fatigue, candida, infections, colds or influenza.
Many doctors are using Colon hydrotherapy for pre and post-surgery, barium x-ray and colonoscopy. Some come in during a fast, a cleansing program, a raw food diet, a liver and/or gallbladder flush, or recovering from an accident. Some are working on emotional issues which they feel are physiologically rooted in their intestines.
