Frequently asked questions
What does colonic treatment involve? On arrival at the clinic you will be greeted by the therapist and if you haven’t already done so (on-line) and asked to complete and sign a Client Questionnaire and Consent Form. The initial consultation and treatment will typically last around 60-70 minutes. During your treatment you will wear a cotton robe and be covered with a large bedsheet/towel. The colonic session itself is timed for 40 minutes and begin with the gentle insertion of a plastic (disposable) speculum, lubricated with herbal chickweed cream – into the client’s rectum. The speculum is connected to two plastic tubes which attach to the colonic machine (a high-tech Transcom HC-2000 machine – the only one of it’s type in N.Ireland) and is fitted with high safety systems for pressure and temperature. The client will feel a little pressure as the therapist commences fills of warm mater into the colon – but this will only be for short periods (eg 10-15 seconds) before the therapist empties the water and releases the pressure. The filling of the water into the colon will stimulate your peristalsis – giving you the sensation of a bowel movement. It is important that the client does not push or hold at this stage – but just relax and let the release happen. A coffee enema is also used during the latter part of the session and this serves to stimulate detoxification via the liver
Why should I be concerned about my colon? The colon has been described as the sewer system of the human body. The human colon is about 5 - 6 feet long and about 15 cms wide and may contain anywhere between 5 and 25 pounds of waste matter. Health begins in the colon and so does illness – indeed about 90% of disease originates in the colon! If undigested food sits in the colon for any length of time the colon gradually becomes narrower. This is similar to the waste pipes in your house being furred up with calcium deposits ! The waste matter becomes putrified and forms toxins. These toxins seep through the walls of the colon and gradually invade the body, creating toxic areas elsewhere. One in three people consulting GP's are suffering from a bowel problem. Bowel disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Colitis, Diverticulitis and yeast infections such as Candida are now widespread. Indeed, according to the Bowel Cancer UK, bowel cancer in Northern Ireland is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the region (with over 1,100 cases of the disease diagnosed per year and around 40 bowel cancer patients dying each month). Even your mental health is linked to the colon (listen my Podcast on ‘Mind-Gut’ Link) and a troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. This explains why a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause of anxiety, stress, or depression. This is because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected. Colon hydrotherapy, practised by properly trained practitioners (eg those who have studied at a School recognised by the Association & Register of Colon Hydrotherapists or Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists or RICTAT (the International Register of Integrative Colon Hydrotherapists) is a safe, effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs. For those who value good health, regular inner cleansing and elimination of waste products from the bowel (through colonic hydrotherapy) should become part of their lifestyle and be as important as proper digestion of fresh, nutritious food and taking regular exercise.
Is Colonic Irrigation safe ? Colonic treatment with a registered (with a recognised control body like ARCH or RICTAT), properly qualified therapist is extremely safe. There are attempts to discredit colonic irrigation on social media (especially Tik Tok) and spread completely misleading information about it - see below. Please do not get your information from such unreliable sources. If concerned contact one of the ethical colonic control bodies eg ARCH or RICTAT for accurate information about the treatment. Registered therapists will do a full consultation with you before the treatment and you will complete a detailed Client Questionnaire which lists Contraindications (reasons for not having a colonic eg hernia) Des McCready is insured for £5 million Public Liability Insurance and has 19 years experience of delivering colonic treatments ! The Transcom HC-2000 Colonic machine used in our clinic is known for it's excellent safety and comfort and automatically shuts off when pressure exceeds 1.42 PS1 (pound per square inch – which is very low pressure ) or when the water temperature exceeds 40 degrees Centigrade. Clients who have experienced other colonic machines often comment on how much more comfortable their session has been on the Transcom machine. A video circulated recently on social media (Tik Tok) where a Dr Karan Raj negatively portrayed colon hydrotherapy and therapists. The list of “objections” Dr Rajan states on his video against Colonic Hydrotherapy, denotes neither understanding nor experience of Colonic Hydrotherapy. Even doctors are often ignorant on this subject. The rudeness of his language also implies that he is poorly educated in good manners and social respect. Assertion #1: Colonic Hydrotherapy practitioners are all unregulated and undertrained. Not True! Practitioners verified by the Association of Registered Colon Hydrotherapists (ARCH) are highly trained and are regulated by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, a government-supported organisation. Assertion #2: Colonic Hydrotherapy “squirts” 60-plus litres or water into the bowel. Nonsense! The water passing into the tube mostly stays in the tube and serves to flush the tube not the bowel. A very limited amount of water flows into the colon: no more than 1 to 3 litres at any time depending on the size and bowel-tone of the patient. Assertion #3: Colonic Hydrotherapy causes electrolyte imbalances; this is a very rare and temporary side effect that can easily be rectified with an electrolyte solution which a well-trained therapist will have to hand to give to the client. Assertion #4: Colonics “wipe out” the Microbiome. The Microbiome should refer to the relatively stable collective of microbes in the gut. This includes desirable, health-enhancing bacteria as well as much less desirable (sometimes pathological) bugs. Colonics don’t selectively flush out good bugs to leave only the bad ones behind. Studies show that the microbiome is unaffected by colonics in the long term, and it has also been shown that regular colonics enhance gut immunity, which has overall beneficial effects on health and wellbeing. Assertion #5: There is a danger of bowel perforation with colonics. Quite how this is supposed to happen is unclear except that Dr Rajan states that the water introduced is at “high” pressure which demonstrates yet again appalling ignorance. The water is introduced at a low, and controlled pressure (50 – 80 millibar). That’s a fact! Studies also show that the pressure in the colon during a colonic does not exceed that which occurs during normal defaecation. In addition, the lining of the gut is not particularly delicate (as Dr Rajan contends) unless it is compromised by disease (as is the case for example with IBD, which is an absolute contraindication to Colonics). Assertion #6: Colonics use nonsterile/unhygienic equipment. ARCH-verified Colonic Hydrotherapists only use disposable equipment and filtered water. Always use an ARCH verified Colon Hydrotherapist to assure yourself that you are in safe hands. For more information visit colonic-association.org/ #colonic #arch_colonics
How should I prepare for a colonic? It is important that you have researched colonic irrigation (including having listened to my Podcast on ‘The Benefits of Colonic Irrigation’ and viewed the ARCH video, and are committed to the treatment – rather than coming because family/friend think it’s a good idea for you. It is also vital that you prepare for the session (to get the most out of it) by following the recommendations below : Eliminate any carbonated / fizzy drinks and gassy foods (cabbage, broccoli, beans, brussels sprouts, cucumber, melon) in the days/week prior to your colonic Increase your water consumption to 1.5 - 2 litres of water a day and cut out tea (apart from herbal / Green tea), coffee and alcohol. If your are constipated take 1 heaped tablespoon of crushed / milled linseed (also known as flaxseed per day in cereal, fruit juice or yoghurt. Take 2 teaspoons of aloe vera juice twice daily Some exercise is helpful (eg walking) Reduce your intake of refined foods (white flour, sugars, and mucous producing foods - eg dairy products) Avoid all fried foods, all junk foods and red meats at least several days prior to session Avoid eating within 2 hours of the colonic session Purchase Probiotic capsules (eg Boots ‘Good Gut’ Probiotic or Biokult) to replace the good bacteria you lose in colonic session
What should I do after a colonic? It is important that you follow the advice below after the colonic : Eat light in the few days following the colonic eg avoiding red meat, bread, diary produce and alcohol for at least 24 hours after the treatment Totally avoid any gassy foods (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, melon, cucumber) and any carbonated drinks for several days after the session Vegetable soup is very good – particularly if you are feeling a little cold immediately after the colonic session Drink plenty of water – ideally 2 litres daily Take a daily Probiotic capsule which builds up the good bacteria in the gut and supports the immune system
How long does a session last? Typically a session lasts 40 minutes - but your first session will take around 70 minutes - as it includes a consultation (where the therapist goes through your completed Client Questionnaire).
How many sessions will I need? It is recommended that you book a course of colonic treatments (eg 4 - 6) if you have never had colonics before. The waste in your colon will most likely be hardened and compacted (over years) and it will take at least 4 sessions to loosen and expel a substantial amount of this fecal matter. Thereafter you should have a 'maintenance' colonic at least once every 3-4 months. At Moira Colonic Clinic you can avail of a very Special offer of 4 sessions for an amazing £160 (the 4 sessions must be used within 4 months from the first session).
What might I experience after a colonic session? After a colonic session you may or may not experience immediate results or changes (this will very much depend on how much you expelled in terms of releases). Many clients report experiencing a sense of cleanness and lightness, increased energy and mental alertness, improved vision etc. Occasionally you may experience a headache - as a result of toxins being released from the system - but this should not be prolonged. It is quite common not to have a bowel movement for a few days after the colonic. This is quite normal and no cause for concern, your bowel movements will return to regularity after a number of days. Some long term benefits may include better skin appearance, improved energy levels and better sleeping patterns. The risk of bowel cancer is diminished and nutrients are better absorbed - resulting in all-round improvement in health and vitality.
What does colonic treatment involve? On arrival at the clinic you will be greeted by the therapist and if you haven’t already done so (on-line) and asked to complete and sign a Client Questionnaire and Consent Form. The initial consultation and treatment will typically last around 60-70 minutes. During your treatment you will wear a cotton robe and be covered with a large bedsheet/towel. The colonic session itself is timed for 40 minutes and begin with the gentle insertion of a plastic (disposable) speculum, lubricated with herbal chickweed cream – into the client’s rectum. The speculum is connected to two plastic tubes which attach to the colonic machine (a high-tech Transcom HC-2000 machine – the only one of it’s type in N.Ireland) and is fitted with high safety systems for pressure and temperature. The client will feel a little pressure as the therapist commences fills of warm mater into the colon – but this will only be for short periods (eg 10-15 seconds) before the therapist empties the water and releases the pressure. The filling of the water into the colon will stimulate your peristalsis – giving you the sensation of a bowel movement. It is important that the client does not push or hold at this stage – but just relax and let the release happen. A coffee enema is also used during the latter part of the session and this serves to stimulate detoxification via the liver
Why should I be concerned about my colon? The colon has been described as the sewer system of the human body. The human colon is about 5 - 6 feet long and about 15 cms wide and may contain anywhere between 5 and 25 pounds of waste matter. Health begins in the colon and so does illness – indeed about 90% of disease originates in the colon! If undigested food sits in the colon for any length of time the colon gradually becomes narrower. This is similar to the waste pipes in your house being furred up with calcium deposits ! The waste matter becomes putrified and forms toxins. These toxins seep through the walls of the colon and gradually invade the body, creating toxic areas elsewhere. One in three people consulting GP's are suffering from a bowel problem. Bowel disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Colitis, Diverticulitis and yeast infections such as Candida are now widespread. Indeed, according to the Bowel Cancer UK, bowel cancer in Northern Ireland is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the region (with over 1,100 cases of the disease diagnosed per year and around 40 bowel cancer patients dying each month). Even your mental health is linked to the colon (listen my Podcast on ‘Mind-Gut’ Link) and a troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. This explains why a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause of anxiety, stress, or depression. This is because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected. Colon hydrotherapy, practised by properly trained practitioners (eg those who have studied at a School recognised by the Association & Register of Colon Hydrotherapists or Guild of Colon Hydrotherapists or RICTAT (the International Register of Integrative Colon Hydrotherapists) is a safe, effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs. For those who value good health, regular inner cleansing and elimination of waste products from the bowel (through colonic hydrotherapy) should become part of their lifestyle and be as important as proper digestion of fresh, nutritious food and taking regular exercise.
How do I know if a colonic practitioner is properly qualified? Des McCready holds a Diploma in Colonic Hydrotherapy (from Scottish School of Colon Hydrotherapy I.P.C.H) plus I-ACT Intermediate Level Certificate in Colon Hydrotherapy, a Diploma in Nutrition (VTCT), a Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology (School of Natural Health Sciences), a CIBTAC Diploma in Thermal-Auricular Therapy (Ear Candling) and Counselling qualifications (OCR Certificate in Counselling and CBT Certificate) in addition to 3 academic degrees (from Queens University, University of Ulster and University of Lancaster - School of Education), 3 NEBOSH Health & Safety qualifications, First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Certificates. Des is also a Mental Health Trainer with a local mental health charity and creates his own Podcasts on Gut health and wellbeing (see Podcast section website).
How much do colonic treatments cost? Colonic treatments at Moira Colonic Clinic are the best value in Ireland/UK. In Southern Ireland a colonic typically costs anywhere between 90 - 180 Euro per session and in Northern Ireland anywhere from £75 - £80 + per session. In Moira Colonic Clinic we charge £50 for the initial session (which includes full consultation, Coffee enema, free Advice Sheets, Dietary Advice etc) and £50 for subsequent sessions. We also have a Special Offer of 4 colonic sessions for the price of 3 (a saving of £40) - at a superb price of only £160 (which can be paid in 3 installments ). A booking deposit (non-refundable) of £20 must be paid in advance at time of booking (deducted from balance of treatment at first session) - which is forfeited if a client does not turn up or if a minimum 24 hours notice is not given to us of a cancelled appointment ( see our Clinic Cancellation Policy ). Clients who arrive late may have time deducted from their session or may not be able to be seen at all.
What form of payment is acceptable? The clinic does not have a credit card facility but payment can be made by cash, Paypal (using e-mail address des69ringo@yahoo.co.uk) or E-Bank transfer to my bank account (details can be made available). If booking a course of 4 colonics these must be used within 4 months from the first session and if paying by installments, the balance must be paid in full by the third session. Payment must be made following treatment – and before client leaves the clinic.
What are the benefits of colon cleansing? Regular cleansing of the colon dilutes the build-up of toxins in the large intestine. The result is reduced load concentration in the liver and lymphatic systems, thereby facilitating greater efficiency in the body`s eliminatory organs (skin, lymph, lungs, kidneys and intestines). Amongst the range of ailments which colonic hydrotherapy can help can be listed : · Acne and many skin conditions (including eczema, psoriasis etc) · Asthma · Allergies · Arthritis · Bloating / flatulence · Bad breath · Bladder infections · Candida · Constipation · Cold hands / feet · Chronic Fatigue / M.E. · Depression · Diarrhoea · Duodenal, gastric or stomach ulcers · Fibromyalgia · Headaches · Hypertension · Indigestion · Insomnia · Irritable Bowel Syndrome · Osteoarthritis · Parasites · Poor Appetite or food cravings · Puffy or dry eyes · Rheumatism · Stress
What are the contra-indications to having Colonic Hydrotherapy? Colonic hydrotherapy would generally be contraindicated for the following conditions : Recent surgery of the rectum or bowel (less than 12 weeks) Abdominal or severe inguinal hernia Severe / inflamed haemorrhoids, anal fissure (ok if no active flare up) or anal fistula, tight anal sphincter Bowel or Rectal Cancer Hirschsprung’s disease (Megacolon) and small Intestinal Obstruction (Ileus) Active Inflammatory Bowel conditions (Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis and Chron’s disease) Liver, Heart and Kidney disease Spinal injury aboveT6 because of possible risk of autonomic dysreflexia High or very low Blood Pressure unless controlled by medications Severe eating disorder and /or Anxiety Carcinoma of the colon Pregnancy
What are the Clinic operating hours? The Clinic operates Monday – Saturday Day appointments – Monday – 11am, Tuesday 10am and 1.30pm; Wednesday 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm; Thursday 11am, 1pm, Friday 11am, 1pm. 2.30pm; Saturday 10.30am, 12., 1.15 pm Evening appointments – Monday 6.30pm &7.45pm ; Tuesday 6.30pm & 7.45pm; Wednesday 6.30pm & 7.45pm; Thursday 6.45 pm Friday 6.30 pm & 7.40pm
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