At your appointment
At your first appointment you will have a consultation of about 1/2 hour. During this time
you will be asked about your previous and present medical history, the medications and supplements
you are taking and the kind of symptoms you are suffering from (for instance bloating, wind,
constipation, diarrhoea and so on). It is during this time that we can formulate a plan
for your treatment which may involve dietary changes (including supplements) and in some cases, some life-style changes.
Once we have completed the consultation, the therapist will explain the procedure and
will then leave the room to allow you to change. When the therapist returns to the
room you will be asked to lie on your side. You are covered at all times with a large
sheet. A rectal examination will be performed to ensure there are no abnormalities in
this area and that we are able to continue with the treatment. It will also ensure
the prostate isn't overly enlarged.
From here, we insert a small speculum into the back passage. It doesn't hurt and
it isn't painful but it does feel a little odd. The speculum has 2 tubes attached
to it. One allows the water to run into the bowel whilst the other allows the removal
of waste from your colon. This tube drains into the sewage system so there is no
odour. Whilst you are still on your side the therapist allows the water to run
through the speculum and into your large colon. The water is filtered 3 times and
is heated to your body temperature so you won't go into shock. The therapist will "press and release"
the "out" tube which stimulates the bowel into moving. This is called peristalsis.
After a few minutes, you will be asked to roll onto your back (keeping your legs bent)
and your abdomen will be massaged to help dislodge faecal
deposits and wind. A viewing chamber in the "out" tube enables the therapist
to see exactly what is being expelled and can give you more advice from this
information. This may include:
- Chewing your food better
- Drinking more water
- The need for anti-fungal agents if you have a yeast overgrowth
- Further advice if you are not digesting your food properly
After the procedure has finished, the therapist will leave the room
so you can sit on the toilet in private. It is important that you take
your time at this stage because the treatment will have stimulated the bowel
and gravity will pull everything down when you are sitting up! When you have
finished, the therapist will come back into the room and discuss any dietary
changes you might need to make.
