By:  Kristi Larsen and Mike Rebuck

You may have heard the term “colonic” or “colon hydrotherapy” and either you know exactly what it is or you are very confused.  I’ll start with a very clinical explanation:  colon hydrotherapy is a deep-cleaning water treatment for the colon.  Are you still a little confused?  Read on… this gets good! 

I just want to set things straight - right from the start.  This was Mike’s idea.  Due to the Hollywood factor, we have heard about colonics and its increasing popularity.  But until now, I have never had the guts to try it, although I will admit to being very curious.    

We arrived for our appointments with Cori Roberts, owner of Holistic Waters Detoxification Spa in Chandler – admittedly, a little nervous.  We completed an extensive questionnaire, then Cori reviewed our paperwork in depth and provided a lot of great information on health issues, nutrition, how she became interested in colonics and overall wellness, etc.   

She explained what would happen next.  While Mike sweated in an infrared sauna (a great detox method), I braved the colon hydrotherapy.  Cori ushered me to a relaxing private room and detailed the process, answered all my questions and confirmed I was totally ready to have the treatment.  She uses an “open” method colonic which mean you insert the rectal tube and the water is directed through gravity (as opposed to a “closed” method colonic where the technician inserts the tube and water is forced in and everything is sucked out.  You control the influx of water and expel everything into an opening in the table (beneath you in the appropriate area).    

Cori left the room and I proceeded to undress from the waist down, lie on the table, insert the small rectal tube, position myself strategically on the table, and cover up with a sheet.  Cori’s assistant, Kiersten came back a few minutes later, checked on me and turned on the machine.  She handed me the water control tube and left a walkie-talkie in the event I needed anything.  Are you still wondering about the “rectal tube”?  Don’t worry.  It’s very small (the size of a pencil).  It’s a sterile, single-use tube and it’s only inserted about 1-1.5 inches.  It doesn’t hurt.  You barely feel it.  I promise. 

I took a deep breath and turned on the water.  It is body-temperature so it’s a very subtle feeling at first.  I waited a minute or two, then you are supposed to “eliminate,” which is difficult in the beginning.  I wondered if my intestines were going to explode, so I forced myself to relax and let go.  Basically, it feels like diarrhea.  For another 45 minutes or so, you alternate between water influx and eliminations based on how you feel.  I was always in control of the water.  For a few minutes, I started to sweat.  I just stopped the water and relaxed.  When I was ready again, I released the water switch.  Kiersten checked on me several times.  She noticed I was sweating so she placed a cool cloth with spearmint essential oils on my forehead.  When my session was nearing completion, she told me to finish up and let everything out, then sit up for a few minutes - which helps drain out anything remaining.  I washed up and it was over.  Kiersten opened up the table and asked if I wanted to see the “finished product.”  A colon hydrotherapist can tell a lot about your digestion by observing the elimination.  Kiersten and Cori both emphasized the importance of taking probiotics immediately (it’s important anyway) because the colonic removes the bad AND good bacteria from your colon.  It’s necessary to replace the good bacteria for optimal health. 

SHE SAYS:

This experience was so unique it’s challenging to effectively explain everything - and explain it without grossing anyone out.  Actually the treatment is far from gross.  I admit I was petrified when I arrived.  I purposely did not research Cori, Holistic Waters or colonics prior to our appointment.  Surprisingly the experience was just fine – definitely not as bad as I feared.  I felt so much lighter, thinner, less bloated when it was over, however I was a little tired and a little hungry – which is normal.  I felt relaxed but like I had just finished a workout.  Cori explained that sometimes the first session is not as complete as it can be due to nerves and just learning the process.  Usually, a second treatment will be much more effective.  It’s necessary to attempt to take more water and hold longer each time to get a more complete cleanse.  I feel like I did a really good job of this (actually Kiersten told me I did really well for a first-timer).  I will do another colonic in the future.  I have already told several people about my experience (most listened in awe, but at the same time were fascinated), and I know I will be sending many friends Cori’s direction.  I definitely recommend her and her business wholeheartedly! 

HE SAYS: 

The reason I had no fear of the colonic appointment is that I have showered with 20 guys in a scummy locker room, done the “turn your head and cough” routine, had my prostate checked and have provided semen samples in the past– can anything be more sordid or distasteful than that?  Doubtful.  The colonic treatment is totally private.  No one touched me in bad places.  The whole process was much better than I had imagined.  Considering John Wayne had 40 pounds of gunk in his guts when he died, I thought I would lose at least 30 pounds through the treatment. While I felt a lot lighter, I only produced a few pounds of “finished product.”  When Kiersten opened the table to show me my masterpiece, I was curious, but a little sickened.  She asked me if I consume a lot of dairy (the answer is yes) because she could tell it was not agreeing with me.  In conclusion, I would definitely do another colonic.  Interestingly enough, I have recommended it to several friends and relatives already. 

Cori Roberts is the owner and founder of Holistic Waters Organic Detoxification Spa, located at 335 North Alma School, Suite A, in Chandler.  Their phone number is:  480-786-8860 or visit their informative website at www.holisticwaters.com.