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Colon Care

Finding Regularity Again
After Giving Birth

By Laura Cone

Gerry says she waits at least six weeks after a woman has given birth before performing a colonic or colon hydrotherapy, a fancy way of describing a kind of enema. And if a woman has had a C-section, she needs to wait a full year before having a colonic, Gerry says.

People in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Babylonians used enemas as a treatment to promote digestion. Today, colon hydrotherapists use a disposable rectal nozzle and tube fixed to a water pipe, which allows filtered water to enter and then leave the colon along with built-up fecal matter.

Gerry says most people are apprehensive about their first colonic experience, even though it can feel like a spa treatment in a room with relaxing music and candles. The treatment is not meant to be uncomfortable. "If people feel uncomfortable for more than a minute, I suggest they unplug and go into the bathroom and try to eliminate in there," Gerry says.

When it comes to finding a good colon therapist, Nancy Adams, a colon hydrotherapist in Coos Bay, Ore., says the most important thing is to have a sense of rapport with the person. Next, make sure the colon therapist uses clean, filtered water. "Any water going into the colon is going straight to the liver," she says. "You don't want to load it with chemicals."

Make sure the therapist uses disposable equipment. "The part that comes in contact with the body needs to be disposable," Adams says. "If it's not, say goodbye no matter how much rapport you have and go somewhere else."

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• Talk about it!

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