If you are thinking of trying Colon Hydrotherapy (or Colonic Irrigation if you like) for the first time or if you would like a change from your usual therapist then I hope you will find what you are looking for at detox in Yeadon, Leeds.

I discovered Colon Hydrotherapy as a result of my own health challenges and the realisation that if you want to be really healthy you have to take responsibility for it yourself. 

When I had my first Colonic I found the whole experience deeply uncomfortable.  The therapist didn't seem to know very much, there was a distinct lack of privacy around the lavatorial facilities (the loo was in a hairdressing salon - mortifying!) and I just didn't feel relaxed.  I'm one of those daft people who would rather suffer than use a public toilet and am generally very private about my elimination functions.  So when I set up my practice, maintaining customers dignity and providing privacy, comfort and hygiene was my primary concern.  At detox, Colonics are conducted in a separate part of the building not used for any other purpose. 

It had taken me a very long time to get from thinking I would like to try a Colonic to actually booking an appointment.  Despite being somewhat unimpressed by the whole experience I got tremendous benefit from my first session although it took a little while to realise.  I had been experiencing sugar cravings and feeling lethargic.  I had more energy straight away but it took me two weeks to notice that the sugar cravings had gone and I hadn't even thought about eating sweets. 

Although a great many people visit detox for Colon Hydrotherapy because they are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, bad breath, indigestion, diverticulosis etc, just as many have colonics regularly as part of their health and beauty routine.   Colonics are without a doubt the best beauty treatment you can buy.

If you are interested in colonic irrigation, are constipated, have diarrhoea, bloating, IBS etc then I suggest you give it a try.  The benefits can be fantastic and worth overcoming any initial shyness.  Most clients comment that how they imagined the session would be was nothing like the reality and that they hadn't expected to actually enjoy it.  Most people come back for more sessions.  

We also now have an online shop so no need to visit Yeadon when you want to replenish supplies of fibre supplements, colon cleansers etc.  We have some excellent products which complement the therapies on offer.  Why not take a colon cleanser for a week or so before you come for your colonic in order to boost the results? 

If you have questions and you can't find the answer here please feel free to e-mail me at info@detoxonline.co.uk or alternatively call me and I will happy to be of assistance.

Wishing you health and happiness

Jane Barber
Colon Hydrotherapist
Member of I-ACT

Taking care of your insides is the most important step you can take in caring for your overall health and wellbeing. 

The life we live now is not good for our internal health.  We inhabit a chemical soup, sit on western style toilets to eliminate waste (which we are simply not designed to do), our food is contaminated with chemical residues (as is our water) and many people eat a poor diet (apparently 80% of the population don't manage to eat their five portions of fruit and veg every day).

The pictures scattered in this section illustrate some of the "gunk" or mucoid plaque eliminated from people's colons.  Could this stuff be coating the inside of your colon?  According to detox Guru Dr Richard Anderson, the only person he has ever met who had no "gunk" was a man who had been vegetarian since birth and had grown up on an organic farm deep in the German countryside.  But it is possible to significantly improve your health and well being without having to live like a monk (although if you choose to that's fine). 

For those of you experiencing digestive health issues no doubt you are already aware of just how little assistance is on offer.  Doctors tend to hand out prescriptions for laxatives, peppermint oil capsules, remedies for indigestion and that's about it. Doctors just don't have the time to spend with patients to look at issues such as diet, lifestyle and so forth.  People are often referred for colonoscopy and when nothing sinister is found they are then advised to just learn to live with their discomfort.  And you know its not rocket science!  Most bowel issues can be fairly easily eliminated or at the very least managed to significantly reduce their impact onyour life. 

Colon Hydrotherapy can best be described as an internal bath which helps to cleanse the colon (also known as the large intestine or bowel) of toxins, accumulated faecal matter, mucous deposits, bacteria, bowel debris (whole nuts and seeds are common), undigested food and gas. It is central to the detox process.

Colon Hydrotherapy techniques were first recorded in the Ebers Papyrus found in Egypt and dating from the 14th Century BC. The practice has fallen in and out of favour periodically throughout history. It was however only as people turned their backs on more traditional methods of healthcare and sought pharmaceuticals to treat all conditions that colonics became "alterantive".

There are a wide range of conditions which respond well to Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonic Irrigation) including:

• Constipation
• Stubborn Weight Gain
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Flatulence
• Diverticulosis
• Indigestion
• Back Ache
• Diarrhoea
• Candida
• Spastic colon
• Atonic colon
• Insomnia
• Body Odour
• Dark Under Eye Circles
• Poor concentration
• Lethargy
• Colitis
• Skin conditions
• Bloating
• Bad breath
• Menstrual problems

to name but a few. 

Please note that whilst we are happy to provide products and services which will help you to improve your health and wellbeing, we do not "treat" or aim to "cure" any disease or illness.  Under UK law only a medical doctor may "treat" illness and disease with a medical origin.

If you are suffering from any of the following conditions it will be necessary for you to get clearance from your doctor or consultant before undergoing Colonic Irrigation (Colonic Hydrotherapy):

• Diverticulitis
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn's Disease

In the case of diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis it would be necessary to establish whether the condition was currently in its inflamed state.  Colonics can only be performed when there is no inflamation.

If you are suffering any of the conditions listed below then you should not have colonic irrigation:

• Severe Cardiac Disease (uncontrolled hypertension or congestive heart failure)
• Aneurysm
• Severe Anaemia
• GI Haemorrhage/Perforation
• Severe Haemorhoids
• Cirrhosis
• Carcinoma of the Colon
• Fissures/Fistulas
• Pregnancy
• Abdominal Hernia
• Recent Colon Surgery

If you are in any doubt please consult your doctor.

Allow an hour and a half for your first appointment. The colonic itself will take around 40 minutes.  Although there are no after effects from the treatment I always recommend that on your first session you choose a time when you can take it easy and relax afterwards.  After a short rest you are likley to feel fantastic: leaner, cleaner and with lots of energy.

Colon Hydrotherapy involves gently passing warm, purified water into the colon. The water progressively softens faecal matter and impacted deposits facilitating elimination.  You will be able to see what is removed through an illuminated viewing chamber.  At detox we use a closed colon hydrotherapy system which means that the waste is evacuated through the equipment and straight into the sewer so there is no odour to be concerned about.  The procedure is painless however it does feel a little odd and some people may experience some mild discomfort. 

Booking a first appointment can be daunting but there is no need to be anxious.  Any embarassment is usually very shortlived and the benefits are worth it.  I will do everything to put you at your ease and ensure you are comfortable. 

When you arrive for your appointment I will get you to complete a Health Questionnaire.  The session will begin with a detailed discussion about your current health, lifestyle, food choices, health concerns, your reasons for choosing colon hydrotherapy and what you would like to achieve (i.e. freedom from abdominal discomfort, normal bowel function, elimination of gas etc).  This will enable me to advise you how to get the most benefit from your colonic.  There will be plenty of opportunity for you to ask as many questions as you wish.

Following the consultation you will be asked to change into a gown and you will also have a fleece blanket for extra privacy, comfort and warmth.  I will then explain the colonic procedure and descibe in detail the process, what will happen and how you may feel.

I use disposable equipment for absolute peace of mind - it's a new pack for every customer.  I am very experienced, qualified at Advanced Level, insured and a member of the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). 

A state of the art Dotolo Toxygen Closed Colonic Hydrotherapy system is used which delivers a gentle but effective colonic.  There are no smells to worry about (see everyone worries about the same thing!) and all waste is contained in the machine and deposited directly into the sewer.

Following your session you will be given an information sheet which tells you how to get the best from your session and will include advice on possible dietary or lifestyle changes, recommended supplements and other suggestions to help you on your way. 

So many reasons!

Informal, friendly and relaxed atmosphere

Experienced, qualified Therapist committed to ongoing professional development

Comprehensive service to support you through your health challenges

 Pleasant, modern treatment room

Private facilities

Disposable Equipment - new pack for every client

Ongoing support - you can always contact me by phone or e-mail for advice and assistance

Large range of products stocked to support internal health

Complementary services offered

Free initial consultation  (and ongoing support)

Appointments across six days and four evenings

Appointments available

If colonic irrigation works, why has my doctor not suggested it?
Many health professionals claim that colonic irrigation is an unnecessary procedure and that the body is perfectly well equipped to eliminate toxins and waste.  If we lived under ideal conditions this would be true.  Contemporary lifestyles however produce far from ideal conditions.  And, judging by laxative sales, we are currently the most constipated country in the EU so clearly many of us are not eliminating without help.

Does it hurt?
The procedure is painless however some people may experience mild discomfort just before the colon releases some of its contents. 

Is it safe?
The procedure is abolutely safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner.  I am trained, insured and a member of the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT).

I've been told I should not have colonics as it is possible for my bowel to be perforated.
A popular urban myth most commonly perpetrated by GPs for some reason.  I can assure you however that there has never been a single case, anywhere in the world, of someone getting a perforated bowel when having a colonic by a trained therapist.  And I have never been able to find any evidence of anyone sustaining that injury even when not getting a treatment by a professional - it just doesn't happen. 

I don't have any problems with my bowels or digestion, eat well and feel quite healthy.  Is there any point me having colonics?
Absolutely, everybody can benefit from having colonics.  We now live in a chemical soup and some scientists in the States think that the rise in colo-rectal cancer is linked to the amount of persistent chemicals we have in our bodies.  It is thought that they end up in close proximity to our colon walls where they stay.  Colonic irrigation is an effective method of diluting and removing these substances.

I laboured under the impression that I had a clean colon for a long time.  I am vegetarian and eat an almost entirely raw diet with lots of vegetables, fruit, fibre, nuts and seeds.  I don't eat any manufactured foods, no bread, cakes, pastries, biscuits, pasta (although I do drink alcohol and have a passion for peanut M&Ms) and I drink lots of water.  I don't suffer from any of the common bowel complaints, go two to three times a day and generally enjoy great health.  I did a colon cleanse myself some years ago and was appalled by what I saw - a foot long piece of colon plaque. So it seems that no matter how well we eat and take care of ourselves there is always benefit to be gained from any steps we take to protect our internal health.

I only go to the toilet once a week. My doctor says its normal but I think I would feel better if I went more often.  Can colonics help?
You should be eliminating waste at least once a day and, if you eat three meals a day, then ideally three times a day.  If you only evacuate your bowels once per week you are most definitely not going to experience a feeling of wellbeing.  In addition, putrefying waste produces more gas, leading to bloating, and toxins which could make you feel under the weather, makes your breath smell, and puts a strain on your liver which has to work overtime to detox you.  Slow moving waste will also affect the ratio of good and bad bacteria in your colon which can give rise to seemingly unrelated symptoms.  It can also cause indigestion.  Basically, if you are not digesting and eliminating effectively your health can suffer.  And if you are trying to lose weight it can block that too.

Colonic irrigation, usually in conjuction with small dietary/lifestyle changes, can be very effective in helping to re-establish normal bowel function.  And the side effects of getting your bowels working effectively again can be more energy, better sleep, clearer skin, a stronger immune system and, if you suffer from dark circles under your eyes they often clear too.

Why Do People Choose To Have Colonic Irrigation?
Many people choose colonic irrigation to address symptoms such as constipation, excess gas, bloating, lethargy, conditions such as IBS, diverticulosis and colitis, because they are struggling to lose weight, or as part of a detox for general health and well-being.

My partner has problems with his tummy, do men book appointments too?
Yes, colonic irrigation is available to both men and women.  The therapist is female but the client base is fairly equally split amongst men and women. 

People Seem To Have Managed Without Colonics For A Long Time- Why Has The Procedure Become So Popular?
The way that we live now is harming our health. Few people achieve the recommended five portions of vegetables and fruit per day. Many don't drink enough water. Our national diet is largely refined carbohydrates loaded with additives, hidden low grade fat, salt and sugar. Add to this the lack of exercise, alcohol, stress, environmental pollution and a wide range of toxins from personal and household care products. Our detox and elimination systems are under siege.

So It's True That We Are What We Eat?
Good health is underpinned to a large extent by the food we eat, but that's only part of the picture. How well we digest, absorb and eliminate our food is equally important. Food should pass through a healthy adult within 18-24 hours but a Cambridge University study found average transit times in the UK are 48 - 70 hours. Research in the USA has shown that slow transit of bowel waste leads to putrefaction taking place in the colon; a factor which has been linked not only to constipation but to more serious conditions.

I've Heard That Colonic Irrigation Washes The Good Bacteria Out. Is That Right?
A healthy gut should contain roughly 80% good bacteria and 20% bad. But studies have found that the reverse is generally the case giving rise to foul smelling faeces, bloating and excess gas. Once bowel bacteria is out of balance it can be difficult for the 'good guys' to re-establish. So following a colonic it is important to re-establish a healthy balance by taking good quality pro-biotic supplements (that generally means not the ones available at the supermarket).

Can Colonic Irrigation Help IBS?
Yes, many IBS sufferers respond very well to colonic irrigation often in conjunction with small dietary changes. And people often find that they feel more comfortable immediately after a colonic particularly if lots of gas has been removed.

It helps to also have a food sensitivity test as bowel disruption is often caused by apparently healthy foods that just don't agree with someone, frequent consumption of unhealthy foods, or eating the same foods all the time.  Although food sensitivity (or intolerance) is not widely recognised by the mainstream medical profession in this country, in the United States doctors believe that around two thirds of IBS sufferers symptoms are caused by food sensitivities.  

Will It Help Me To Lose Weight?
If you are certain you are not over eating, get enough exercise but still find it hard to lose weight having colonic irrigation may help. People often experience an immediate reduction in waist/tummy size (owing to the removal of impacted matter and gas). Detoxing and cleaning your colon can help to improve the way your body absorbs and eliminates food which delivers many health benefits. If you eat a bad diet, don't drink enough water and have sedentary lifestyle however no amount of colonic irrigation will make any difference. If weight loss is your primary goal then we can help but unfortunately there is no magic formula.  If you eat a bad diet you will need to make changes.