COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT “Colon irrigation (thought The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy to have begun in ancient (I-ACT) is an organization created to formalize colon hydrotherapist training, credentialing and public awareness (www.i-act.org). Under its umbrella is The National Board egypt) involves gentle washing for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCHT), which sets practitioner Patti Hartman certification and competency standards www.nbcht.org( ). : of the large intestine: not a lot Patti is certified by the NBCHT and an instructor with the I-ACT. She also practices iridology, reflexology, acupressure, of pressure or water, but a and holistic nutrition with an approach that considers, and Cleansing from embraces, the body, mind and spirit. Inside Out When seeking a colon hydrotherapist, Patti recommends continuous flow in and out.” by Nancy Cohen asking if they are I-ACT certified, if their equipment is FDA-registered, whether they use disposable tubing, and, as with any care professional, checking your personal response “Patti is knowledgeable, sensitive, cheerful, dynamic. However, discussing this often seems taboo, left connected to the speculum and attached to a machine. The (“gut reaction”). warm and engaging. What I love the most about to the realm of medicine or humor. Yet a healthy, working temperature and pressure are monitored as water is gently Before choosing this route, Patti was a nursing assistant, colon is central to wellness. circulated in and out, hydrating the colon so it can release had two kids, and stopped working outside the home until Patti is that she is one of the most committed Although the body naturally processes waste, Patti stuck material such as fecal matter, mucous, or undigested a nearby health spa asked if she would train to do colon people I know to the path of discovering ways suggests that diets involving low-fiber and over-processed food. Patti uses filtered tap water without additives and may hydrotherapy. In addition to providing colonics, she has to bridge the gaps of communication about the foods (white flour, dairy, “bad fats,” sugars…) can create incorporate mild abdominal massage, acupressure, a been getting them for 21 years. She asserts she has not had mysteries of body-mind wellness and how we can mucous, which acts like glue in the intestines and clogs our heating pad, and/or reflexology to enhance the process. a single cold in that time and, with proper nutrition, is better master our own well-being. She lives and breathes systems. Resulting irregular or infrequent bowel movements Though some clients experience slight cramping, similar to able to fend off illness. may allow waste material to stagnate, altering the proportion a bowel movement, she asserts there should be no pain. After speaking with Patti about her process, I acquiesced this commitment. In a world of people who sustain of healthy bacteria to disease-producing bacteria and She uses FDA-registered equipment (Hydro-San Plus and tried a colonic. Curiosity, inviting new perspectives for themselves through serving others, Patti is an increasing the potential for toxicity and health issues. Model C) with disposable tubing, which is discarded after healing, and her passion for this modality, were all factors. illuminating gem.” ~ Debra L. - Lyme, CT Colonic irrigation (thought to have begun in ancient each use. Waste material is eliminated through closed Noting the colon runs through the first three chakras, Egypt) involves gentle washing of the large intestine: not tubing, helping maintain client dignity and avoid odor or survival areas where memory and emotion are held, she a lot of pressure or water, but a continuous flow in and unsanitary conditions. said “cleaning the colon is like shifting the energy and atural Awakenings readers will undoubtedly recognize out. Clients don’t have to hold the water or push…only Though some bacteria gets washed away, as with a when you start letting things go (not just fecal matter, but “the bloated man” graphic in Colon Hydrotherapist to relax. Potential clients can call for an initial 15-minute normal bowel movement, she says colonics will not deplete feelings such as resentment) then you can live in your heart, NPatti Hartman’s ads (see page 21). Many, myself consultation. To prepare for a session, Patti suggests stopping the system and adds that a cleaner colon can allow “good” not from your fear.” She also asserted, which was true for included, have commented on it over the years, and even intake of bread, pasta, simple carbohydrates and dairy for bacteria to flourish. When asked how long positive colonic me, “one thing people are really surprised about is that of considered colon hydrotherapy (aka: colonic) for relief, yet one to two days prior. At an appointment, Patti explains the results might continue, Patti says it depends on what’s put course they are nervous the first time, but at the end they’re have hesitated for any number of reasons. Also referred to equipment and process. The client disrobes from the waist into the body. (“Would you intentionally drive through a relaxed because so much tension is taken out of the gut.” as the large intestine, the colon absorbs water and minerals, down, a disposable speculum is inserted three inches into mud puddle after washing your car?”) With a Masters degree Given the inextricable mind-body link, she suggests this forming and eliminating feces. Every body produces and then their rectum and they lie back on a treatment table, fully in Holistic Nutrition, she integrates information to help therapy enables release and creates possibility. Individuals eliminates waste, with the intestines playing a key role in that covered. A water tube (inflow) and an elimination tube are clients jump-start wholesome eating and maintain health. have cried, laughed, and even sung tunes from The Sound of Depending on each individual, her recommendations might Music in her sessions. include: reducing intake of processed foods, white flours, Patti’s invitation is simply to “Trust Your Gut.” And… sugars, and dairy products; using probiotics; taking as she describes it, “I always tell people the hardest part a magnesium and/or fiber supplement; and, drinking of the colonic is making the decision and initial phone plenty of water. call – the rest is easy.” Some medical practitioners question colon hydrotherapy’s effectiveness, though benefits touted by Contact Patti at advocates include: relief from constipation; cleansing of 35 Boston Street, waste, mucous and gas; help strengthening the colon muscle Guilford, CT (Shoreline to improve peristalsis (natural contractions which expel Center for Wholistic waste); enhancing nutrient absorption; and, improving Health), 203.500.0005, digestive and immune function. Patti’s clients have reported www.ColonicsInCT.com increased energy/diminished fatigue, greater mental clarity, or 213 Danbury Road, skin condition improvement, allergy relief, regular bowel Wilton, CT (Dr. Peter movements, elimination of bloating, decreased headaches, D’Adamo’s office), reduced cravings, relaxation, and an overall sense of 203.834.7500, well-being. Additionally, some individuals now choose www.dadamo.com/ colonics as an alternative to traditional oral purgatives prior clinic. to undergoing a colonoscopy.

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