Cheeky Clean with Bottoms Up Colonics
Feeling sluggish, tired, bloated and fed-up? Deb Caruso discovers the solution might lie in an ancient therapy that has been artfully adapted to restore health, one belly at a time.
As we come to understand more about the importance of gut health and the benefits of detoxing, it’s important to trust processes that have stood the test of time, evolving with technology. Different forms of ‘colonic therapy’ have been around since the beginning of time, referenced in Egyptian teachings and the Bible, with cleansing seen as a way for spiritual alignment. For the past century, colon hydrotherapy has been used as a safe and effective way to clean the large colon of built-up faecal matter, which is particularly necessary with the rise of processed foods and toxicity through chemicals and stress.
The first Bottoms Up Colonics opened in 2005 with founder Suzy Wilson honouring the ancient teachings of cleansing with the latest technology and a holistic approach centred on each client’s personal journey. After going through her own health challenges, Suzy came to realise the importance of flushing out waste and replenishing the longest part of our large intestine, the colon. This vital part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing water, some nutrients and electrolytes from undigested food, forming waste and preparing it for elimination. It also supports a complex microbiome that plays a role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. As the last major organ in the gastrointestinal tract, it plays an important role. So it makes sense that if your colon is clogged, you will be too.
Suzy is a trained Colon Hydrotherapist and a member of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and currently Bottoms Up is the only IICT-approved training provider in colonics. In 2014, Suzy completed training with the International Institute of Nutrition and is passionate about making the connection between gut health and the brain with her background in counselling also ensuring that emotional health is a key part of the equation.
Bottoms Up Colonics has grown to 14 clinics across Australia, with more in the pipeline, and is a sanctuary for souls looking to eliminate the build up of waste and to reclaim their health. The therapy works with the five systems – gastrointestinal, lymphatic, nervous, microbial and emotional energy systems. The internationally-certified colon hydrotherapists are trained in the Rojas Colon Hydrotherapy technique which is a closed system that is simple and non-invasive. The technique uses triple filtered and structured water to gently flush the colon of toxins and accumulated waste while keeping your body hydrated and stable through the use of herbal infusions and probiotics – elimination and hydration at the same time!
With the belief that disease begins and ends in the bowel, I’m all in for getting a little help in this area. For Bottoms Up Colonics, the cheeky name is not just catchy, it uses humour to break down the taboo around ‘poo’. I’ll admit to having ongoing issues that seem to always be linked to this part of my system. Diagnosed as a coeliac some 12 years ago with bouts of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I constantly have a sore tummy and suffer from bloating, brain fog, inflammation and well, let’s just say that my daily routine very rarely includes a satisfying elimination.
The newest clinic is in the Noosa Civic MediHub and is warm and welcoming. As is my therapist, Orion, who takes me to the private treatment room to review my personal information and history before guiding me through the workings of the digestive system and the role of the colon which, surprisingly (or not), is not self-cleaning. Just as we brush our teeth daily and see a dentist to have plaque removed, we also need to call in the experts to assist with some of the issues that can be encountered in the gut.
Orion guides me through the process and equipment, answers any questions and leaves me to change into the sarong skirt provided. Once changed and back on the bed, I lie on my side and before I know it, the tube is in and we’re ready to roll as I lay on my back and settle in for the show. There is no pain or awkwardness as a calming tea is slowly released into my system. Far from being confronting, it is a fascinating process as water is gradually released into my system and then released back into the waste handling system via the viewing window. To debunk the myths: the pipe does not hurt; there is no smell whatsoever; it is not embarrassing; and it works.
I’ve signed up for a course of three sessions and have had two of them so far. Orion said that every session with every patient was different so it’s best to not have any expectations. The first session left me a little drained (literally) which is not surprising given the build up in my body so I chose to take the afternoon off to nurture myself. I did feel lighter and the constant pressure I had felt in my abdomen was gone, as was the bloating. Cheers (or ‘bottoms up!’) to that!
Suzy has also developed a number of products to support clients between sessions and I personally cannot live without Colon Toner, an all-natural blend of herbs, prebiotics and nutrients that relaxes the nervous system, reduces inflammation, gas and bloating while repairing the gut wall and delivering bowel support. I am in less pain and more regular than I have ever been – and my tummy is flatter!
I was excited for my second session and it was clear to see that we were able to move more waste, and my body also eliminated a rather large parasite – yes, really! I certainly felt lighter, almost euphoric, after that and buzzed back to work for an afternoon of meetings (without my little friend!). When I shared the news with my GP, he said I was the second person in that week with the same experience. Apparently, it’s quite common – but you’ll have to wait until our next edition to find out more about that!
