Does one colonic completely empty the colon? “Magic bullet” thinking says one colonic will open the floodgates and we’ll be home free. If it were that easy, colon therapists would not exist.

It can be very challenging to have the contents of the colon flow out freely. Sometimes it takes work—repeated sessions close together to crack the nut or break the dam—not to mention the lifestyle and attitude changes.

Many of us have a considerable amount of impacted waste in our colon, accompanied by muscle, nerve, immune and hormone deficit. Substantial work must be done. The second and subsequent colonics may release more material as the body tunes into releasing, muscles become suppler, the area becomes more hydrated and bacterial/fungal sources of nerve damage are reduced.

Is it necessary to “take a series” of colonics? It depends on one’s objective. One or two colonics may be all that’s necessary to recover from travel, flu, fever, back or headache, transient constipation or a small fast or cleanse. However, overcoming lifelong constipation, creating multiple bowel movements, reversing Metabolic Syndrome and achieving vital health may require regular colonics for some time.

It has taken years to create our current body condition. One has to factor in body condition, how well we respond and possible needed lifestyle and attitude changes. Remember, it’s lifestyle medicine now. After the first colonic, patients can discuss with the therapist how many sessions might be needed and how often.

Sheila Shea, MA founded the Intestinal Health Institute in Tucson, which promotes gastrointestinal healing in three areas: nutrition, detoxification and colon hydrotherapy. Connect at 520-325-9686, [email protected] or IntestinalHealthInstitute.com.