Holistic Health - October 2007
The Mind-Gut Connection
A First-Timer’s Account of Colon Hydrotherapy
by Nicole Pugh
I have known about the importance of colon irrigation for overall health for almost a decade. But, I admit it; I had also been putting off getting one for just as long. Why? Every time I picked up the phone to make an appointment, my palms would sweat, my heart would race and I would hear loud and clear the x-ray technician’s voice the last time I went to the hospital for a colonoscopy. “This is just going to pinch a bit,” said a not-so-reassuring tech above the clatter of mechanical devices. A word of advice—never trust a hospital worker with a tight schedule’s definition of a “pinch.” Needless to say, my procrastination (and fear) was put to an end with a visit to local colon hydrotherapist Linda Brees. Brees’s tranquil downtown office was awash in soothing music and relaxing scents. From the moment I arrived for my appointment, I felt at ease. What’s more, after I left, I knew I had received a valuable education about the connection between the mind and the gut.
To begin the procedure, I laid down on a cushioned massage table in the small but cozy client room. To the right of the table was the machine that monitored and regulated the irrigation process. During treatment, warm, highly purified water is slowly introduced into the colon and then allowed to gently drain out through a visible tube. Massage, pressure points, reflexology, breathing techniques and suggestion may also be used to encourage elimination.
“The intestines are often called the ‘other brain’,” Brees said as I got settled in. I asked her to explain further.
“There is a brain or inherent nervous system in the bowel,” she began. “This nervous system is able to mediate reflexes in the digestive system independent of the brain. Most people know something is wrong in the gut when they experience such symptoms as pain, heartburn, gas or diarrhea; these symptoms are the gut’s ways of making us aware that we do have feelings there and that something is amiss.”
“As many studies have shown, stress, anger and fear have a profound effect upon the digestive tract, even a greater effect, in fact, than food,” she continued. “If there are unresolved conflicts with relationships, enduring sorrow from the loss of loved ones or residual effects of childhood traumas, these hidden issues can have a negative effect on our health. This often creates digestive problems.”
The gut’s nervous system (or brain) is also called the enteric nervous system. According to a 2006 article published in the magazine Your Health Now (by Merck Manuals)…” “there are more nerves (in the enteric nervous system) than in the entire peripheral nervous system (nerves in the spinal cord).” It is this immense network that allows communication between the two brains of the body. The best way to help this communication is to keep all aspects of the intestinal tract hydrated and cleansed by proper diet, exercise and stress reduction. Detoxification and flushing of the entire system periodically is important as well.
Colon irrigation and other detoxification techniques are best used as preventative measures for overall health. Unfortunately, many people experience symptoms before they approach either holistic or traditional methods. If individuals choose the traditional route for intestinal situations that are non-life threatening, they may run into complications because of the tendency of Western medicine to look at specific problems and also it’s reliance on drug therapy.
“It is often necessary to look at the whole person when dealing with digestive problems, this includes consideration of the emotional and mental state of the individual,” Brees explained. “Many doctors address patients’ gut problems by prescribing drugs. Often, these drugs create more problems than they solve. I believe drugs serve a constructive purpose when there is an acute problem, but most GI problems are chronic in nature and can be best solved with a non-drug approach. Traditional doctors should consider the emotional and mental state of their patients that suffer from intestinal problems.”
”In my work as a colon hydrotherapist with thousands of clients over the years, I found many with emotional/gut issues,” she explains. “It is quite common for people to come for colon therapy and not be in touch with their ‘gut feelings.’ After having a few sessions, many would begin to process unpleasant experiences or emotions.”
I personally did experience some discomfort during the process, which Brees said could have been from my colon not being use to the procedure or to the amount of toxins that were eliminated. Later, I learned from a friend that it may be best to not eat a few hours before the procedure and my doing so (I ate a small amount about an hour prior) may have contributed to the discomfort. In the end, I definitely experienced a healing of my own in Linda Brees’ office. Through education and a gentle touch, my frame of reference for colon hydrotherapy has completely changed; and that x-ray tech’s voice is now just a distant memory. On the bodily level, I experienced a renewed sense of energy and an overall glow the next day. Now I see what a little colon irrigation can do!
Linda Brees specializes in colon hydrotherapy, internal cleansing and essential oils. Her practice, Wellspring Rejuvenation, is located at 2333 1st. Avenue, Ste 103, San Diego, CA, 92101. She may be reached at 619.234.7400 or online at www.wellspringblue.com or Linda@wellspringblue.com. Nicole Pugh is Editor-at-Large of Vision Magazine.