BOWEL HABITS

We rarely talk about bowel habits, do we? It’s one of those taboo subjects that can often be labelled gross or disgusting, but in reality, we all do it!

There has recently been increased awareness on Bowel Cancer following the death of journalist and campaigner Dame Deborah James. The former deputy headteacher was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in 2016 and then shared candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including videos of her dancing her way through treatment.

So, I’m here to share my experience with colonic hydrotherapy and improving my bowel health. I was very lucky to be approached by Sarah Chadda, founder of Flourish Wellness Pod to share a treatment with you lovely people. The first treatment was gifted and the rest I then paid for myself. I am now a regular customer at Flourish!

Sarah’s professionally acclaimed clinic is based on Conway Road, in Llandudno Junction. It is a quiet and relaxing space, with a range of treatment rooms. She provides a spa-like atmosphere, with plenty of spaces to sit and relax with a cup of coffee. Her mission is to provide an integrated and holistic approach to health and wellness, and she’s certainly achieved it at Flourish.

Sarah says “We live in a world where so many of us are suffering from stress, anxiety, poor nutrition, and are both physically and mentally exhausted.

I feel that more and more of us are looking for a more holistic approach to our lifestyles, so I think it’s important to treat the WHOLE person and not just their symptoms.”

When I saw what she offered, I jumped at the chance to escape to this hidden sanctuary just off the A55 which is why it’s a well-known bolthole for the Cheshire-set.

This is a spa experience with bells and whistles on. If like me, one of your pet hates at a spa is seeing other people or sharing a chamber/space with them then this experience is for you. You can also book in as a pair, but I loved the solitude of Flourish Wellness Pod. I’m going to share my colonic hydrotherapy treatment and the benefits I experienced afterwards but will also share other treatments I had at the clinic in another blog.

Colonic hydrotherapy, also known as colonic irrigation, is a safe and effective method of cleansing the colon. This is done via repeated gentle flushing with warm filtered water under very low pressure, and specialised massage techniques on the tummy area to stimulate release of toxic waste. Our colon is designed to eliminate waste from the body, but poor diet, improper food combining, and prescription drugs can impair its ability to function properly.

I have lazy bowel movements and am prone to constipation, I have an under-active thyroid which causes the body's processes to slow down.

When I arrived at Flourish Wellness Pod, I sat down with Sarah and went through a thorough health questionnaire focussing on diet, lifestyle and bowel habits. I hydrated myself before the procedure and did not eat prior. I was handed a gown with a modesty gap at the back. I got undressed from the waist down and asked to comfortably lie on my side on a medical couch. This is when the pipe apparatus was inserted and then I was instructed to turn on to my back with my knees bent. The apparatus is lubricated with Vaseline making insertion easy. Sarah held the apparatus in place which was attached to a pipe and the flushing chamber. It was optional to see the content of the flush, and of course curiosity got the better of me and I opted to watch - it was fascinating!

Lots of people have asked me “did it hurt?” and the answer is no.

“Did it smell?” No.

“Was it embarrassing?” No, she does this day in day out, we chatted, and I was made to feel very comfortable.

Sarah is a professional and friendly person. She told me that I need to chew my food thoroughly as digestion starts in the mouth - I won’t tell you what I saw but she knew what I’d had for lunch!

I was made to feel at ease throughout my treatment, so much so I booked again. My first treatment was complimentary and then I paid £65 thereafter.

During treatment pure filtered water is introduced into the colon via the back passage. The purpose is to achieve best bowel function through the removal of excess wastes, toxins, bacterium and gas. The procedure was gentle, and she massaged my abdomen to Compliment the flush. The warm water helps to soften, break up, and then remove impacted and dehydrated faecal waste material that layer the colon walls. Sarah could tell from the procedure that I don’t chew my food properly, that I don’t completely empty my rectal passage and that my diet needed improving!

She is a member of RICTAT (The International Register of Integrative Colon Hydrotherapists and Trainers) setting the highest ethical standards in the practice of Colon Hydrotherapy. The treatment lasted around 40 minutes and I was given Liquid chlorophyl to drink at the end of treatment, which is useful for PH balancing, healing and cleansing the internal organs, and detoxifying the colon walls.

Sarah suggested that I try a low carb diet and that I take Omega 3 oil before each meal to include healthy fat in my diet. She also promoted a poop stool in order to attain the ideal angle of 35 degrees. This positions your organs and muscles in a way that relaxes your rectum. When people use posture-changing devices to squat, studies show they go more quickly. They also strain less and empty their bowels more completely than when they sit on the toilet. By making it easier to poop, squatting might ease constipation and prevent haemorrhoids, which are often a result of straining. Needless to say, I bought a folding stool.

Having received colonic hydrotherapy and adjusted my diet and hydration levels and taken all of Sarah’s advice, I saw an improvement in the regularity of bowel motions and in the consistency. The important thing is keeping it up for optimum bowel health.

I’d like to thank Sarah for making me a healthier person and kick-starting better food choices and for changing the way I poop! My bowel health has improved, and I would recommend this treatment for anyone in a similar situation.

To get in touch with Sarah, check out her website and Instagram:

https://www.flourishwellnesspod.co.uk/

https://instagram.com/flourishwellnesspod/