RELATED TO COLON HYDROTHERAPY
Meredith M. Heinemeier
Certified Colon Hydrotherapist
Acid-Alkaline Balance: Acid-alkaline balance is the colloquial term for “acid-base metabolism” (see definition).
Acid-Base Metabolism: Acid-base metabolism is the metabolic process that maintains the balance of acids and bases essential in regulating the composition of body fluids…Blood is slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. Metabolic buffer systems within the body maintain this ratio, and, when the ratio is upset, either acidosis or alkalosis results. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 18.)
Appendicitis: Appendicitis is the inflammation of the vermiform appendix, usually acute, that, if undiagnosed, leads rapidly to perforation and peritonitis. The inflammation is caused by an obstruction such as a hard mass of feces or a foreign body in the lumen of the appendix, fibrous disease of the bowel wall, and adhesion, or a parasitic infestation. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 125.)
Beneficial Bacteria: See Probiotics.
Candidiasis: Candidiasis is any infection caused by a species of Candida, usually Candida albicans. It is characterized by pruritus, a white exudates, peeling, and easy bleeding. Diaper rash, intertrigo, vaginitis, and thrush are common topical manifestations of candidiasis. Endocarditis and infection of the kidney, spleen, liver and lungs sometimes occur in debilitated patients. Treatment includes the oral and topical administration of antifungal drugs such as nystatin and clotrimazole and, for more severe infections, amphotericin B or fluconazole. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 271.)
Certified Colon Hydrotherapist: A professional hydrotherapist who has received training and passed examinations given by the International Association for Colon HydroTherapy (I-ACT). For more information, go to www.i-act.org.
Closed-System Device: A closed-system device, whether it is Class I (not requiring a prescription) or Class II (requiring a prescription), allows a trained hydrotherapist to deliver water to the client and remove waste material from the client through a rectal speculum that is from 1" to 1 ¾" in diameter. The waste material then passes through a viewing tube and then into the toilet or sewer connection.
Colema/Colema Board: A colema is a colonic which is self-administered, using home equipment, such as a colema board, which is a Class I medical device registered with the FDA. The term, “colema,” can also be used to describe a colonic which is self-administered at a professional facility, using Class I medical equipment, with the certified colon hydrotherapist in attendance.
Colenz: Colenz is another word for “colema,” but specifically pertaining to the use of Class I medical devices manufactured by Ultimate Concepts, Inc.
Colonic: A colonic is the infusion of filtered, temperature-controlled water into the rectum in order to hydrate the colon and remove waste material. Colonics are performed on FDA-registered medical devices, preferably by a certified colon hydrotherapist (see definition). Such medical devices are classified as either Class I (not requiring a prescription) or Class II (requiring a prescription and medical oversight). A colonic administered on a Class I medical device is also called a “colenz” or a “colema” (see definitions). Medical devices used to administer colonics are also categorized as either “closed-system” devices or “open-system” devices (see definitions).
Colitis: Colitis is an inflammatory condition of the large intestine. Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by severe diarrhea, bleeding, and ulceration of the mucous of the intestine. Weight loss and pain are significant. Steroids, fluids, electrolytes, antibiotics, and careful attention to diet are the usual modes of therapy. Most of the diseases of this group are of unknown origin. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 391.)
Colon Hydrotherapy: Colon hydrotherapy is a general term covering all the techniques used for centuries to apply water through the rectum in order to remove waste material from the colon. This term is used interchangeably with “colonic irrigation.”
Colonic Irrigation: Colonic irrigation is a procedure for washing the inner wall of the colon by filling it with water, then draining it. It is not considered an enema, but rather a technique for removing any material that may be present high in the colon. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 394.)
Constipation: Constipation is difficulty in passing stools or incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stools. There are many causes, both organic and functional. Among the organic causes are intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, and tumors. Functional impairment of the colon may occur in elderly or bedridden patients who fail to respond to the urge to defecate. For constipation that is not organically caused the nurse can encourage a liberal diet of fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. The patient should be encouraged to exercise moderately, if possible, and to develop regular, unhurried bowel habits. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 420.)
Crohn’s Disease: Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown origin, usually affecting the ileum, the colon, or another part of the GI tract. Diseased segments may be separated by normal bowel segments, which give it the characteristic “skip lesions.” Also called regional enteritis. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, pp. 449-450.)
Detoxification: Detoxification is the removal of a poison or its effects from a patient. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 508.)
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery stools. The stool may also contain mucus, pus, blood, or excessive amounts of fat. Diarrhea is usually a symptom of some underlying disorder. Conditions in which diarrhea is an important symptom are dysenteric disorders, malabsorption syndrome, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, GI tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 518.)
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more diverticula. The penetration of fecal matter through the thin-walled diverticula causes inflammation and abscess formation in the tissues surrounding the colon. With repeated inflammation the lumen of the colon narrows and may become obstructed. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 539.)
Enema: An enema is the introduction of a solution into the rectum for cleansing or therapeutic purposes. Enemas may be commercially packed disposable units or reusable equipment prepared just before use. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 602.)
Enzymes: Enzymes are protein-like substances which act as catalysts in the body and are necessary to all human functions. There are digestive enzymes, made by the body to digest food; food enzymes, which are contained in foods themselves and break them down naturally; and metabolic enzymes, created by the body for various other functions.
Essential Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids [are] polyunsaturated acids, such as linoleic, alpha-linolenic, and arachidonic acids, essential in the diet for proper growth, maintenance, and functioning of the body. EFA’s are prostaglandin precursors that play important roles in metabolism. They are also necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive and endocrine systems and the breaking up of cholesterol deposits on arterial walls. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 630.)
High Enema: High enema is a term for a colonic administered on old equipment, no longer used, which involved snaking an instrument for water delivery through the colon. Modern colonic devices are no longer this invasive; nevertheless, the term has prevailed as a synonym (although incorrect) for colonic.
Implant: See Rectal Implant.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: See Crohn’s disease and colitis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is abnormally increased motility of the small and large intestines, of unknown origins. Most of those affected are young adults, who complain of diarrhea and occasionally pain in the lower abdomen. The pain is usually relieved by passing flatus or stool. In diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome other more serious conditions, such as dysentery, lactose intolerance, and the inflammatory bowel diseases, must be ruled out. Because there is no organic disease present in irritable bowel syndrome, no specific treatment is necessary. (Source: Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 6th Edition, 2002, p. 932.)
Kefir: The word, kefir (pronounced, “kuh-feer’”), is a transliteration of the Russian name for a fermented milk product which originated in Turkey. Kefir is like yogurt, but of drinkable consistency. When properly made, it is full of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria which should populate the human intestine.
Leaky Gut Syndrome: When we eat, food passes through the stomach into the small intestine. It is here that nutrient absorption occurs through the semi-permeable mucous lining of the bowel wall. This membrane also shields the bloodstream from unwanted toxins, pathogens and undigested food. In this respect, the gut lining is a vital part of the body’s immune system because it limits the volume of potential invaders. Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that develops when the mucous lining of the small intestine becomes too porous, allowing entry of toxins, microorganisms and food particles, as well as pathogens, into the bloodstream. (Source: Watson, Brenda, N.D. and Smith, Leonard, M.D., Gut Solutions. Renew Life Press and Information Services: 2003, p. 153.)
Open-System Devices: Open-system colonic devices, whether they are registered as Class I (not requiring a prescription) or Class II (requiring a prescription), deliver water through a rectal nozzle that varies in diameter from ¼" to ¾". The client expels the waste material around the nozzle, which remains stationary. On some devices, the waste material passes through a viewing tube, and then into the sewer. On the Ultimate Concepts device, the material collects in a basin, where it can be viewed after the colonic, and then flushed away.
Parasitic Disease: A parasite is an organism that lives off another organism. Parasites living inside the human body will feed off our cells, our energy, off the food we eat, even off the supplements we take. Technically, parasites would include bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as worms and protozoa (single-celled microscopic organisms). (Source: Watson, Brenda, N.D. and Smith, Leonard, M.D., Gut Solutions. Renew Life Press and Information Services, 2003, p. 159.)
Probiotics: Probiotics (meaning, literally, “for life”) are beneficial bacteria which should be found in the human intestines. They manufacture enzymes, the B vitamins, and substances which protect the lining of the intestines. Beneficial bacteria also keep harmful bacteria in check. Probiotics can be consumed in pill form or by eating fermented foods, such as kefir, sour cream, sauerkraut and fermented vegetables.
Rectal Implant: A rectal implant is the introduction of a substance other than water through an enema bag or a colonic device. Some examples of substances used are: coffee, acidophilus, wheatgrass, apple cider vinegar, herbs, and anti-fungal medications (by prescription).