Sarah thanks so much for speaking with us today. To begin with, please tell us a little bit about your own background and training as a colon hydrotherapist?
I was inspired to become a colon hydrotherapist in my early 20’s because of my own remarkable transformation due to colonic irrigation, cleansing and diet changes. Early experiences of my life created circumstances of feeling so ill that I would eventually be led into the healing modality I am proud to share and offer to others here in Ashland.
As a child, I grew up with a rather common American lifestyle. I ate processed foods and sugar, along with being fairly inactive while watching lots of TV. I began to suffer excruciating migraines at about 8 years old, and had to take extra-strength adult medication for relief. We had moved into our newly built family home around this time as well, and my health became worse. I stayed home sick from school a lot, feeling lethargic and not as vital as a healthy child should. I realize in hindsight that I was likely having an adverse reaction to the chemicals in the building materials used, worsening my condition.
With this as my physical standard, the challenges of my teen years morphed into a period of substance abuse. I was seeking relief from the general malaise I felt, which included feelings of isolation and depression. Fortunately, I met new friends who were on a path of detoxing the body and living more attuned to the spiritual aspects of life. They introduced me to cleansing, whole foods, exploring nature and living a simple harmonious existence. I passionately researched and explored almost every avenue I could for optimum health. I experimented with raw foods, juicing, herbalism, and subsequently I found colon hydrotherapy.
Almost all cleansing literature stated that if one were to cleanse, then irrigation of the large intestines was a crucial component to any cleansing protocol. I discovered Ashland Colon Hydrotherapy and started doing colonics very regularly, about once a week for 12 weeks. I felt so good, so clear, and so vibrant that I went back a few months later and did my cleansing protocol again.
I felt I had found the golden key to my health! Even as a child I didn’t have that much energy. My skin cleared, I lost weight, and my mental clarity had increased substantially. People even told me my eyes looked bluer. That is the part of my story that describes the physical healing that took place in my life experience.
Then came a spiritual experience which affirmed my passion to help others heal. Not long after my last colonic at Ashland Colon Hydrotherapy, I attended a Native American sweat lodge ceremony. As I was driving home, I had a revelation that I wanted to be a colon hydrotherapist. However, I quickly released the idea because I didn’t want to be competition for the woman that was giving me my colonics at that time and decided I would wait a few years to start that profession.
Well, literally, within a just a couple days of my revelation, I found out that my colon therapist wanted to sell her business and I immediately called her to make an offer. The circumstances around buying the business seemed to have such remarkable ease and grace that I knew without a doubt it was my calling in life.
I graduated from Prime Pacific Health Innovations, in Vancouver, Canada receiving my I-ACT (International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy) certificate and took over the business in 2005. 2017 is my 12th year here in Ashland. To this day I’m amazed at the results I’ve witnessed with my clients and the renewal possible with colonics. I am committed to supporting the human body’s power to thrive and heal, and my work with people remains uplifting every day.
When you were introduced to colon hydrotherapy what did you first think of the idea?
I was VERY nervous about my first colonic. I didn’t know what to expect being that it is an unusual modality and no one I knew had ever done it before. Now as an experienced hydrotherapist, I’ve seen roughly 1,200 clients over the years and I’ve never had one new client who wasn’t nervous about their first colonic.
In our culture, talking about the functions of how our bodies eliminate is a taboo subject in general. Many people have the idea a colonic is going to be a smelly, noisy, painful experience, however, most of my clientele are pleasantly surprised that the process is much easier and more comfortable than they initially anticipated.
I explain to each client before their first session what they are to expect, as well discuss any questions or concerns they may have about the procedure. I understand that a person can feel vulnerable, so I take great care to listen and invite them to talk candidly about their bowels and overall health goals.
“My first visit to Ashland Colon Hydrotherapy was a pleasant surprise. I anticipated a somewhat embarrassing experience since this type of procedure can be awkward (especially for a male), but this was simply not so. Sarah West is a charming, gracious, and wholly professional practitioner who provided a gentle, relaxing and pleasurable experience. I immediately felt better after the colonic cleansing and the issues I tolerated for several months were gone – wow! I write this for those of you who are still deciding whether a colonic cleansing might be beneficial or if you are wondering if the procedure is worth the benefit. I strongly suggest you contact Ashland Colon Hydrotherapy and make an appointment as soon as possible. Why tolerate ill health and uncomfortable symptoms when relief is hours away? I highly recommend Sarah West and encourage you to place your emotional well-being and comfort in her care.” -Bill, Shady Cove
How are you working with your clients to create a thoughtful and safe environment?
I make each appointment a tranquil, comfortable service where the person can feel at complete ease to relax, release and fully let go. I want every client to feel rejuvenated and thoroughly cleansed after their visit, so I give great attention to detail both to the individual and the environment of my office.
Each session is conducted on an Amethyst BioMat, an FDA approved medical device, which is filled with a million tiny amethyst crystals that emanates an incredible, rich heat to the muscles and an increase of circulation to the area of the body it’s applied. Before we begin the colonic, I offer therapeutic-grade essential oils created to stimulate and/or support the digestion, nervous system, and liver. They are gently applied to the temples, ears and forehead to help ground and center the client so we can achieve optimal results. My clients often feel soothed and calm before the session begins.
As the colonic is in process, I hold space for what a client needs. Some love to chat and talk about life, and others like to ask questions about health, wellness and nutrition. There are also people who prefer to be in a meditative and quiet space for their own inward contemplation. I meet a person where they are, and I strive to be aware of what they need for support.
What are the goals of your clients?
Everyone has a different reason to get colon hydrotherapy, but the one goal everyone shares is to achieve is vibrant health. I feel very blessed to live in a community like Ashland because many of my clients already know and believe in the benefits of colon irrigation before they set foot in my office.
Many also know the benefits of regular cleansing of the body, and the most important place to begin in the cleansing journey is with the colon. I also have clients who are navigating serious health issues who use colon hydrotherapy as an adjunct to their wellness protocol. I see people with constipation, Lyme’s disease, GI issues, migraines, heavy metal poisoning, parasitic infections, chronic fatigue, insomnia, leaky gut, systemic candida infection, mold exposure, and other maladies. However, many clients have no health issues at all, nor are they on a cleansing protocol, but are wanting to change their diet and lifestyle. Others are letting go of a habit that no longer serves them. Colon hydrotherapy may also be used as a preparation for colonoscopies.
“Getting colonics has been one of the effective healing modalities ever for my multiple chemical sensitivities. Sarah’s gentleness, wisdom and professionalism has made the process that much more successful.” -LMH, Therapist/Energy Healer
What are some of the immediate results of a session and what might this look like?
The immediate result one may find is greater energy, clarity, and a sense of lightness within the body. Some may feel spacey or even a bit tired, so I always recommend one goes home after their first colonic to rest so they can feel the full effects of the body. Treating oneself to a raw juice, smoothie, or a hot nutritious broth is ideal. The colonic will hydrate the colon, fully release the matter from the large intestines, and stimulate peristalsis, which is the motion of the muscles of the digestive tract to push content through the alimentary canal.
Are there some conditions which are not suited to work with colon hydrotherapy?
Yes, one should not do colon hydrotherapy if they have ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, renal insufficiency, diverticulitis, cirrhosis of the liver, uncontrolled hypertension, have had recent abdominal surgery, recent heart attack, or are pregnant. Talk with the practitioner or your primary health care provider if you have any concerns.
“….I have been a vegetarian for 42 years keeping a healthy lifestyle through macrobiotic and fruitarian diet, but I would not be able to control the pain from this condition without the help of Sarah. I have been to colonic therapists and healers all over the world and Sarah’s care and concern is incomparable to anyone I’ve ever met.” – Swami Sat Nam Mantro, age 57
Colon hydrotherapy actually has a very long history in existence, please say more.
Many believe colon hydrotherapy is a recent invention, but it actually is an ancient modality, used for thousands of years by people of some of the greatest early civilizations in history. The first recording of colonic irrigation is in the Eber’s Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian text dating back to the 14th century B.C. The 5th century B.C. Greek historian, Herodotus, stated that “The Egyptians, clear themselves on three consecutive days, every month, seeking after health by emetics and enemas for they think all disease comes from food.” It was believed that enemas were a gift from the Gods to the Egyptians. Hippocrates, known as the Father of Modern Medicine, recommended enemas in his work “On Regimen in Acute Diseases”. Ancient Hindus, Babylonian, Assyrians, even ancient Nigerian tribes regularly practices colon irrigation.
In the middle ages, irrigation of the colon started to increase in popularity among the wealthy and the royal. The Renaissance saw the height of colonic popularity, as the 17th century was also known as the “age of the enema”. It was in vogue especially among the Parisian aristocrats. Some would even give themselves 3-4 enemas per day believing it was essential to good health. Louis the XIV was reported to have over 2,000 of them in his life, at times even having visitors during his cleanses.
The use of enemas had waned significantly by the mid 18th century, and it was Dr. Kellogg in the early 1900’s that reinvigorated the used of enemas. The early 20th century saw the birth of the mechanized colonic equipment, which would evolve to the modern apparatus used today. The popularity of natural-hygiene, raw foods and alternative methods of healing were also on the rise in the early 20th century. The movement continues to this day, many being inspired to live longer, healthier lives using natural, holistic means to achieve the greatest level of potential health.
“Colon hydrotherapy is a much recommended healing therapy for detoxing…. though it is a much reacted to form of cleansing in American culture. That’s unfortunate, because I know from experience it is incredibly beneficial. Sarah is the consummate professional; as well, she possesses a trust-worthy countenance for such a process… knowledgeable, relaxed, and lovely. I have done colonics several times across the country, and Sarah is a jewel of her profession. I highly recommend her services, you will feel so much better having done so.” Christine, Ashland, age 55
Sarah how can our readers take the next step to learn more and or setup an appointment with you?
The easiest way is to visit AshlandColonHydrotherapy.com to both learn more about the services provided as well as to set up an appointment. Or call anytime 541.201.0500.
Learn More:
Ashland Colon Hydro Therapy
(541) 201-0500
290 N Main St, Ashland, OR
www.ashlandcolonhydrotherapy.com
