Consumer Guide to Steamboat Bodyworks-Colon Hydrotherapy

An Awesome Duo
High Country Bodyworks

This listing indicates colon cleansing will be performed by a certified colon hydro-therapist, no name given and no certification entity is named. This certification is not from the State of Colorado as it is not required by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Certifications of this nature can come from private companies, and because the many different companies that offer certification have different sets of requirements based on different beliefs and methods of practice, consumers would not be exposed to accepted or standard levels of care, and, in fact, could very well be exposed to less than ideal conditions and treatments. Because of that risk, the State of Colorado governs this type of practice through the Colorado Natural Health Consumer Protection Act, SB 13-215

(6) A COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER PROVIDING COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES UNDER THIS SECTION WHO IS NOT LICENSED, CERTIFIED, OR REGISTERED BY THE STATE SHALL NOT:

     (g) PERFORM ENEMAS OR COLONIC IRRIGATION UNLESS THE COMPLEMENTARY AND     ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER

         (I) MAINTAINS BOARD CERTIFICATION THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLON HYDROTHERAPY OR THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR COLON HYDROTHERAPY OR THEIR SUCCESSOR ENTITIES;

         (II) DISCLOSES THAT HE OR SHE IS NOT A PHYSICIAN LICENSED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 36 OF TITLE 12, C.R.S.; AND

         (III) RECOMMENDS THAT THE CLIENT HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH A LICENSED PHYSICIAN;:

This means:

Colon cleanse technicians who do not have certification from the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy or the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy, provide appropriate disclosure of not being a physician, and recommend clients have a relationship with a licensed physician, are in violation of Colorado law.

(5) (b) A COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER WHO ENGAGES IN AN ACTIVITY PROHIBITED BY SUBSECTION (6) OF THIS SECTION IS SUBJECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, AND DAMAGES SPECIFIED IN PART 1 OF THIS ARTICLE, IS NO LONGER EXEMPT FROM LAWS REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS UNDER TITLE 12, C.R.S., AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES FOR UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF A STATE-REGULATED HEALTH CARE PROFESSION.

Consumer considerations:

Can a colon cleanse technician back up claims of "improving health by releasing unwanted toxins"?

Mayo Clinic says:

Your digestive system and bowel naturally eliminate waste material and bacteria — your body doesn't need colon cleansing to do this.

Proponents of colon cleansing, on the other hand, believe that toxins from your gastrointestinal tract can cause a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, allergies and asthma. They believe that colon cleansing — also called a colonic or a colonic irrigation — improves health by removing toxins, promoting healthy intestinal bacteria, boosting your energy and enhancing your immune system. However, there's little evidence that colon cleansing produces these effects.

Clients subjected to colon cleansing may not "Leave feeling light and rejuvenated."

Mayo Clinic says:

In fact, colon cleansing can sometimes be harmful. Colon cleansing can cause side effects, such as cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting. More serious concerns with colon cleansing are that it can:

•    Increase your risk of dehydration

•    Lead to bowel perforations

•    Increase the risk of infection

•    Cause changes in your electrolytes, which can be dangerous if you have kidney disease or other health problems

How about the infra red sauna "for further detox"?

Mayo Clinic says:

Several studies have looked at using infrared saunas in the treatment of chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis, and found some evidence of benefit. However, larger and more-rigorous studies are needed to confirm these results.

On the other hand, no adverse effects have been reported with infrared saunas. So if you're considering trying a sauna for relaxation, an infrared sauna might be an option.

Further consideration 

Colon cleanse technicians do not have the capability to discern or access information regarding client health that may not be conducive to colon cleansing. In addition, if a client does experience a health issue during or resulting from a colon cleanse, the practitioner would not have the capabilities to assist or treat. 

Health is important. It does not make sense to trust any aspect of health related matters to someone who is practicing in violation of the law. Compare that to a banker: it would not make sense to trust investments or money with a banker who is operating in violation of the law, uses unproven methods based on unproven claims, and tells clients they will "Leave feeling light and rejuvenated."

And that is just about money.


Colorado Natural Health Consumer Protection Act
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2013a/csl.nsf/billcontainers/17085CB132014F9987257B090069D788/$FILE/215_enr.pdf

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Healthy Springs Colonics

No name given. There is a claim of I-ACT Certified, International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy, which is in accordance with Colorado law governing colon cleanse technicians, however, the certification cannot be checked because no name is given.


For consumers

The most efficient system for detoxifying the human body is the body's own detoxification system; kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, immune system.

Common claims of removing toxins and improving the immune system, as well as all other health related claims, and even claims of toxins actually being present in the colon have never been proven.

Performing a health procedure without evidence that it is necessary is bad medicine.


But if it still seems like a good idea

Check with a qualified, licensed doctor to determine if current state of health is conducive to be subjected to colon cleansing and if this procedure is necessary.

Then

Ask technician about credentials, education, training, certification, etc.

Ask technician to provide scientific proof or perhaps a lab test that details what toxins are present, if any, and proof that those toxins really have to be released by colon cleansing, instead of letting the body take care of it naturally.

Avoid technicians who don't make their name and information regarding certification readily available.

Avoid technicians who are not in compliance with state law, either through ignorance of the law or through flagrant violation of the law.


What to expect after the procedure

Expect to experience a post-procedure feeling of lightness, in your wallet.