Edition:
February 29, 2008
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Reporter
Healthy eating and healthy living go hand in hand. With more Americans coming to realize just how their fast food culture has widened their hips and shrunk the capacity of their arteries, clogging them with cholesterol, a renewed focus on nutrition, exercise and natural remedies has developed, with many taking a closer look at the things they do to, and put into, their bodies.
One aspect of health many people often overlook is their colon. With March designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the owners of Alternative Wellness and Day Spa, Shawna Palmer and Ashley Baker, hope to use that spotlight to shed some light on a subject not easily discussed.
“If you have a leak in your trash bag, you’re not just going to leave it in the trash can; you’re going to want to clean it out,” is how Shawna, a certified colon hydrotherapist, explains how an unhealthy colon can affect the entire body. While she is by no means implying that colon hydrotherapy will prevent colon cancer, she does state that regular cleansing can lead to a healthier system, which in turn can help the body better fight off sickness and disease.
Also known as colonics or colon irrigation, the treatment consists of irrigating the colon with warm, purified water in order to expel old, hardened waste material and toxins from the colon walls. The colon is designed to cleanse itself; however, poor diet, lack of exercise and stress contribute to the weakening of the colon, leaving it unable to properly and fully cleanse itself. The result, as many gastroenterologists contend, is chronic constipation and a build-up of toxins in the system, which may in turn lead to other health problems.
Because colon hydrotherapy is said to stimulate the lymphatic system as well as clear the body of built up toxins, a wide range of health benefits may be reaped from regular treatment – better nutrient absorption and assimilation, an enhanced energy level and improved metabolism and immune system function are a few. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cellulite, acne, frequent colds, chronic constipation, difficulty with weight loss, chronic fatigue, even bad breath are just some of the health problems that can be addressed through colon hydrotherapy, according to Shawna.
At Alternative Wellness and Day Spa, Shawna employs an open system, which consists of a formed table on which the patient lies. A small tube the size of a pencil is inserted into the rectum and the water flow is turned on. With the open system, there is no need to interrupt the cleansing process to release; whatever needs to pass from the colon can pass around the tube and down the drain. One distinct advantage to the open system is that there is no odor and the client has complete privacy throughout the procedure.
In addition to colon hydrotherapy, Alternative Wellness and Day Spa offers a full complement of treatments aimed towards “rejuvenating the soul, inside and out,” focused on holistic health. Clients can choose from massage therapy, steam sauna, ionic foot de-toxing, ear-coning and body wraps and scrubs.
The décor, designed by Shawna and Ashley, is both stylish and and inviting with natural, muted colors, while interesting yet unobtrusive artwork adds to the calming atmosphere. “We didn’t want to overwhelm the client,” says Ashley. “You should be able to relax when you come in here, not have sensory overload.” The private treatment rooms are lit by candle while reed diffusers fill the rooms with calming scents as soft music plays quietly in the background.
Shawna, a 6-year resident of Canyon Lake, has been performing colonics in the community for the past three years, previously working through Kneaded Therapies, where she met Ashley, a 22-year resident. When they made the decision to go out on their own and open a day spa together, both were determined to stay in the community. It was four months before a space opened in the Towne Center, and the two, with help from family and friends, spent a month and a half transforming what had previously been the Village Cleaners. While there are still some minor details to work through, they expect to have everything wrapped up within the month.
To introduce alternative Wellness and Day Spa to Canyon Lakers, the two are offering specials on some of their most popular treatments. Clients can take advantage of Shawna’s special: two colonic treatments for the price of one at $75. Ashley is offering two 60-minute massage treatments for the price of one at $60, or just $45 for one. They will also accept coupon specials offered by any Canyon Lake-area salon or spa.
In addition to the holistic treatments, Alternative Wellness and Day Spa is also a distributor for both Ocean Grown International, which specializes in skin care and nutritional supplements based on ingredients derived from the ocean, as well as Goji Juice, considered by many to offer anti-aging and immune-boosting benefits.
On Mondays, registered nurse Frida Nasseri is available for Botox, Restylane, chemical peels and microdermabrasion as well as facials and acne, leg vein and hair loss treatments.
Alternative Wellness and Day Spa is located at 31552-2 Railroad Canyon Rd. Shawna and Ashley can be reached at 639-3355; hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with evenings and weekends by appointment only.
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