Yelp reviews are what led me to Alec & Chakra 17 (THANK YOU Yelpers!), since I was visiting town and didn't know how to choose between the dizzying array of colonic options in PDX. I'm adding my own 5-star review, which applies to:
1. Alec
2. the beautiful healing studio in the basement of Alec & Kristen's home
3. the gravity-centered closed system of colonic hydrotherapy (which was new to me)
I'll admit it: I was nervous. As a straight woman, I don't even like getting massages from men, just in case there's a *weird* factor. I was quickly put to ease by Alec's easygoing, matter-of-fact nature, his "bedside" manner, and how easily he matched my own energy. When I wanted to pepper him with questions, he was all answers. When I zoned out, relaxed and quiet, he mirrored that. It can't be easy to operate a system, feel what your client's body is doing and what it needs, AND provide a strong healing presence -- but Alec does, extremely well.
If you're curious about logistics, here's a snapshot:
1. I was relieved that, when I pulled up to the house, there was no neon sign that said, "COLONICS HERE." :-) Just a sweet house, and clear instructions in advance about where to go. Alec was waiting for me.
2. The studio is a lovely, peaceful, super-clean space that's basically a large bathroom with a custom-build bed to lie on. There was nice, soft music playing, with a small area that I'd call an altar: a few stones, objects, etc. -- I view such spaces as magnets for ease and for healing energy, which I love. The room was the perfect temperature!
3. Alec answered the questions I had before leaving me to get ready and slip into the fetal position on the small, comfy bed against the wall (the gravity-centered tank is attached to the upper corner).
4. Alec had allowed for 90 minutes, total, which was wonderful (no sense of rushing). Through his deep knowledge and experience, he knew where, along my back or hip, he needed to press or wiggle to help my innards release their schtuff. It was a wonderful supplement to the hydrotherapy, and felt 100% healing and appropriate.
5. Since the studio is an enlarged bathroom, the end of the experience is very convenient: Alec removed the tub and excused himself while I (ahem) got myself together with the help of the toilet, and dressed.
6. GRAVITY-FED, people: a revelation! Throughout the session, Alec had to refill the water tank (by turning a knob)... he could even adjust the temp to my liking. Through a magical system of physics that I don't comprehend, the water comes IN at the same time that your schtuff goes OUT. I couldn't see the out-tube, nor did I want to, but this system is far, far more comfortable -- and in my opinion, more effective -- than the other one-way system of filling with water (ow) and then letting it all go at once.
If you demanded a downside to Alec and Chakra 17 -- as in, threatened to kick a puppy unless I named one -- it would be the location, which took me a good 15 minutes to get to from inner Portland. Honestly, everything else was SIX Yelp stars. read more