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What to Expect

There is no downtime or recovery after a colonic. You can get a colonic at the beginning of your day or on your lunch break and return to work. Before your first session, you will have time to ask any questions and express any concerns, and/or past medical history.  Always arrived 10 minutes prior to your appointment time, to ensure we can start you on time.

Do not eat 2-3 hours before your appointment and no liquids 1.5 – 2 hours prior.  If you must eat, consider something light like a smoothie or salad.

Upon entering the room, you will be instructed to empty your bladder and bowels, if necessary. During your session we are filling the colon with water, thus your bladder will get filled and regardless, you will have to urinate at the end of your session. Beginning your session with a full bladder may affect the efficacy of your session simply because you are tense and holding on to urination. This only applies to the Closed colonic. You can urinate during the Open colonic.

During a Colon Hydrotherapy treatment, you are completely covered with a hospital gown or sheet for privacy. The speculum is lubricated and inserted into the rectum, gently, slowly while you’re encouraged to breathe and relax.

There should never be any pain during insertion. Once inserted, filtered, UV sanitized and heated water begins to flow into your colon, stimulating the natural peristaltic action of the colon. There is no suction or vacuum in any colonic device. The water simply soaks, and softens waste.

Your therapist will be in constant communication with you explaining what they’re doing and asking what you’re feeling. You may experience slight cramping, pressure, nausea, or even heat, during your session. These sensations pass immediately upon your release of waste.  Some people experience emotional release from past traumas or stress stored in the body.  There is no right or wrong or “supposed to” feel during your session.  What you feel, rather, is revealing of what’s going on inside the body.

Your therapist may ask your permission to massage your belly to assist elimination or you may do so yourself, always in a clockwise motion.

At the end of your session, speculum is slowly removed, and you will be given privacy to empty your colon of any residual water or matter.  After your session, your therapist will be there to answer any questions and go over potential additional remedies and lifestyle changes to maximize your next session and encourage true health and healing from the inside out.

For more in depth and customized support, book a Comprehensive Session with Functional Practitioner, Elizabeth Joseph, Certified Holistic Nutrition Specialist, Microbiome Certified, Colon Hydrotherapist, Instructor, Author, and former College Professor.

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What is the difference between the CLOSED COLONIC and the OPEN COLONIC?

-CLOSED COLONIC SYSTEM:
• Waste flows through hose during release.
• A therapist must administer the session also providing expertise to evaluate what comes out and possibly massage if needed.
• You’re also more likely to go DEEPER with a closed colonic since the water pressure is much lower; at about 0.5 psi compared to 2 psi.
• We recommend the CLOSED for first timers unless you’re going days or weeks without a bowel movement.

-OPEN COLONIC SYSTEM:
• Waste flows through a hole in device, allowing for more LARGE matter to flow through.
• The open allows you the OPTION to be by yourself, and fills at a slightly higher pressure which is more stimulating to release stuck matter.
• Open is more suited for anyone who isn’t eating enough fruits and veggies, around 1lb of each daily, OR if you’re going a 5–7 days without a bowel movement, because large pieces of matter will able to flow, allowing for a more comfortable session.
• We recommend the CLOSED for first timers unless you are going 5–7 days or more without a bowel movement.

There are 2 short videos on the differences so you can see the devices, too.

  1. What is the difference between a colonic, colon hydrotherapy and colonic irrigation?

All of these terms describe the cleansing of the colon. We use the terms interchangeably but most often say “colonics”. To learn more, please read on.

  1. How many colonic sessions does one need?

Having one colonic is the first step towards renewed health and vitality. Although it will relieve constipation, the industry standard recommends a MINIMUM of 3 (within a 5 day period) to feel significant results.

Unless you grew up on organic, uncooked fruits and vegetables and have NEVER eaten: meat, dairy, gluten, alcohol, or consumed pharmaceuticals, you most likely need 10–20 colonics to get back to baseline. It’s unrealistic to think we can undo YEARS of build-up and damage in 1 or 2 sessions.

After one has had 10–20 colonics in a 20–30 day period, and returning back to homeostasis, you can begin to evaluate how many you need on a regular basis. The number of colonics you need depends on your intestinal health, dietary habits and lifestyle choices including stress.

  1. How often should I have a colonic?

Everyone has different needs based on their diet and lifestyle. Generally speaking, the more fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables you eat, the less you’ll need because you will likely release much more during your sessions, as the matter is soft, hydrated and full of fiber which improves motility.

As a bare minimum, regular cleansing and getting colonics 3 times in a week, once a month, is part of a regular healthy lifestyle.

We generally recommend at least doing 3 colonics close together in order to properly hydrate your colon and soften any hard, impacted material. After that, we strongly recommend a series of colonics (10–20) to appreciate what colonics can do for your body and to thoroughly cleanse your colon.

Remember, the goal is to soften hardened, built-up accumulated matter that is YEARS old. Regular clients may have maintenance colonics from once a week to once a month. After a vacation is also a great time to get them.

  1. Do I need to fast before a colonic?

It isn’t necessary but can be beneficial. If you are familiar with fasting, you may know it is a good thing to do in conjunction with colonics. If you’ve never fasted before, we recommend having a colonic first and learning more about your body’s needs before jumping into a fast.

Regardless of how you eat prior to your session, you should not eat or drinking for 1.5-2 hours prior to each visit.

  1. Is colon hydrotherapy painful?

There should never, EVER be any pain during insertion. Many people say the sessions are easier and more relaxing than they thought they might be.

However, any discomfort you feel during the session is directly tied to the current state of your colon. Gas, impacted matter, lack of fiber (fruits and veggies; not powder!) all slow down motility and cause dysbiosis and thus can cause common and normal gas, cramping or nausea during the session. These sensations should pass immediately after release.

  1. How long does a colonic take?

The colonic itself can last anywhere from 40–45 minutes. Afterwards and during your session, we provide a general assessment and give you an opportunity to ask any further questions.

We offer individualized recommendations based on your session, diet and lifestyle. How many more colonics or what kind of program you might need can be discussed at this time.

  1. What can I expect afterwards?

Clients generally report a feeling of lightness and sometimes even increased mental clarity. After a series of colonics, some report weight loss, motivation to eat better, better digestion, decrease or elimination in menstrual pain, decrease in back pain, clearer skin and more.

  1. After a colonic, will I need to be close to the toilet all day?

No. Usually clients release everything while they are in our office as there is time to finish on the toilet before you go. There can be exceptions to this of course, but most clients continue their day without urgency to eliminate.

  1. Can I have a colonic if I’m on my period?

Yes. Your body is already in cleansing mode so it’s actually an optimal time to have a colonic. We are prepared to accommodate women on their period and we do not recommend wearing a tampon during the colonic as it can affect insertion.

  1. Can I have a colonic if I am pregnant?

Yes, if you are between 3–6 months pregnant (second trimester) it’s considered safe. The chances of a miscarriage are highest during the first trimester, so first trimester is considered contraindicated.

As the pregnancy progresses, increased progesterone may slow peristalsis so constipation may ensue. Colonics may help with this. However, after 6 months colonics may induce premature labor.

Please discuss this with your therapist and/or midwife and/or your Naturopathic Physician if you have any concerns. If you are pregnant and looking to have a colonic during the third trimester, we do require that you bring us a note from your doctor.

  1. How soon after childbirth can I have a colonic? Can I have one while nursing?

Wait at least 6 weeks to heal and recover from childbirth before having a colonic.

You can have a colonic while you are nursing. If you are coming in because of constipation, a colonic is much better than a laxative. Laxatives are very harsh on your intestines and can pass through breast milk.

Again, if you have recently given birth we ask that you bring a note from your doctor.

  1. What can I eat and not eat? Should I fast before a colonic?

We recommend no food or drink 2 hours prior to each session in order to increase efficiency and comfort.

Eating for your colonic will save you money. When you consume lots of fresh, RAW fruits and vegetables and limit meat, dairy and gluten a few days before your session, you will have a more productive session and release more during each visit.

  1. Will I lose weight?

You will lose waste and thus can lose pounds. The colon holds 5–10 lbs of feces for every foot, and the colon is as long as you are tall.

To lose fat from colonics you would need many colonics (10–20) and this must be done in conjunction with diet change.

Ridding the body of excess waste helps your body metabolize more efficiently and many clients improve diet and exercise habits during a series of colonics.

  1. Is colon hydrotherapy dangerous in any way?

Colon hydrotherapy is a safe, effective way of cleansing the large intestine. We use triple filtered water, disposable speculums and tubing, and medical-grade cleaners to ensure sanitation before and after every session.

  1. Are there any contraindications to having a colonic?

Yes. Contraindications include severe cardiac disease, aneurysm, severe anemia, GI hemorrhage, severe hemorrhoids, severe diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, cirrhosis, intestinal fissures/fistulas, advanced pregnancy, abdominal hernia, recent colon surgery and renal insufficiency. It’s necessary to complete your forms upon booking to ensure you can safely receive this therapy.

  1. What can I eat after a colonic?

We encourage healthy, easy-to-digest plant-based foods such as soups, salads, smoothies, organic juice or steamed vegetables.

Avoid spicy dishes, beans, dairy, meat, gluten and especially sweets.

  1. Are colonics covered by my medical insurance, HSA, or FSA?

Unfortunately we do not accept insurance, but we do accept HSA/FSA cards.

  1. Why is colon cleansing so crucial?

We are exposed to thousands of toxins daily through food, water, air and pharmaceuticals. Since 80–90% of the immune system and 90% of serotonin production lies in the gut, cleansing the colon supports immune function, detoxification, mood, hormones, skin, memory, and more.

  1. Why not just use enemas, suppositories or laxatives instead?

Enemas only cleanse the recto-sigmoid region, while colonics can cleanse the entire colon. Laxatives and suppositories can irritate and damage the colon.

Colon hydrotherapy stimulates natural peristalsis and helps establish regularity.

  1. Do you recommend supplements after a colonic session?

Each client has different needs. We may recommend probiotics, digestive enzymes, parasite cleansing products such as Para 1 and Para 3, or herbal support like Intestinal Movement depending on your situation.

  1. Will a colonic make me constipated or give me diarrhea?

No. Sometimes after a full release you may not have a bowel movement the next day because the lower colon has been emptied.

If you did not fully release, you may pass residual water later in the day. True diarrhea is extremely rare and usually related to diet or colon health rather than the colonic itself.

  1. I’m worried that I could become dependent on colonics. Are colonics habit forming?

No. Colonics stimulate the colon muscles and help them function properly. The colon is a muscle, and colonics are similar to exercise for that muscle. They do not cause dependency when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. On the contrary, we see that regular colon hydrotherapy can actually INCREASE natural bowel function and regularity.

  1. Can I get colonics while pregnant?

Yes. Colonics are considered safe during the second trimester. They are not recommended during the first trimester due to miscarriage risk or the third trimester due to the possibility of inducing labor.