Colon Hydrotherapy Information

Also known as 'colonics' and colon irrigation', this procedure involves a gentle infusion of blood-temperature into the colon via means of special disposable tubing. The water serves to soak and dislodge faecal wastes that may have become trapped in the body for reasons that may include stress, poor diet, and insufficient exercise or from other causes.

By this means, the body is able to expel wastes which it has been unable to successfully eliminate on its own, and which may have become trapped in the pockets and crevices of the colon. Once this elimination successfully occurs, a sense of well-being may return as the body is freed from recycling the toxicity of the trapped wastes.

Many clients report a sense of 'lightness', improved skin clarity, fresher breath, better mood and reduced incidence of headaches.

In general, the procedure provides many benefits, including the following:

•Re-education of the bowel muscle to improve elimination function;
•Enhanced immunity by reducing the workload of the lymphatic system;
•Reduced bloating;
•Reduction of trapped wastes and gas;
•Reduced transit time of wastes;
•Reduced toxicity;
•Improved balance of good to bad bowel bacteria;
•Improvement absorption of nutrients; and
•Reduction of IBS-like symptoms.


Prior to undertaking the procedure for the first time, a colonic therapist will take a full medical history and may ask several questions, to ascertain that this procedure is right for you.

[Please see the contra-indications list below before you book, to check that you have no conditions that would preclude you having a colonic. If you have any conditions about which you are unsure, please advise prior to booking.]

Contra-indications:

High blood pressure (anything above 145/93);
Recent abdominal or rectal surgery (for other surgery, please enquire);
Severe heart disease;
Congestive heart failure;
Aneurysm;
Liver disease;
Pregnancy (please advise before booking in, if you are pregnant);
Inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. Crohn's/Colitis
Severe anaemia;
Severe haemorrhoids (piles);
Kidney problems/dialysis;
Cancer of the colon or rectum;
Hernia (abdominal or inguinal);
Fissures;
Fistulae; and
Gastro-intestinal perforation or haemorrhage.]

If the therapist is happy to proceed, you would be asked to change into a new examination gown (our modesty will be preserved at all times). Your blood pressure would be checked and an examination of the rectum would take place on your first visit, as a safety precaution, followed by a palpation of the abdomen as you lie on the treatment couch.

The tubing would then gently be inserted about three inches into the rectum (using lubricant) and once you are comfortably positioned on the couch, the water inlet gently and slowly begins. All water used is filtered, and disposable tubing is used for maximum hygiene. The pressure is carefully controlled and is kept very low (the colonic equipment is a Pressure Gauge machine). The normal sensation to feel is a gentle arising and subsiding of the abdomen as the water goes into the body to soften, soak and dislodge hardened and trapped deposits, and is then expelled together with the wastes. There should be no pain at all. Your therapist will combine the treatment with gentle abdominal massage to facilitate the release process.

If the body is struggling with a high volume of gas, there may be some cramping towards the end of the session, in which case you may be transferred to the toilet slightly early, for reasons of comfort.

After the session on the couch is finished, you would be transferred to the toilet to expel any further wastes.

Once you are back from the toilet, follow-up advice can be given. Further colon hydrotherapy sessions may be advised for you at this point, depending upon your individual bowel conditions.

It is advisable to think of staying in the building for about 15-20 minutes once you have parted company with your therapist, to allow the body to settle. You may find you need to use the toilet again during this period, although this is not always the case.

Does it hurt?
There should be no pain at all during this treatment.

I've heard it's dangerous
With a properly qualified colonic therapist carrying out the procedure, the pressure is kept too low for any perforation of the bowel to occur. Tubing used is disposable, for maximum hygiene.

Will it be embarrassing?
No. Your therapist is trained to put you at your ease both prior to and during the session. All waste matter is expelled via tubing which carries it straight into the waste pipe through to the mains drainage.