FAQ's

What is Colon Hydrotherapy?

Colon Hydrotherapy (also known as Colon Irrigation, Colonic Irrigation, Colonic Hydrotherapy or 'Colonics' for short) is a safe abd way of cleansing the colon of toxic waste. The average person may carry around between 7 - 25lbs of toxic waste. During a treatment, filtered water, at carefully regulated temperature, under gentle gravitational pressure is gently introduced into the colon, via the rectum (bottom) using a disposable scope. Special massage techniques can be used to assist elimination of old faecal matter and trapped gas and bad bacteria.The water softens the waste and cleanses the colon of faecal matter and debris. The waste is discreetly taken down a waste drainage pipe, exactly like a toilet. There is no odour or mess.

Will I have to undress for colon hydrotherapy treatment?

Modesty and confidentiality are preserved and upheld at all times.  You will be left in peace while you remove lower undergarments in privacy and be covered with a large towel or gown.

Who should have Colon Hydrotherapy?

Colon hydrotherapy can help with constipation, diarrhoea, I.B.S, bloating, gas, haemorrhoids, Candida, headaches, acne, eczema, psoriasis, irritability, insomnia, detoxing and expelling toxins and more conditions.

What are the Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy?

After a colon hydrotherapy you should generally feel cleansed, revitalised with a sense of wellbeing and hopefully a flatter tummy!

Other benefits include:
·       Increase in energy levels
·       Better quality of sleep
·       Relief from bloating and gas
·       Improvement in mental clarity
·       Improved bowel function (eliminates
·       constipation and regulates diarrhoea)
·       Stability of appetite
·       Clearer skin & brighter eyes
·       Reduced headaches
·       Ability to absorb nutrients better from food
·       A step towards all round better health and feeling good

If your bowel is not working properly, every other organ will suffer. When the bowl is clear and in good working order, all other organs in the body can effectively do their intended job.

Many other health conditions such as circulatory, immune, inflammatory and weight problems can also often improve with colon hydrotherapy treatments when accompanied by recommended diet and lifestyle changes.

How long will a colon hydrotherapy treatment last?

The first appointment lasts for 75 minutes. The first treatment includes a consultation, where you will be asked to fill out a medical history form listing any pre-existing medical conditions and list of current medications.  Any subsequent appointment lasts one hour.  Actual treatment time is between 30-40 minutes.  You will be given adequate time to dress and visit the toilet before leaving the clinic.

Do I need to do anything to prepare before my treatment? What should I eat before and after?

Do I need to fast? No need to fast, however the avoidance of the following foods for 24 hours prior to the treatment can enhance your detox experience and facilitate the treatment. Avoid red meat, wheat (bread/pasta), white rice, dairy products, sugar, rich, heavy and spicy foods, fried foods, and alcohol.  

What should I eat? A diet rich in lightly steamed vegetables, soups or salad & fish and plenty of water/herbal teas will be highly beneficial. Making sure you are well hydrated in the days before the treatment is also advisable.

The same food consumption rules apply for 2 to 3 days after the treatment as part of your after care advice.  
On the day of your treatment it is advisable to avoid having a large meal or lots of water directly before your treatment. Leave about 2 hours after a main meal. A small 'healthy snack is fine if you are very hungry.

What will happen after the Colon Hydrotherapy? What can I expect?

You will be fine to carry on your normal day and will not be rushing to the toilet as many people fear!

Since the colon has been cleared of solid matter, it may take up to four days before it fills up again and normal bowel movements are resumed. Some water is absorbed through the colon wall during a colon hydrotherapy, and you may notice an increased need to urinate for a few hours afterwards. This beneficial effect of flushing the kidneys may also be enhanced by drinking a few glasses of water with the juice of half a lemon added to each glass. Colon hydrotherapy has a profound cleansing effect on the body and many people feel so good afterwards that they want to double their jogging or workout time. Caution is advised here, as you can overdo it! Although light to moderate exercise is good if you are used to it, any strenuous activity should be avoided 24 hours after the treatment.

Can Colon Hydrotherapy help with weight loss?

The primary motive for Colon Hydrotherapy should not be for weight loss. However, I have had clients report approximately 4-5lbs weight loss after a session. If your bowels respond well you will no longer feel bloated and tummy will feel flatter. Making the advised and appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes that Gemma can recommend, can help you with some of your weigh loss goals.

Will colon hydrotherapy wipe out my friendly bacteria?

Although large numbers of ‘friendly’ and ‘bad’ bacteria are expelled during treatment, the friendly bacteria and serotonin that are made in the bowl quickly reproduce naturally. Therefore colon environment after a treatment is usually better than before, therefore leading to a better balance of intestinal flora.  A high strength, specific strain probiotic supplement will be discussed and recommended post treatment.

Is colon hydrotherapy safe?

Yes, it is safe. Gemma is a fully qualified, registered and experienced Colon Hydrotherapist.

Individual disposable and medical grade equipment is used every treatment to the requirements of the Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapist (ARCH) and International Association and register of Integrative Colon Therapists and Trainers (RICTAT), so there is absolutely no danger of contamination of bacteria or viruses. 

Sanitation is vital to this process. All equipment is medical grade certified. The tubes, pads, and of course the speculums that we use are fully disposable. The water pressure and flow is monitored carefully throughout the treatment so there is no danger of bowel perforation. The water used is pre-filtered a few times. The treatment will not lead to a lazy bowel or become habit-forming, in fact it actually increases muscle tone and stimulates peristaltic action.

Does colon hydrotherapy hurt?

Colon hydrotherapy is not painful. It is a sensation a bit like the sensation you get when you need to go to the toilet for a bowel movement!  The cleansing will stir up a lot of old debris and toxins some people may possibly experience minor nausea, fatigue or a mild cramping sensation like mild period pain. These sensations rarely occur and will pass quickly. The treatment may be uncomfortable or 'campy' if the pre treatment food consumption advice has not been adhered to.

Can everybody have colon hydrotherapy? 

Most people can benefit for colon hydrotherapy, including men. In fact, as many men as women have colon hydrotherapy. There are a few conditions where you cannot be treated.  Contra indications to Colon Hydrotherapy treatment include:
Severe fissures, fistulas, kidney dialysis, congenital heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled high blood pressure ( no greater than 160/95), Severe haemorrhoids, ulcerated Crohn’s, colitis, diverticulitis, uncontrolled epilepsy, pregnancy, pacemaker, part of bowel removed, surgery in the last 3 months (6 months if abdominal surgery), Implanted organs. Please visit the contra indications page for further information and contact Gemma if you are unsure of your suitability for treatment.