Your Questions Answered

A full consultation and medical history will be taken beforehand.

What does the treatment consist of?

Colonic hydrotherapy as it is also known, consists of slowly introducing warm filtered water into the colon, under gentle and very low pressure. As the colon fills, the water is drained away through a large tube, that will take faecal debris away with it.  Massage is used to stimulate and release waste.

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment is not painful; you may feel a sensation like you want to break wind.

What is the treatment good for?

It brings relief and benefits such as treating Irritable bowel syndrome, Constipation, Indigestion, Heart  burn, bloating to name but a few. Often conventional medicine can inflame the bowel and make conditions such as IBS worse.  Often GPs are at a loss as to how to treat conditions such as IBS. Having a gentle treatment such as colonics can have immense effects and give great relief to people.

How much faecal debris can come out?

On average around 3 to 5lbs can be expelled.   25lbs has been known to have been eliminated but this is probably due to poor bowel training, lifestyle, and excessive stress which contribute to this type of bowel dysfunction.

Can colonics help with diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is often caused by pathogenic organisms or an irritant. Colonics can help to flush them out. Diarrhoea can often be caused by constipation, having a colonic can help in restoring a health bowel in either situation.

How long does it take to clean out the bowel?

It depends on the person and their colon/lifestyle. This will be discussed after treatment as best to move forward. Some people can have 1 to around 6 treatments to really flush out and maintain a healthy bowel.

Is it possible to overstretch the colon

If you have a medical practitioner who is highly trained and regulated by a governing body and is fully insured, this is unlikely. What is often seen are those individuals taking their bowel and colons for granted and this type of mismanagement of the bowel often leads to distorted and out of shape or over stretched colons. Therefore colonics can go some way to minimise misadventure and can bring the colon back into shape and get it working more efficiently.

Does the colonics wash out the good bacteria in the bowel?

Most of the bacteria living in the colon will be expelled, including putrefactive bacteria and parasites. With the removal of old waste there is a better chance for the colonisation of good bacteria.

It’s often a good idea to take a good probiotic to restock the bowel flora and eat healthily afterwards to encourage good bacteria’s to multiply, I can help in advising you on this if this is something you may want to explore further.

Does colonics wash away vitamins and minerals?

Most people cannot assimilate vitamins and minerals properly through their colons due to high toxin levels and waste. In removing these toxins, people are able to assimilate their vitamins and minerals much more effectively, so colonic therapy can really help in this area.

How long does it take for me to feel better after a colonic?

This is difficult to say as everybody is different. Within 48 hours you may feel better but some people will feel extremely tired. As toxins are expelled during a colonic treatment, old toxins are being stirred up in the body and some people may feel unwell because of this process. Before they are completely expelled you may feel that it takes time to feel better.

Can you use other things in colon hydrotherapy?

Yes historically herbs have been used and these are a useful addition to your treatment if you want to work on a specific area within the body. For example, if you feel you have been excessive in drinking over a certain period of time, then we can use certain herbs to try and bring back some equilibrium.

Is there danger of transmitting disease through colonics?

Again if you have a good therapist who takes hygiene very seriously. All equipment being sterile and equipment that is used is individual to each person that comes into the clinic and then their specific waste is disposed of as clinical waste, then you minimise the risk of contamination.

Are there any circumstances where colonics are not recommended?

Yes, if a patient has severe cardiac disease, high blood pressure, severe anaemia, gastrointestinal perforation, severe haemorrhoids, cirrhosis, carcinoma of the colon or rectum, pregnancy, abdominal hernia, recent colon or abdominal surgery, renal insufficiency or severe prostrate problems then colonics are not recommended. A full history will be taken at the time and we can discuss these areas further.

Does it smell, whilst having a treatment?

The treatment does not smell, as it goes into a tube straight into the waste pipes. The toilet has very efficient extractor fans.

What is the process?

You will be asked after a long discussion to talk about any fears or concerns you will be asked to remove your clothing waist down in the bathroom and asked to wrap a towel that is provided around you. You will then be asked to lie on the couch onto your left hand side initially. All speculums are sterile and are small in size as the therapist checks the rectum for any problems. Once the tube is inserted the water will be gently introduced.

How should I prepare?

Try to increase your water consumption 1 to 2 litres of water per day and cut out coffee tea and alcohol for several days prior to the consultation.

If you’re constipated I would suggest taking two heaped table spoons of linseeds available from health shops.

Two days before try to cut out processed foods and increase fresh fruit and vegetables.

When will I have a bowel movement after?

Generally after around 36-48 hours. Keep eating lightly and drink lots of water.

How long has colonic irrigation been around?

There is reference to it in the Bible and the Yogis of India were known to use their own method of physically cleansing the bowel. The first known colonic irrigations were practiced by the Egyptians around 1500 BC.

What are the benefits of colonics?

We all want a healthy bowel, as it is seen as the gateway to good health. Having efficient absorption can increase the benefits of the vitamins and minerals we take in each day. If you want to decrease constipation, acid reflux, bloating, have regular bowel eliminations. It rides the body of toxic residue and any parasites or fungi. It leaves you energised and healthier. Colonics also stimulate the peristaltic action of the bowel, which means to move the waste through the body more effectively strengthening and reshaping the colon, this in turn helps nutrients, oxygen and blood flow to all parts of the colon to bring about easier and painless eliminations.

Other benefits include improved sleep and visibly clearer skin.

What else do I need to know?

The process is very hygienic, having been a nurse I take hygience very seriously.  Each client has their own medically sealed disposable tubing.  I use sterile gloves and all the equipment is cleaned regularly with Milton.

Herbs and probiotics can be introduced if needed.

Children under 15 years cannot be treated.

For some people, maintaining healthy habits may be hard, but colonics will help at least to keep things ticking over.

Before and After Care

Hydrate the bowel 7 days prior to the colonic treatment by drinking 2 litres of water a day.

After treatment, take it easy.  The colonic effects can be felt days after and some experience headaches and feeling tired but these symptoms soon disappear.

Products and Supplements

I use only environmental and sustainable products in my clinic such as Ecover and Faith in Nature, I also use Neals Yard Organic products for hand washing and have the whole range of products if clients wish to purchase them.

I can also suggest supplementation to assist with treatment and further testing.