
Frequently asked questions for colonic hydrotherapy
Frequently asked questions
Colonic hydrotherapy is an effective and natural method for cleansing the colon of waste and toxins while hydrating the body. During the procedure, warm filtered water is gently introduced into the colon at low pressure, aiding in the dislodging and flushing of faecal and mucoid plaque and toxins. This water is introduced and expelled through a small, sterile, single-use tube inserted into the rectum. The procedure typically lasts around 45 minutes, providing a thorough and revitalising cleanse.
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered water in the days leading up to your colonic. However, we recommend reducing your water intake about an hour beforehand.
We also suggest having a small, healthy meal 2–3 hours before your session to help keep your blood sugar stable during treatment.
To help ensure a more comfortable and effective cleanse, try to avoid foods and drinks that may cause gas, bloating, or dehydration for a day or two before your appointment. Examples include beans, lentils, wheat, barley, rye, dairy, broccoli, cauliflower, other cruciferous vegetables, mushrooms, onions, garlic, apples, carbonated drinks, sugar, alcohol, and coffee.
This is not mandatory, but it will help ensure a more comfortable and effective treatment.
Upon arrival, you’ll complete a new client consultation form if you haven’t already done so online. Your therapist will review your health history, explain the procedure in detail, and answer any questions you may have. You’ll then use the bathroom to empty your bladder, remove clothing from the waist down, lie comfortably on the treatment bed, and cover yourself with a towel.
A small, sterile speculum will be gently inserted, and you’ll be guided to roll onto your back. Warm, filtered water will then be introduced to hydrate and flush the colon. You may experience mild cramping, which usually passes quickly as waste and toxins are released. This process is repeated as needed, often with gentle abdominal massage to encourage natural elimination.
During your session, your therapist will also discuss your digestive health and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Once the session is complete, the water flow will be stopped and the speculum gently removed. You can then use the private bathroom for any final release, get dressed, and return to reception to book your next appointment.
Afterwards, you'll likely feel more hydrated and lighter, with less bloating and a boost in energy and mental clarity. Depending on your individual health and colon condition, multiple sessions may be recommended to achieve the best results.
The number of colonics needed varies based on individual health goals and digestive conditions. For detoxification or chronic constipation relief, most people begin with 3 to 6 sessions over several weeks.
Additional treatments may be required if the colon is heavily impacted by faecal and mucoid plaque. A personalised, more intensive plan can help restore balance and promote long-term digestive health. Under the guidance of a certified colon therapist, these extra sessions can target deeper blockages, improving overall well-being and supporting thorough detoxification.
Many individuals schedule monthly or quarterly sessions for ongoing maintenance to maintain optimal digestive function. The ideal number of colonics should be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring safety and effectiveness in achieving your desired results.
Colonic hydrotherapy offers a variety of health benefits:
Improved Digestion: Helps alleviate constipation, bloating, and indigestion by clearing waste and improving bowel function.
Increased Energy: By flushing out toxins and improving nutrient absorption, many experience a noticeable boost in energy levels.
Detoxification: Colonics help remove toxins from the body, reducing the overall toxic load and supporting natural detoxification.
Relief from Constipation: Encourages regular bowel movements, softens stool, and relieves constipation.
Reduced Bloating: Removes trapped gas and waste, reducing bloating and discomfort.
Weight Loss Support: Colonics can support weight loss and improve metabolism by reducing the toxic load, promoting healthy digestion, and alleviating bloating.
Enhanced Mental Clarity: Many clients report improved mental sharpness and clarity following a session, likely due to removing toxins and better digestion.
Skin Health: Colonics can help improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne by detoxifying the body and promoting clearer, healthier skin.
Improve Mood and Reduce Anxiety: Colonics may improve mood and reduce anxiety due to the connection between gut health and mental well-being, often referred to as the gut-brain axis.
Increased Hydration: Infusing warm, filtered water during the procedure helps rehydrate the colon, improving overall hydration.
Overall, colon hydrotherapy supports digestion, detoxifies the body, boosts energy, assists with weight loss, improves skin conditions, and promotes better hydration.
Even with regular bowel movements, the accumulation of mucus, fecal plaque, and toxins in the colon can still occur. Our bodies are constantly exposed to environmental toxins from processed foods, chemicals, pesticides, and pollutants, which can impact physical and mental well-being.
Clearing the colon of waste supports detoxification, benefiting the liver, blood, kidneys, and lymphatic system. Many clients are surprised by the amount of waste and mucus expelled during a colonic and report feeling lighter, less bloated, and more energized. Even those without constipation often experience improved mental clarity.
Colonics offer so much more than just the relief of constipation!
After a colonic, giving your body time to recover and maintain balance is important.
Here are some tips to support this process:
Heavy meals: Avoid large, greasy meals. Choose light, easy-to-digest options such as low-sugar fruits, vegetables, and broths. Small portions of protein are also fine—ease back into it.
Caffeine and alcohol: These can dehydrate your body and interfere with the detox process.
Intense exercise: Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Light exercise is fine.
Processed or sugary foods: These can stress your digestive system and diminish the benefits of the colonic.
Stress: Minimise stress where possible to support optimal digestive health.
Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered water, which helps flush out toxins. Always follow any specific aftercare instructions from your therapist for the best results.
No, colonics enhance colon muscle tone and peristalsis, supporting overall health when done regularly. A skilled colon therapist will guide you toward a well-functioning colon. After a colonic, fecal matter may take several days to migrate through the colon, which can be mistaken for dependency. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments can also help maintain a healthy, well-functioning colon.
We use only carefully filtered, clean water for every treatment. Sydney water is connected directly to our Herrmann Hydromat colonic machine, where it passes through a rigorous 3-stage osmotic filtration system. This advanced system removes impurities, chemicals, and unwanted particles to ensure the water is exceptionally pure and safe.
Once filtered, the water is gently warmed to a controlled therapeutic temperature for maximum comfort during your treatment. Our filtration and hygiene processes meet high industry standards, giving you complete peace of mind that your colonic is performed with the highest level of cleanliness and care.
Yes, you can! This can be an excellent time for a colonic, as your body is already in a natural cleansing phase, and the release of progesterone helps relax your muscles. If you're feeling tired, bloated, or irritable, a colonic can help relieve these symptoms and further support your body's natural cleansing process.
Type 1 Diabetes: Colon hydrotherapy's hydration process may lower blood sugar levels. It is recommended to eat before your session and bring your medication to ensure your safety.
Low Blood Pressure: The hydration from colon hydrotherapy may lower blood pressure. To ensure your safety, eat beforehand, notify your therapist, and take your time before leaving the session to prevent any issues.
Rectal Prolapse: Please inform your therapist if you have a rectal prolapse, as this may require special consideration during the treatment.
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority. For this reason, there are some health conditions that mean colonic hydrotherapy may not be appropriate. If any of the following apply to you, please contact us for further guidance:
Pregnancy (confirmed or suspected)
Cancer of the colon, rectum, or gastrointestinal tract
Acute abdominal pain
Recent gastrointestinal or rectal bleeding
Congestive heart failure
Uncontrolled hypertension
Recent heart attack or heart disease
History of seizures or epilepsy
Carcinoma of the rectum
Recent abdominal, colon, or rectal surgery (within six months)
Intestinal perforation
Strangulated abdominal or inguinal hernia
Diverticulitis (active or chronic)
Ulcerative colitis (active or chronic)
Crohn’s disease (active or chronic)
Rectal or abdominal tumors
Severe or uncontrolled anaemia
Liver disease or cirrhosis
Renal insufficiency or kidney disease
General debilitation
Vascular or intracranial aneurysm
Severe haemorrhoids
Anal fissures or fistula
Colostomy or ileostomy
Very low body weight or low BMI
Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
Dysautonomia or autonomic nervous system disorders
Severe anxiety, emotional distress, or psychoses
Immunosuppression or compromised immune system
Recent joint replacements (hip, knee, or shoulder)
Please note: In the event of a contraindication, a colonic will not be performed.
No, colon hydrotherapy is a health procedure conducted in a clean, private space. Your therapist will ensure your comfort and privacy throughout the session.
While feeling nervous at first is normal, many find the experience more relaxing than they expected. Your therapist will guide you, address any questions, and maintain your dignity. The closed system eliminates mess and odour, and most clients feel at ease, often wishing they had tried it sooner.
Colon hydrotherapy is a safe, gentle treatment when done with proper equipment and expertise. We use single-use, pre-packaged tubes and rectal speculums to ensure hygiene and colon protection, following strict cleanliness protocols for a worry-free experience.
Our certified staff prioritise your well-being. After each session, the room is cleaned, fresh linen is provided, and all equipment is sanitised. Your safety is our top priority, so please review the contraindications and complete the waiver form accurately.
Enemas and suppositories typically affect the rectum and sigmoid colon (the last 12 inches of the colon). Colonics cleanse the entire colon, stimulate peristalsis and recondition colon muscles, and promote long-term digestive health.
Laxatives offer temporary relief from constipation but don't address its root causes and can worsen dehydration, which exacerbates the condition. In contrast, colon hydrotherapy targets the underlying issue, supporting colon health and providing a more effective solution for chronic constipation.
While laxatives can cause dependency and weaken the colon's natural function, colon hydrotherapy offers comprehensive benefits not provided by enemas or suppositories.
Maintaining a healthy colon and microbiome is crucial for overall well-being. Both helpful and harmful bacteria are flushed from the colon during colon hydrotherapy. However, the microbiome in the small intestine remains intact, and beneficial bacteria that reside on the colon walls are typically preserved.
The key to gut health is keeping a balanced microbiome. If harmful pathogens, yeast, bacteria, or parasites accumulate in the colon, removing them and repopulating the colon with good bacteria can enhance gut health. This can be supported through a diet rich in prebiotics and, when necessary, supplementing with a broad species probiotic.
We suggest having a small, healthy meal 2–3 hours before your session to help maintain stable blood sugar levels during treatment. However, try not to eat within 2 hours of your colonic as this may cause you some discomfort.
To support a more comfortable and effective cleanse, it’s best to steer clear of foods and drinks that may cause gas, bloating, or dehydration for a day or two before your appointment. These include beans, lentils, wheat, barley, rye, dairy, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cauliflower), mushrooms, onions, garlic, apples, fizzy drinks, sugar, alcohol, and coffee.
After a colonic, most people feel just fine - many even describe feeling lighter, more refreshed, or less bloated. You may notice a mild urge to use the bathroom again or some cramping, but this usually passes quickly.
Staying hydrated and eating light, balanced meals afterwards can help support your digestion and overall comfort.
