If you are considering colonic irrigation for the first time, it is natural to have questions about what happens during the treatment, how to prepare and what you may feel afterwards.

At Parkland Natural Health in Holborn, London, we want you to understand the procedure before deciding whether it is right for you. Every appointment includes a consultation and health screening, and your therapist will explain the treatment and answer any questions you may have.

Below you will find answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked about colonic irrigation, also known as colon hydrotherapy.

What is colonic irrigation?

Colonic irrigation, also known as colon hydrotherapy, is a procedure in which filtered, temperature-controlled water is gently introduced into the large intestine through the rectum.

Water enters and leaves the colon through specialist equipment, allowing bowel contents and gas to pass out through the system.

The treatment is carried out by a trained colon hydrotherapist who remains with you throughout the procedure.

Is colonic irrigation the same as colon hydrotherapy?

Yes. The terms colonic irrigation and colon hydrotherapy generally describe the same procedure.

You may also see terms such as colonic, colon cleanse or colonic lavage used to describe it.

At Parkland Natural Health, we generally use the terms colonic irrigation and colon hydrotherapy.

What type of colonic irrigation system do you use?

At Parkland Natural Health we use a closed-system, gravity-fed colon hydrotherapy system.

Filtered water is introduced gently into the colon through the equipment, while water and bowel contents leave through a separate enclosed tube.

Because it is a closed system, waste remains contained within the equipment throughout the treatment.

Your therapist remains with you and can adjust the treatment according to your comfort and response.

What happens during a colonic irrigation appointment?

Before treatment begins, your therapist will discuss your health history and check whether there are any reasons why colon hydrotherapy may not be suitable for you.

The procedure will then be explained and you will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Once you are comfortable and covered for privacy, a small disposable rectal tube is gently inserted.

Filtered water warmed to approximately body temperature is gradually introduced into the colon. The therapist controls the treatment and may use gentle abdominal massage where appropriate.

Water, gas and bowel contents then leave through the closed system.

Communication continues throughout the appointment, and the treatment can be adjusted or stopped if necessary.

Is colonic irrigation painful?

Colonic irrigation should not normally be painful.

The sensations are unfamiliar to many first-time clients, and you may occasionally experience temporary fullness, pressure or mild abdominal cramping as the bowel responds to the water.

Your therapist monitors how you are feeling throughout the treatment and can adjust the water flow or pause the procedure if you become uncomfortable.

Please tell your therapist immediately if you experience pain.

Is having a colonic embarrassing?

Many first-time clients worry about this more than anything else.

The treatment is carried out privately and discreetly, and maintaining your dignity is an important part of the procedure.

Once the small tube has been inserted, you remain covered. Because we use a closed system, bowel contents pass directly through enclosed tubing rather than into an open container.

Your therapist is accustomed to performing the procedure professionally and will explain what is happening throughout the appointment.

Do I need to prepare before colonic irrigation?

Extensive preparation is not normally necessary.

We recommend avoiding a heavy meal immediately before your appointment. Eating lightly for approximately two hours beforehand can make abdominal massage and the treatment itself more comfortable.

It is also sensible to remain normally hydrated.

There is no requirement to fast or take laxatives before your appointment unless specifically advised by an appropriate healthcare professional for another reason.

If you have questions about preparation, please contact us before your appointment.

Should I empty my bowels before a colonic?

You do not need to have a bowel movement before your appointment.

If you naturally need to use the toilet beforehand, that is perfectly fine, but it is not a requirement for receiving treatment.

How long does colonic irrigation take?

The colon hydrotherapy part of an appointment commonly takes around 30–45 minutes, although this varies from person to person.

Additional time is needed for consultation, preparation and aftercare.

Your therapist will not try to achieve a particular amount of cleansing within a fixed time. The treatment is adapted according to how your body responds.

What kind of water is used?

At Parkland Natural Health we use filtered water warmed to approximately body temperature.

The water temperature and flow are controlled during treatment and can be adjusted according to your comfort.

No bowel-cleansing medication is required as part of an ordinary colon hydrotherapy treatment.

Does the therapist stay in the room?

Yes.

Parkland Natural Health uses therapist-administered closed-system colon hydrotherapy. Your therapist remains with you during the treatment.

This enables the therapist to monitor your comfort, control the water flow and temperature, communicate with you and use gentle abdominal massage where appropriate.

What can I expect after colonic irrigation?

Experiences vary.

Many clients are able to continue their usual activities immediately after their appointment.

You may notice changes in bowel activity during the hours following treatment. Some people have another bowel movement relatively soon afterwards, while others may not have one until later or the following day.

Temporary sensations such as mild abdominal activity, tiredness or feeling slightly chilled can occasionally occur.

If you experience persistent or concerning symptoms after treatment, seek appropriate medical advice.

Can I eat after having a colonic?

Yes.

You can normally eat after colon hydrotherapy.

Many people prefer a moderate, easily digested meal and adequate fluids afterwards rather than a particularly heavy meal or excessive alcohol.

There is no requirement to follow a special detox diet after your treatment.

Can I go back to work after a colonic?

Usually, yes.

Most clients are able to continue their normal daily activities after the appointment, including returning to work.

If this is your first treatment and you are unsure how you will feel afterwards, you may simply prefer to leave yourself a little extra time.

Will colonic irrigation give me diarrhoea or make me constipated?

Bowel patterns can vary temporarily after treatment.

Some people may have another bowel movement during the following few hours, while others may experience a temporary delay before their next bowel movement.

Persistent diarrhoea, significant pain, bleeding or other unusual symptoms should not simply be assumed to be a normal effect of colon hydrotherapy and should be medically assessed.

Will one colonic completely empty my colon?

No — and completely emptying the colon is not the aim of the treatment.

The digestive system is continuously functioning and receiving material from the small intestine.

The response to colon hydrotherapy varies considerably between individuals. Trying to judge the success of a treatment simply by the quantity of material released is therefore not particularly useful.

How many colonic irrigation sessions do I need?

There is no single number that is right for everyone.

Some clients book one session. Others choose a short course or have treatment periodically.

Your therapist can discuss your objectives and previous experience with you, but you are under no obligation to book a course of treatments.

Treatment frequency should always take into account your health, response to previous sessions and individual circumstances.

Does colonic irrigation remove beneficial gut bacteria?

This is a common concern.

The large intestine naturally contains a very complex microbiome. Colon hydrotherapy introduces water into the colon and removes water and bowel contents, but it would be misleading to claim that the treatment either permanently removes the intestinal microbiome or automatically increases beneficial bacteria.

The gut microbiome continually changes in response to many factors, particularly diet, medications, health and lifestyle.

If you have specific concerns about your gut microbiome or digestive health, discuss them with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Does colonic irrigation remove nutrients from the body?

Most absorption of nutrients from food takes place earlier in the digestive tract, particularly in the small intestine.

The colon is principally involved in water and electrolyte absorption and contains a substantial bacterial population.

Colon hydrotherapy should nevertheless be used appropriately rather than regarded as something that needs to be performed excessively.

Can colonic irrigation help with constipation or bloating?

People sometimes seek colon hydrotherapy because they experience constipation, abdominal bloating or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Individual experiences following treatment vary and improvement cannot be guaranteed.

Persistent constipation, unexplained changes in bowel habits, significant abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms require appropriate medical assessment rather than simply being treated with colon hydrotherapy.

Your therapist will also ask about your bowel health during your consultation.

Can colonic irrigation treat IBS or other medical conditions?

Colon hydrotherapy should not be presented as a treatment or cure for medical diseases.

Some clients with digestive concerns choose colon hydrotherapy as a complementary wellbeing treatment, but symptoms associated with conditions such as IBS can also occur with other gastrointestinal disorders.

If you have an existing medical diagnosis or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, appropriate medical assessment should form part of your healthcare.

Certain bowel conditions are also contraindications to colon hydrotherapy.

Who should not have colonic irrigation?

Colon hydrotherapy is not suitable for everyone.

There are a number of medical contraindications, including certain active inflammatory bowel conditions, bowel obstruction, some cardiovascular or kidney conditions, recent abdominal or bowel surgery, active rectal conditions and other circumstances.

This is why we carry out a health-screening questionnaire and consultation before treatment.

Please tell your therapist about:

diagnosed gastrointestinal conditions;
previous abdominal or bowel surgery;
heart or kidney conditions;
medications, particularly anticoagulants;
pregnancy;
unexplained rectal bleeding;
recent changes in bowel habits;
significant abdominal pain;
any other relevant medical condition.

If there is any uncertainty about whether colon hydrotherapy is appropriate, treatment may be postponed and you may be advised to obtain medical guidance first.

Is colonic irrigation safe?

Colon hydrotherapy has recognised contraindications and should therefore only be carried out after appropriate health screening.

At Parkland Natural Health, attention is given to hygiene, privacy, appropriate equipment and communication throughout the procedure.

We use a closed colon hydrotherapy system, filtered temperature-controlled water and appropriate single-use components.

Your therapist also monitors your response throughout the treatment.

No complementary therapy is completely without potential risk, which is why it is important to provide accurate information about your medical history before treatment.

Is there any aftercare advice?

After your appointment, you can normally return to your usual routine.

We generally suggest:

drinking fluids normally;
eating according to your appetite;
choosing a reasonably light meal if your abdomen feels sensitive;
avoiding excessive alcohol immediately afterwards;
paying attention to how your digestive system responds.

Your therapist can provide individual aftercare advice at the end of your appointment.

How much does colonic irrigation cost?

The price depends on the treatment you select.

Parkland Natural Health offers individual colon hydrotherapy sessions as well as several treatment variations and packages.

Because prices and available treatments can change, please check our current online booking options for the latest price before booking.

What if this is my first colonic?

First appointments often come with many questions, and that is completely normal.

We will explain the procedure before treatment begins, review your health questionnaire and give you an opportunity to ask anything you would like clarified.

There is no need to know what to do during the procedure. Your therapist will guide you throughout the appointment.

Where is Parkland Natural Health?

Parkland Natural Health is located in Holborn, Central London, close to Holborn Underground station.

Our clinic provides closed-system colon hydrotherapy in a private treatment environment.

Still have questions about colonic irrigation?

If there is something we have not answered here, please contact Parkland Natural Health before booking.

We would rather you ask questions and understand the procedure fully before deciding whether colon hydrotherapy is right for you.

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Colonic Irrigation FAQ – Your Questions Answered