We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about colon hydrotherapy.

If you have a specific question that we have not answered below, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help you.

Q. What is Colon Hydrotherapy?

A. Colon Hydrotherapy involves the gentle infusion of warm filtered and sterilised water into your colon via a small tube, inserted approximately 1-1.5 inches into the rectum. This is a continual bathing process which allows the build up of waste matter and toxins to be softened and loosened and then evacuated through your own body’s natural peristaltic action, which is gently stimulated by the water.

Q. What is the LIBBE System of Colon Hydrotherapy?

A. The open LIBBE system is the latest technology in Colonic Hydrotherapy. Known as the Rolls-Royce of Colon Hydrotherapy treatments, this system gives you more control over your own treatment as well as a high level of privacy, as the therapist does not need to be present at all times. Pencil-thin sterile and disposable rectal tubes are used in combination with an ergonomically-designed bed, which allows for easy insertion of the tube by yourself.

Q. Is the procedure safe and sanitary?

A. We use the latest-technology medical-grade equipment and disposable apparatus, superior even to sterilisation. Our equipment is hygienically cleaned and made ‘new’ every session. 

Q. How should I prepare for my colonic?

A. To make the treatment a comfortable experience it is advisable to avoid eating a large meal immediately beforehand. We suggest avoiding red meat, coffee, alcohol, sugar, processed/fried foods and wheat products due to the inflammatory and toxifying effect they have on the body. 

Q. How will I feel after the treatment?

A. Following the treatment, some people feel a burst of energy, and others may feel tired. Both feelings are completely normal, and can often be indicative of your general toxic load and the current state of your health. 

Q. What should I do after my treatment?

A. It’s important to drink plenty of water after your colonic to help your body continue to flush out toxins. As for diet, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables (preferably raw or gently steamed if your body is not used to a high-raw diet). Avoid red meat, alcohol, caffeine and sugar.

Q. When will I have my next bowel movement?

A. It’s completely normal NOT to have a bowel movement the day after your colonic. You’ve just expelled a large amount of waste, and it can take time before the colon muscles are strengthened enough to properly move digested food through your system.

Q. Will one colonic completely empty the colon?

A. Almost never. Clients often have 5 or more kilos of impacted waste inside them. Our colon is about 5.5 feet long which is about how tall most of us are, so you can see that there is a very large area to properly and thoroughly cleanse. When the waste lining your colon walls has become hardened and rubbery substantial work must be done to restore optimum conditions.

Q. How many treatments do I need?

A. This depends on your own personal health needs. Your therapist will discuss what you hope to achieve and suggest they best ways to reach your goals.

Q. Is the treatment embarrassing or uncomfortable?

A. No mess, no odour! Your dignity is always maintained with proper draping in a private room. Most people find a colonic treatment a thoroughly comfortable experience. If there is impaction in the large intestines there may be some discomfort and some cramping as this is expelled, however once removed the treatment is pleasant and relaxing.

Q. Is the procedure painful?

A. When used correctly, a colonic should never be painful. Some clients can feel a little discomfort or unfamiliar feelings when the muscles of the colon contract – this just feels like cramping or gas with pressure in the rectum, and is completely normal. These feelings usually precede a big release of accumulated waste, and clients quickly feel much better once this waste is eliminated. Most of the time, your experience will be mild and gentle with a wonderfully light and empty feeling afterwards. But be warned, many people actually find the whole experience quite addictive!

Q. Is it safe to have a colonic during menstruation?

A. Colonic Hydrotherapy can be very good during this time as it will help decrease the cramps and bloating often associated with menstruation.

Q. Do I need to see my doctor before a colonic or get a referral?

A. You do not need to get a referral or have an examination from a doctor before getting a colonic, but if you have health concern and you would like to tell your doctor before having a colonic then please do.

If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, severe haemorrhoids or anal fissures, rectal or intestinal tumours, diverticulitis, acute liver failure, an abdominal hernia, sever anaemia, lupus or an aneurysm then colonics are not recommended. 

Q. What other benefits may I expect from colon hydrotherapy?

A. Colon Hydrotherapy is a valuable procedure used to assist the body with a wide variety of colon-related conditions. Our clients tell us they experience a wide range of benefits after their colonics, including more energy, clearer skin, weight loss, improved posture, flatter tummies, stronger immune function, relief of headaches, less fatigue and improved bowel function.

Q. What is the difference between Open System and Closed System colonics?

A. The 'Open System' we use at Sunshine Colonics is the most updated technology in Colon Hydrotherapy. This gentle gravity-fed system allows you to be in a private room without a therapist, after some education on how the system operates. This does not mean you are left completely as the practitioner is only just behind the door. During your treatment you naturally control how much water you take in and you are able to push/release as needed on your own. The pencil-thin rectal tube on the 'Open System' is much smaller than the speculum of the 'Closed System' which can be greater than an inch wide. 'Closed System' colonics are an older technology where a therapist inserts the speculum and is with you at all times, so you do not have as much privacy. The practitioner is also in control of how much water you take in. Most of our clients prefer the 'Open System'.

Q. What is the difference between a Colonic and an Enema?

A. Enemas are used to cleanse the lower part of the colon whereas a course of colonic treatments will provide a greater degree of cleansing by removing any impacted matter from the greater colon. Colonic irrigation can help the return of peristalsis which encourages the colon muscles to regain tone thereby leading to more regular bowel movements.

Q. Will laxatives or enemas accomplish the same results?

A. Using an enema you are missing about 4 feet of the colon. During a colonic, the water goes all the way through 5 feet of the colon. Laxatives are irritants and leave behind impacted toxins and waste on the walls of the colon.

Q. Does colon hydrotherapy wash away my good bacteria?

A. If your bowel is toxic (through poor diet, antibiotic use and other lifestyle factors) you have little or no good intestinal flora to begin with. Unlike your blood which needs to be slightly alkaline, your digestive system actually needs stomach acids to function correctly (a pH of 5.5-7.0 is ideal for the colon). The helpful bacteria can only lie in an acidic environment whereas the harmful ones thrive in an alkaline environment. This is why acid-producing probiotics like acidophilus are so effective at slowing and even reversing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Years of improper eating, lack of exercise and poor elimination contributes to an alkaline colon. A series of colon cleansing treatments changes the gut environment from alkaline to acid, which combined with good diet and gentle exercise can make it easier for your body to regulate the ideal alkalinity of your blood (7.35-7.45).