What is the difference between a colonic, colon hydrotherapy and colonic irrigation?
All of these terms describe the cleansing of the colon. These terms are used interchangeably but most often we say ‘colonics’.
Should I see a doctor before having my colon hydrotherapy?
It is always a good idea to consult your doctor, but a medical examination is not required. We only use FDA approved devices by I-ACT certified colon hydrotherapists. Pregnant ladies and persons with certain medical conditions, however, should not have colon hydrotherapy.
Contraindication: Colon Hydrotherapy is NOT recommended for people with extreme or uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, aneurysm, severe anemia, GI hemorrhage/perforation, severe hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, carcinoma of the colon, fissures, fistulas, abdominal hernias, colon surgery, rectal or colon abnormalities and current pregnancy.
How do I know if I need colon hydrotherapy?
Even the healthiest of colons can benefit from a colon hydrotherapy session, if anything to simply hydrate the colon, ensure proper bowel movement and expel any stored up gas and toxins. Most of us only have one bowel movement per day, which is already a sign of constipation. If you have frequent headaches, colds, gas, bloating, fatigue, constipation, impaired digestion, candida, bad breath, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, migraines, allergies, depression, poor circulation, unsatisfied hunger, diarrhea, body odor, blemished skin, irritability, confusion, overweight, difficulty concentration, intense sugar cravings, parasites… you could benefit from a colon hydrotherapy session.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. You will be attended by a professionally trained and skilled I-ACT (internationally accredited) colon hydrotherapist that utilizes safe FDA approved equipment. Sterile-disposable tubing and speculums are used with each treatment to prevent any contamination. The filling water pressure is gravity-fed from a minimum of ¼ psi and never more than 2psi, and the water temperature and flow are carefully monitored by the therapist with feedback from the client. The equipment is disinfected after each use including handles, floor, and door knobs.
Will it hurt?
No. The Client self-inserts the speculum no more than 2 inches to ensure comfort with that part of the procedure. A medical grade Vaseline lubricant is offered for extra ease (we do carry a water-based lubricant as well). If you experience pain, it is because the colon is not used to working efficiently or it is trying to push out dry, hard fecal matter. When the colon can’t push out fecal matter out daily, it can become weak. Colonics help to increase colon muscle strength. When the colon, which is a muscle, is contracting, you may experience some abdominal cramping or gas, which only lasts a few minutes. It is best to relax and let the colon do its job. The pain will disappear once the colon becomes strong and gets rid of the old fecal matter or gas. This cramping is often described like diarrhea cramps.
Is it embarrassing?
No one likes to talk about colonics and defecation, but we try our best to keep your dignity and the aim is to make your therapy a pleasant experience. Therapy is performed in a private room. You are provided with a gown and a blanket that you drape over your body. FDA approved devices are used so no uncomfortable or embarrassing odor will exist during colon hydrotherapy. The benefits you will reap after a colonic will surely surpass any embarrassing moments or nervousness. Congratulations for considering your health over your pride.
How long is a session?
At your first appointment, I block out extra time. There is a form to fill out during your first visit, and some device and/or digestive anatomy explanations. I also don’t know how you will react, some clients experience nausea or have tube insertion difficulties. The actual time on the table will be 60 minutes and some want time before and after to use the restroom. so please allot on about 2 hours for your initial visit. Each visit thereafter will take about 1.25 hours in total.
Will a colonic clean my small intestine?
No. There is a valve separating the small intestine from the large intestine (colon) called the Ileocecal valve. It is a one-way valve, allowing chime (digested food) to pass from the small intestine to the large. Once it has passed through this valve into the colon, it cannot go back into the small intestine. There is no need to ‘close the valve’ as this is regulated by your body.
How long is the large intestine (colon)?
The large intestine is usually 5 to 7 feet long and 2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter.
Are colonics habit-forming?
No. The colon is made up of smooth tissue muscle. Having a colonic is like going to the gym for your colon. Your colon has to do the work of pushing water and loosened fecal matter. The more colonics you have, the stronger your colon can become. A healthy bowel will have two to three bowel movements per day, depending on what you eat. After a series of colonics, most people regain the normal bowel function of one movement per day. Accompanying regular exercise and a diet high in fiber, vegetables and water, is the best way to ensure healthy bowel function.
What should I do before a session?
Avoid eating gas-forming foods such as beans and cabbage the day of and before your colonic to help reduce cramping. We also recommend avoiding animal meat like beef and chicken the day of and before if possible. It can be more comfortable to refrain from eating at least 2 hours before your scheduled appointment time. For best results, avoid fatty foods and processed foods such as white flour products, cheese, dried foods and sugar, and prepare a diet of vegetables and whole grains (raw and cooked green leafy veggies, raw vegetable drinks).This will start moistening up the colon for better elimination. I text you my pureed vegetable soup and green smoothie recipe before your appointment. Come relaxed, and maintain a positive, cheerful attitude.
Can I drink liquids right before a session?
Yes. Due to the way the LIBBE system is designed, you may urinate on the device during the hydrotherapy session. It’s like a big toilet. All waste gets immediately flushed and there is no odor experienced. There is also a spray hose that you can use at any time to clean yourself.
Can I get a colonic while I have my period?
Yes. Your menstrual flow will not interfere with the success of your treatment. Often clients experience better releases during the colonic while on their period as the uterus is already cramping forcing the abdominal walls to contract. We ask that you remove the tampon to avoid the tampon ‘falling out’ and clogging up the pipes. This may occur if you push too hard to release fecal matter. Any blood leaking will simply go down the pipes along with the fecal matter. There is a spray hose that you may use at any time to hose yourself down.
What kind of diet should I follow after a colonic?
Following a colonic, your body may feel weary or relaxed. This is simply your body working out and processing through its cleaning period so proper rest is important for your body to recuperate and rejuvenate. It’s best to drink plenty of liquids (purified or spring water, juices, herbal teas). It is recommended to drink a raw vegetable green juice without too much fruit within an hour or two after your colonic. There are local places I can suggest close-by. Eat light foods for at least 24-hours after the procedure. Vegetable soups, steamed or boiled veggies, low sugar fruit like berries and veggie stews are recommended. Avoid eating meat, dairy, bread, nuts, sweets, junk food and even raw vegetables for at least a day or two. They are harder for your body to digest. Some clients find daily probiotics and fermented foods (like sauerkraut, kimchi, raw miso, tempeh, kefir) helpful in the aid of digestion. I do have digestive enzymes that I sell at wholesale price if you want to maximize the digestion process for the days after.
Will one colonic empty the colon?
Not often. Many of us have a substantial amount of impacted feces in our colon that consists of hardened, rubbery or wallpaper like material. Receiving a colonic is also a learning process as you become more aware of what is going on in your body and the body learns how to allow the cleansing experience, allowing more material to be expelled. One colonic will remove some of the stagnant waste in the colon. The second and subsequent colonics will remove more. The number of colonics you wish to have will depend on your personal health objectives, your ability to change or improve your lifestyle and advice from your therapist.
What is the bare minimum of colonics I should have a year?
If you can only afford one colonic, it is best to have it after the winter holidays. Most people indulge in cookies, alcohol, bakes, sweets and holiday dinners filled with processed foods and meat during the weeks in December more than any other time of the year. Try to coincide your colonic with a detox cleanse of raw health food and/or juices.
What if I can afford a few more?
Come back in the fall after all the summer barbeques, trips, weddings and parties. Or even better once every season and after a weekend holiday away or overseas trip (especially Third World visits). For the first-time client, an initial series of three to five visits over several weeks is recommended for a proper colon cleanse. If you live in LA or nearby, the dry desert-like climate can dehydrate us often so if health is a priority investment for you, and you don’t have any colon issues per say, I would recommend to come in once a month to ensure proper hydration and bowel function.
I’ve heard you should get two colonics back to back.
There is no set rule as to how many colonics one should get and how often. If you have never had a colonic, or it has been a long time, it is recommended to book two colonics within a day apart. The first colonic may stir up any toxins and doing a series of 2 or 3 colonics is recommended to appreciate what colonics do to your body and help eliminate stored up toxins.
Will I completely lose good bacteria and nutrients?
No. Flushing out the rotten, foul, old fecal matter will also aid in getting rid of the bad bacteria and yeast so the good bacteria can flourish. Good bacteria can only breed in a clean environment that has been washed free of putrefaction and harmful bacteria. A colon cleanse will reduce your intestinal flora, not eliminate completely. Many clients take probiotics to help promote the growth of good bacteria and it is also the reason why it is recommended to avoid eating foods that will support the bad bacteria (ie. foods high in sugar, vinegar, acid). Valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean healthy environment too.
Will colon hydrotherapy make me constipated or give me diarrhea?
Many clients have experienced a slight delay in bowel movements after therapy and then a resumption of a somewhat larger, easier to move stool. It is recommended to avoid eating foods such as meat, dairy or bread for AT LEAST 24hours following a colonic to prevent constipation.
What kind of water is used?
The LIBBE is a FDA approved medical device that provides a carbon-filter and ultraviolet purification for water safety.
Will laxatives and/or enemas accomplish the same results?
No. Enemas work fine to clean out the very lower part of the colon (the rectum) but you are missing about 4 to 5 feet of the colon. Laxatives are an irritant to the body and can cause colon dependency. Colon hydrotherapy safely cleans the entire colon and allows the colon to be bathed over a longer period of time, helping to rehydrate the colon and soften any hardened waste that may be stuck to the walls of the colon.
I will be traveling, not able to eat the best food and get constipated when I do. Do you have any products that you recommend to help?
Going on vacation or just can’t avoid family/work dinners while away? I get it. While I don’t recommend chronic use of laxatives, sometimes a little magnesium can help move the bowels. I recommend Oxy-Powder (https://amzn.to/3TTHJqM) and an easy to pack bulb enema kit (https://amzn.to/3RYHs33). These can be purchased on Amazon.
Can I work after a treatment?
Yes. In most cases colon hydrotherapy should not interfere with your scheduled day. However each person is different and your reaction depends on the amount of toxins in your body. If you are detoxifying while having colonics, you may feel more tired and run down as your body cleanses itself of the toxins. Most clients report feeling refreshed and energized.
Will I experience any intestinal discomfort or fatigue after the cleansing?
You should not feel any intestinal discomfort, but cleansing will release old debris and toxins, which might cause you to feel tired or to have flu-like symptoms, especially in early treatments. If so, resting is recommended. These symptoms will usually pass within 24 hours.
Will I lose weight?
You will lose waste and trapped gas. Ridding the body of waste helps your body metabolize more efficiently. You will become more conscious of what foods you put into your body and how your body processes those foods. Many clients improve their exercise and diet when they start having colonics. Excess weight is the result of excess fat and a colon therapy isn’t going to get rid of the fat; however, with the aid of dietary changes and allowing your bowel to flourish with good bacteria and getting rid of toxins, colonics are an important step to ensuring health and proper nutrient absorption. These can help in weight loss.
What essential oils do you recommend for digestion support?
doTerra has a myriad of essential oils such as Oregano, Lavender, DigestZen, Zendocrine, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, Melaleuca (Tea tree), Clove and so many more. Most are ingestible but all are certified pure therapeutic grade. Each serve a different purpose. Please ask for more information at your appointment, or visit www.mypureessentialoils.com.
Can my family or friends come with me?
Please note that I try to keep a private relaxing environment so I ask that any accompanying friends and family that are not using the services take use of the many coffee shops and stores around.
Can my child get a colonic?
Unfortunately, I am unable to take anyone under the age of 18.
Should I arrive 30min early to fill out forms?
I ask that my clients not arrive more than 5 min early. I may be taking a break or with a client. Our waiting room is small and since covid, I decided not have more than one client in the office at a time for privacy and health measures. Please remain in your car or downstairs and I will text you when I am ready for you!
Can I drink, smoke weed or cigarettes before my colonic?
We ask all clients to not come under the influence of any drugs including marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes the day of your colonic to help prevent any adverse reactions, including nausea, light headedness, or other. We reserve the right to refuse service with full payment if you do not comply. Please schedule your appointment earlier in the day if you prefer. I advise not smoking marijuana or taking edibles at least 48 hours before your visit.
Do you do coffee or wheatgrass colonics?
Colonics are state regulated. In the State of California, you have to be a medical doctor to reserve the right to add any implants to the water. As such, we do not.
Are pets allowed?
We love your furry children but many of the clients are immune compromised or allergic to animals. It’s a small space. We ask that you not bring them with you. Thank you for understanding.
Can I bring my infant/kid?
We know your children are great little people but they are unfortunately not welcome with you to your appointment. For the safety and comfort of your children, yourself and myself, we appreciate your support and understanding to our guidelines regarding having your children in the clinic. Please make all necessary child care arrangements prior to your visit.
I/my friend/family/other live remotely and I can’t find a colonic place for miles. Enemas aren’t enough. Is there any home colonic device you can recommend?
Yes, my parents live remotely too so I bought them a “colema board”. It’s basically a colonic-enema board that places one end on a chair and the other on the toilet. It’s a little more effective and comfortable than an enema but not quite the same as a full size colonic machine but hey! it gets stuff out. You can buy it on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3tUZ4F9)
Do you have any products that you recommend such as supplements, enema kits, water bottles?
Yes, you can find them in my shop www.bloomingwaters.com/shop
I have more questions that aren’t found here?
No problem. Feel free to contact me with any of your questions. I will be more than happy to answer your concerns or inquiries. Don’t be shy. You’re likely not the first to ask. My goal is to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
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