My first colonic. (Yes, you read that right.)
Before you read on, take note. While I will put all of this in the most lady-like manner that I can, be warned: This post is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended!
So… last month I had my first colonic. The backstory (pun intended) is that I’ve been interested in colon hydrotherapy for years. I’ve heard incredible things about the experience—immediate six-pound weight loss; pieces of blockage the size of oranges coming out; miraculous flat tummies; and so on.
Through research, I found that a colonic can be incredibly beneficial to your health. Colon hydrotherapy washes away the toxins that build up over the course of your lifetime, leaving your colon fresh, clean, and non-toxic. I also learned that a colonic can treat irregularity, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, gas, bloat, hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diverticulitis, colitis, parasites, skin conditions, and much more. Although the jury is still out (or outright against the idea) from some of the medical community, I’d heard enough positive accounts to give it a go. Fasting has done tremendous things for me—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and I was eager try another method of cleansing. As fate would have it, Groupon sent me a fabulous offer for 50% off a colon hydrotherapy session at nearby Wellness Innovations. How could I resist!? 😉
When I called to make my appointment I received very basic instructions to avoid eating two hours beforehand so that I wouldn’t be digesting. The first thing I noticed, arriving in the office, was the beautiful, calming environment. Sandra LaMorgese was my colon hydrotherapist and she made me feel incredibly at ease. I filled out a short questionnaire and a little while later, Sandra brought me into the room where my colonic would take place.
My experience was as follows:
- Sandra explained the entire process, then left the room
- I undressed from the waist down, and lay down on a comfortable chair/bed
- I put on gloves, lubed up, and inserted the speculum (which is so small that you wonder if it’s even there!)
- Then I covered myself from the waist down with a soft sheet and towel
- Finally, I texted Sandra and she came back in to turn the water on
Next, the actual process began. I assume it is different for each person, but for me, I could not “release” with Sandra in the room. It was obviously psychological because as soon as she left, I had no trouble.
As for the process, a slow stream of water runs inside and fills your colon. You hold it in as long as you can and then you release it. You repeat the process over and over for the length of your procedure, mine was 45 minutes.
It is non-invasive and (believe it or not!) quite relaxing.
It takes some getting used to, but after a while it seems very natural. I was shocked by how easy it was. There was no pain involved, except for a few brief moments where my stomach twisted. That was mildly uncomfortable, but it felt like a part of the process, like my body was working to eliminate toxins.
There is a hole in the chair/bed where the speculum and water come from. It is this same hole where all of the waste goes down. There is a view-tube beside you so that you can see everything that passes out of you. What surprised me was that after the initial “movement” (which was pretty standard) there was not that much that actually came out of me. No giant clumps the size of an orange, mostly just the clean water coming out exactly as it came in. After awhile, this made me anxious. Why wasn’t anything happening? Then, I had another smaller movement, but that was it for the length of the procedure. If anything else came out, it wasn’t visible. I had the expectation that something major would be removed and there would be a lot of movement over the course of the treatment. In retrospect, I think that having that expectation was detrimental. It caused me unnecessary anxiety during the process.
The process is calming and therapeutic. It’s a shame that I got worked up/anxious about the lack of activity. I think that I would have gotten more from it if I’d just let go of my expectations—come what may. That’s why I plan to get another colonic in the future. Next time, I will go into it with no expectations and truly relax.
Following the session, I didn’t feel very different. I’d once read a post-colonic account where the writer recalled feeling so clean afterward that she craved nothing other than water and cucumbers. Well, that wasn’t the case for me! I was hungry! Sandra said that I should stick to soft food for the rest of the day so I had some boiled squash and rice, but I was craving a thick slice of pizza. My stomach did feel empty, but not much more than it would after any substantial “movement.”
As for weight loss, the morning after my colonic and saw a 1.5 pound loss—not the 6 pounds I was hoping for, but a positive change. 🙂 Perhaps the greatest effect of the process has been the positive change to my digestive health. A week after my colonic, I left for vacation. Typically I experience irregularity on vacation (with all of the changes to my diet, being in a strange environment, altered sleeping patterns, etc). However, on this vacation, my digestion ran like clockwork! I felt so good the entire time I was away—never bloated or lethargic.
I did have one substantial hiccup in the process.
If you are considering colon hydrotherapy, please take note.
After my session, Sandra informed me that while the process would improve my digestion, I might not have a movement for a few days as my colon would be empty. However, the very next day I did have several movements and they were not normal. (Brace for grossness.) The movements were loose and bright yellow! I was pretty terrified and immediately jumped online to research. (Thank goodness for Google!) Turns out that bright yellow stool results from a lack of good bacteria in the colon. This made sense to me—while washing the toxicity from my colon (great thing!) I also washed the good bacteria from my colon (bad thing!). I hightailed it to the grocery for some Activia and Kefir (both excellent sources of probiotics [good bacteria]) and by the next morning all was well in my world.
Would I recommend colon hydrotherapy? Absolutely. I think that it is a worthwhile endeavour. It’s virtually painless and it’s a therapeutic experience for your body & spirit. I do expect that I will make a habit of having a session every few years. Of course, my one big recommendation is to keep probiotics on-hand and enjoy a nice big bowl of yogurt after your session.
If you have any questions, please ask! Apparently I’m not too shy after all. 😉
If you’ve got a moment, please give us a vote over on Top Baby Blogs! Many thanks. xo
. On the return flight, I finished it. It was my introduction to Seth Godin—no idea why I hadn’t found him sooner!—and what an introduction it was. The book blew me away. It is the best book on leadership and change management that I’ve ever read. While the content is sure to inspire change of the greatest sort within any organization—from business to church, non-profit to learning institution—it is also of incredible value to individuals.
generation. 
I get colonics every six months. I usually do them in three sessions increments. I love them. I have heard over doing them van be bad as they do flush out good bacteria but I think doing them as part of a spring cleaning and cleanse is very beneficial. I would highly recommend them. You just reminded me that it’s time for me to schedule my series. I’m glad you tried it. I’ve never done it for weight loss so I have never actually weighed myself. I will have to try it. I do feel like I have more energy and almost cleaner. If you can even feel that! Ha! Thanks for sharing!
I know exactly what you mean about feeling “cleaner.” I don’t know if it’s a mental thing or if it’s physical — but there is definitely this sense of cleansed. 🙂 I am definitely looking forward to my next session. Every six months actually sounds like a good idea. I am so glad to know someone else that has actually done this and has something great to say! So far I’ve just been getting a lot of raised eyebrows. 😉
XOXO
Alrighty then…..:)
Haha! That is exactly the kind of response I was expecting, James. Don’t know it ’til you try it. 🙂 lol
I know several people who SWEAR by these treatments (some like the water ones, some like the juice/smoothie-only cleanses.) They participate more frequently, though, seeking a cleanse with the change of seasons. The only reason to really avoid it is if you have a suppressed immune system to begin with, which is not a problem for you! Congratulations for being brave enough to write about the experience. I didn’t find it it to be very “gross” at all, but then again, I may have a high threshold for bodily functions.
Thank you, Kristin! It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but I am so glad I was able to share the experience. I’m always excited to try new things. I could definitely see myself going in for a–Spring & Winter cleaning–so to speak. 🙂
Thanks for the info. I’m mentally prepping for my first flushing. However, in the interest of accuracy, I think it’s important to point out a couply of things. Colonics don’t release anything that wouldn’t have been coming out anyway and there are no toxins removed during a colonic other than your normal feces.
Surely one of the main benefits of colonic irrogation is that it also removes a build up of mucus substances and other material that can stick and build up on the colonic wall and which are full of bad bacteria and toxins. This ‘material’ is not passed with your normal feces hence the benefit of colonic hydrotherapy.
Do you get really badflatulence after the colonic for 48 hours???? This is the only reason I’m avoiding going since I have house guests and would be soooo embarrassed .
Ha. No — that didn’t happen to me at all. Good luck.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been interested in colonics for quite sometime now. After ready you’re positive experience I’m going to find a clinic to try this. Is it weird that I’m really excited!?
Not weird at all! It’s a really cool experience. I’m glad I did it and wish you the best of luck! Here’s to happy, healthy digestion. 🙂
I am considering getting a colonic and I’ve always had this thought of lying down on a table with my hiney exposed during the process. I never followed through because of that. Thanks for easing my anxiety.
lol followed through 😂
The two colonic l have had have been really good after two I can now go to the bathroom every day, I have always suffered with constipation and I would go three days before l could go to the bathroom now I am going every day. I am having my third one tomorrow and l am really looking forward to it, the person who does it makes me feel at ease l was very not sure about having a colonic but now l say to everyone go for it
I actually feel better about getting a colon hydrotherapy at first I was scared but I went ahead and schedule my appointment. Is their anything besides not eating a few hours before to get myself ready
Hi Kim! You should definitely check with the center about preparation as every cleansing center is different. Good luck! 🙂
Thanks for all this information. I also have a Colonic Irrigation session booked through Groupon and you have made me feel more relaxed about it. My hairdresser has had a few and excuse this but she said its possible to see undigested foods like sweetcorn come out! not sure what to expect but ha a weight loss would be good!
I have always been interested in doing this due to my IBS and irregularity. I am very anxious about my comfort level as well, but my MAIN fear….is there any pain? I would imagine there would be significant cramping? I have an opportunity to an offer from Groupon as well and am eager to do so. Just a tad uneasy….
Hi Jennifer! No — no pain at all! The most uncomfortable thing was some gas passing through (yuck I know) at the beginning of the process. Other than that it felt like a normal bowel movement. Nothing to be worried about. Good luck.
I’ve had colon hydrotherapy on and off for a few years now. The place I go to in Las Vegas normally puts healthy bacteria in the final part of the session. Foot and hand massage are also performed if wanted. They also massage the stomach to help loosen areas/help water flow. At the end as you are leaving, they provide a cup of emergen C mix and cup of homemade vegetarian soup to complete your session.
Great place, makes you feel very welcome and at ease…staff is awesome. My first time I was very nervous like everyone else says…but you learn that it’s not as bad as you first thought!
Hi Sharon (and anyone else who reads this), just wondering if you got to visit your physician about your situation? I am curious because I have been researching whether I want to try this colonic or not. I really want to try, but when I read this, it concerned me. I am a relatively healthy person, and have always thought about trying this, but I wonder if a colonic can do harm to those who are healthier with less fecal matter in their intestines or is I am reading too far into this.
Hope to hear from you soon! Thanks!
I have my first one scheduled this week, but now that I have seen Sharon’s comment I am concerned…
Maria — Every person’s body reacts differently. You should discuss with your provider if you have additional questions. Generally, colonic irrigation is a very safe practice. Best of luck.
I just experienced my first colonic.. Let’s just say my experience was almost as you described except towards the end.. I started cramping and had the extreme urge to push.. I had to request for the technician to stop the process. . And ran like holy hell bathroom. . During my purge. . I prayed to porcelain gods to see me thru. And vowed never again to do this.. 10 flushes later and gum.. I vacated the bathroom to hear the hysterical laughter of my friends. . Apparently I prayed very loud. After another 5 minutes I started to feel better. Enduring an hour train ride home (why did I pick a center in Washington heights.) Upon reaching home, I called the center to book another appointment! ! I definitely am going back.. And yes I feel 10 pounds lighter!
My experience with colon hydrotherapy involved the reverse tube taking it all out for you…and when I did the hydrotherapy, I CRIED LIKE A BABY…it was very emotional and releasing…probably also because I felt very nauseous throughout..but I did feel lighter afterwards. Pretty traumatic though.
Colonics are supposed to be most effective if you eat nothing but apples 3 days before the process. From what I’ve heard, the pectin helps clean the walls of your rectum. Going to try next week!
I have horrible stomach problems and i am constantly constipated. I have a movement about every week or week and a half. Would this still work for me? Thank you for writing this btw. I have been thinking about doing this for months but i have been too scared to do it and reading this really helped.
It’s worth a shot. I’m not a health professional, but sounds to me like you’ve got problems with your diet. Check out the documentary — Fed Up. Good luck to you!
Thanks for writing this – trying my first one on Friday! Kind of nervous, but this definitely eased my anxieties. Besides wanting to try out a new cleanse, did you have any prior diagnosed digestive issues, like IBS? Did you notice any positive long-term effects after the treatment?
Good luck, Danielle. No previous conditions or long term effects for me.
So glad I found this, Iv been thinking about it for a while. I have probably got IBS. Going in for a colonoscopy because of constipation and runny bowels plus lots of bleeding. I will wait till after my results of course but I will definitely give it a go now. I imagined it would be lying on a bed with my butt sticking out for all to see and somewhat uncomfortable and maybe a bit painful. But after reading this Im not worried at all. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I do my Colinics is 3 sessions. I’m actually going for my last session this morning. Thus far, I’ve lost 3 lbs but also feel so much cleaner. I don’t feel bloated like I used to anymore which is awesome. While doing this, I’ve learned a lot about changing my eating habits. Each session I go to, the nurse always informs me of the what and what not to eat. My first session felt like I was giving birth again along with all the cramping. I literally asked for a epidural 😝. But the 2nd session was much better. I had a technique that eliminated the cramping by doing a mid sit up. By doing this it pretty much shot everything out lol. More came out in the 2nd session than the 1st. Can’t wait to see what the 3rd session will bring. Would I recommend this to anyone? YES.
I have been getting about 2 colonics each month for almost 8 years. It started when I had to go to the ER because I hadn’t gone number 2 in 3 weeks. Loooong story short, after following all the doctor’s instructions I still couldn’t go. The doctor said that the next step was surgery. That’s when I got desperate. I was in Las Vegas and went to the same place as the earlier reader (where they give you home made soup at the end). They saved my butt (literally)! I am so grateful that colonics exist for people who can’t go regularly, especially when bowel surgery is a real option. A few tips before getting a colonic would be to avoid anything that gives you gas, take a good probiotic supplement, drink a lot of water, and don’t eat 2 hours prior. While you’re getting the colonic: RELAX and BREATHE, let go of the physical and emotional waste, and remember that what comes out is better out of your body than in. Enjoy!
I’ve had a few and agree that they’re very relaxing. The place I went to turns out the light and plays nature sounds set to soft music. They also give you a small cup of water with probiotics (in powder form) mixed in after the procedure.
Thank you Dena for posting all this. I was having major anxiety about going and having one done next week. But you and everyone else has helped calm me about doing.
I have been having stomach and bowel problems and my Dr. says this will really help.
Thank you all so much, I feel so much better about going and doing now! Bless you all!
I have been having colonic s for years, they are amazing and so good for you I would highly recommend them but make sure it is from a experienced person
Ok so I am having my first ever colonic tomorrow and although I am slightly nervous I am also strangely looking forward to it, I feel way better reading everyone’s comments and glad there’s lots of you out there that’s gone through this experience, fingers crossed it all goes smoothly lol
Good luck! ❤️
Hello,
I am a current fitness competitor and I’m prepping for a show on June 30th.. t Minus 24 days. I have very bad constipation, and blaotinh from my caloric deficit which is not showing my stomach as it should due to build up.. which I have in my head. Will this help or hinder my progress? K can’t afgord to hold water weight as I’m cutting for stage.. I feel it would clean me out and make my stomach flatter along with feeling better. What are your thoughts?
I had my first colonic today after my doctor’s recommendation. SO uncomfortable and painful! My abdomen was cramping badly each time stool exited my body. It felt like the worst menstrual cramps ever! Also felt nauseous and hot/cold. I have IBS, parasites, Epstein-Barr Virus, and possibly endometriosis.
I will call my doctor tomorrow to see if I should do a 2nd colonic session or not. My body might be too sensitive at this point. I’m feeling extra bloated now and still a little crampy/nauseous. Also had some mucousy blood in my stool after the session.
Just came back from my first colonic. I could relate to many of the above comments. It did not hurt at all, chatted away with the therapist whilst she massaged my stomach. Not much came out after what was a promising start from the first flush but at the end of the session I was on the loo for a while. Basically I will try anything to relieve my symptoms of bloat gas and abdomen pain. So in for a penny in for a pound booked the second session already. According to the lovely therapist this is when I will start to see better results. Feeling quite light headed and very sleepy so going to have lie down after an eventful day.