Integrative Health Blog

Are you interested in colon hydrotherapy, but not so sure you want to attempt such a thing?

Some people consider colon hydrotherapy a bit of an awkward thing to do. In fact, most people who come in for the first time are a bit nervous, but once they experience the procedure, they can’t believe they waited so long to try it.

So,  this post may help remove the “fear of the unknown” and put you at ease with the concepts, and help you to determine if this treatment could be right for you.

1. What is Colon Hydrotherapy?

Colon hydrotherapy, also known as Colonics, is the process of infusing purified temperature-controlled water into the colon, where the water will loosen and soften fecal matter, allowing it to easily flush from the colon. At NIHA, we use an FDA-approved open system device, called the LIBBE system. All of our therapists are nationally certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCHT) and members of the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT).

2. What happens in the Colon Hydrotherapy procedure?

The procedure itself usually lasts 45 minutes. During this time, water continuously flows into your colon. When you feel full, like you need to go to the bathroom, you just let go and allow your body’s natural peristaltic movement to propel the flow of water and waste out of your system. You will discover your body’s natural rhythm and flow in the process. The LIBBE system allows you to control how long you hold the water in and when you release it. We recommend you relax and go with your natural flow.

3. Is the procedure embarrassing?

Your modesty is respected at all times with the LIBBE system.

You can get set up for the session on your own: The therapist will explain the system and instruct you as to how to get set up for the procedure, and then he or she can leave the room while you prepare. The speculum used is about the diameter of a pencil, and is inserted about 1-2 inches into your rectum. Most patients can easily perform this insertion on their own. A sheet is provided for you to cover yourself, and then a buzzer alerts the therapist to return to get the system started for you when you are ready.

You can have privacy if desired: The therapist can assist you and answer questions as needed and will check in to make sure things are going as expected, but he or she can also step out of the room to give you privacy to perform your functions on your own.

Smells are contained: The system is plumbed into the wall just like a toilet would be. All waste is flushed through a clear tube as it is released. There is a fan installed in the system that continuously draws air into the plumbing so that smells do not escape into the room.

4. How do I prepare for a colon hydrotherapy session – before and after?

We recommend that you eat light the evening before and day of your colonic session. Lightly steamed or sautéed vegetables, fresh juices and soups are good choices. Take it easy on your system. Keep your exercise light as well. Drink plenty of pure water. Give your system a little retreat time.

You want to refrain from eating for two hours before your session. If you need a morning appointment and you are a person who needs to eat in the morning, plan your schedule to have a light but satisfying morning meal, and then come in to begin your session two hours later.

5. Will I need to stay near a restroom after the session?

Most people complete their release on the system. There is time at the end of the session to sit upright and allow any remaining water and waste to be evacuated. At times, you may need to visit the restroom again after you have left the session, but this most often occurs before you’ve had time to leave the office.

6. How much time should I allow for the colon hydrotherapy session?

Given that you are on the system for 45 minutes, we suggest you allow 90 minutes for the colon hydrotherapy session, to include completing paperwork, intake, time to ask questions, setup/prep time, and final evacuation and cleanup time.

7. How is the equipment sanitized?

The equipment used at NIHA is the LIBBE open system device. The LIBBE is an FDA-approved device. The tubing and speculum is a one-time use product, meaning that a new one is used for each client, and then disposed of after use. The speculums are individually packaged and remain sanitary until the patient removes the packaging.

The equipment is sanitized between uses by FDA-approved cleaner which is recommended by the equipment manufacturer. It is many times cleaner than any public restroom you will use, and cleaner than most home restrooms as well.

For other questions about colon hydrotherapy, please call us at NIHA, at 202-237-7000, ext 143.