FAQs

Try to avoid foods that you know cause digestive symptoms in you for 1-2 days prior to treatment. I recommend that you eat a light meal no later than 2 hours prior to your appointment and increase your water intake. If you struggle with constipation, it can be helpful to add bulking fibre such as vegetables, soaked chia or flax seeds a few days before the appointment.

A probiotic implant can be introduced directly into the large intestine following treatment and this enables beneficial bacteria to bypass the lengthy digestive tract (where stomach acid can decrease their numbers) and allows good bacteria to repopulate efficiently in a clean environment. Trillions of bacteria live in your colon. Colonic hydrotherapy expels loose and transient bacteria, including less desirable putrefactive bacteria and parasites that may be causing your symptoms. After treatment, ‘good bacteria’ can repopulate and thrive – and you can help it along by adding the optional gut-boosting probiotic to your treatment.

This depends on your comfort. If you suffer from heavy or painful periods, it is usually best to avoid booking an appointment during your menstrual cycle. However for many people colonics can be useful during this time, as they can help with cramps, and this is a time when the body is purging.

If you’re a sensitive person with a reliable cycle, I would recommend scheduling your first session on a non-bleed week so that you are feeling resilient.

The aim of colonic hydrotherapy is to restore bowel function, rather than to clean it out. My aim is to help re-train or maintain good peristaltic action – the waves of contraction from your intestinal muscles.

While it depends on your symptoms, and ability to integrate recommended dietary or lifestyle changes, many people feel the benefits after 3-6 treatments. People with long-lasting complaints (for example chronic constipation) might find treatment every 2-4 weeks the most helpful way to begin. Once bowel function has improved, we can space your treatments further apart. Eventually, bowel function can be maintained with seasonal treatments.

I use a closed, gravity system. This involves slowly introducing filtered water into the bowel through a small tube, and then allowing the water, along with any loose debris, to exit through a larger tube.

I use a closed system, which prevents odour and direct contact with waste – instead it flows through a tube straight into the U-bend. Unlike open systems that require you to self-administer the treatment, I guide and support you throughout the process.

The wonderful Jane Bush from Just For Tummies has made a video showing what you can expect from a treatment. While this isn’t my premises, this gives you an idea of what a treatment looks like and how comfortable it is.

Colonic Hydrotherapy shouldn’t be painful – but the experience may at times feel unusual or like having diarrhea. You might experience transient cramping or nausea, this often passes as your body releases gas and waste.

The treatment encourages your colon to release its retained faecal matter and gas through gentle fills and releases of water. Alongside this, I use relaxation exercises and skilful abdominal massage. Most first-time clients leave saying that the experience was more comfortable than they anticipated.

Typically an enema is self-administered at home, whereas colonic hydrotherapy happens in a clinically sterile environment by a trained practitioner. An enema typically doesn’t reach as far into the colon, or have the same training effect on the bowel.

Every ethical colonic hydrotherapist wants to help you while avoiding harm. This means there are occasions where we won’t treat an individual. I suggest reading this list of contra-indications before booking your appointment, to avoid any unexpected surprises. If you have any questions, please reach out before booking.

Many policies and health plans cover Massage Therapy, so you may be able to claim back some or all of your treatment cost. I am a member of the Complementary Therapists Association.

Some plans may cover Colonic Hydrotherapy under Alternative Therapies – so check your wording carefully! I am registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). The government helped set up the CNHC to protect the public through a UK voluntary register of health practitioners. The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care – which reports to Parliament – has approved the CNHC register. This guarantees that I deliver the highest standard of care.

I can issue a detailed invoice after your treatment to make your claims process quick and easy, and can provide certificates on request.

Come as you are – whether you’ve never had a massage before, or have had so many that you bring a list of preferences. I don’t expect you to be an expert in modalities and techniques (that’s my job!). I am a big believer in using plain language and direct communication to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

All new clients receive an intake form and I encourage you to share as much as you’re comfortable with. Then on the day of your treatment, we’ll begin with a short consultation. This gives me an opportunity to hear what’s going on in your body, consider your relevant factors, and propose a treatment plan to you. Before we begin you have the opportunity to feed back, pivot, and for us to agree on a plan that feels good. I welcome feedback throughout the treatment – so if you want more or less of anything, or change your mind about what you’d like, that is information I welcome and adapt around. Let’s make your treatment as unique as you are.

Want to gift a treatment to somebody who needs it? I gladly provide gift vouchers for any value. You can purchase instantly online with Gift Up, or reach out to me for a custom design, message, or to skip the processing fee. I can also provide hard copy gift vouchers when you visit me in person!