Colonic Frequently Asked Questions

The Two Different Methods of Colonics

Closed Colonic Hydrotherapy @ Brunswick Holistic Health

We have been offering Colonics at our clinic in Melbourne since 2006, so have helped many people to cleanse their bowels, detoxify and improve their gut function. We are well-versed in both the open and closed methods of colonics, having had extensive experience and professional training in both methods.

We now offer closed colonics, which is safe, effective and less daunting than the open method of colonics, as a trained and qualified health professional is there to assist you and guide you through the process.

The Process:

When you book in for Colonic Hydrotherapy at Brunswick Holistic Health, we'll ask you to fill in a health history questionnaire, which details the contra-indications and risks and ensures the therapy is right for you. Your health history is checked over by our degree-qualified Naturopaths and certified Colon Hydrotherapists, Leanne and Renee, who will be assisting you with the cleansing process. 

Upon arrival at your appointment, you're taken into our newly renovated treatment room to introduce you to the colonic process. Soon after you will be provided with a towel and offered privacy to undress from the waist down, and then lay yourself down on the treatment bed on your side, covering yourself with the towel provided. Your therapist will then join you to insert a lubricated, single-use rounded tip speculum/tube into the rectum. Although slightly daunting on your first visit, in the closed method of colonics you can relax knowing a trained health professional will do the insertion correctly and safely.

Once you are ready and covered over with the towel provided, you roll onto your back, and the therapist will begin the flow of water into your colon. It starts off as a gentle flow of filtered body temperature/warm water, and then, at intervals may alternate between cool and warm water to help exercise the colon and stimulate the peristalsis of the colon, to help it release during the treatment.  

You will see the matter removed in the "viewing tube" beside the bed, and your therapist will give you feedback as to what is being released. Visible in the tube may be undigested food, bile from the liver, and faecal matter that could indicate the presence of worms, parasites or dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance). 

Your therapist will perform abdominal massage during the treatment, assisting in the removal of old wastes. 

The warm water is infused into the bowel for 20-30 minutes, depending on the client's comfort and experience in colonics. The rectal tube is then safely removed, and you go to the private ensuite to complete the purging of wastes.

What's the main difference between Open and Closed Colonics?

An Open colonic is a self-administered method of colonics, where the water flow remains on during the treatment and the patient is left alone in the treatment room during the session. The wastes are released into what is effectively a lying down toilet (an OPEN area), which can create odour, noise and mess.

A Closed colonic involves a trained and qualified colon hydrotherapist being present during the session to switch on and turn off the water flow at different intervals and perform abdominal massage during the treatment to promote the elimination of waste. The wastes are released into a CLOSED tube, so there is no noise, odour or mess.

Safety:

Our colonic hydrotherapy machine is a TGA approved medical device manufactured in Germany. It's the top-of-the-line latest model, manufactured in 2024. Colon hydrotherapists must be trained in using these machines and must have background education in other health modalities to undertake the training. 

We have been offering colonics at our clinic since 2007, so are very experienced in providing this highly beneficial health modality. Our clinic manager also has a degree in Environmental and Public Health and Safety, so you can feel entirely confident you're in safe hands when you have colonics at Brunswick Holistic Health.

Why choose Closed Colonics at Brunswick Holistic Health?

We believe Closed colonics is the superior form of colonics, as you are guided and assisted by a health professional throughout the process. 

Our colon hydrotherapists are also degree-qualified Naturopaths with a wealth of knowledge in treating gut disorders and supporting detoxification. This ensures you receive skilled and informed care related to your individual health status.

Our colon hydrotherapists are also available for private Naturopathic consultation if you are wanting a more comprehensive health appraisal and Naturopathic alternative/complementary treatment options. They can refer you for stool testing if appropriate, including the top-of-the-range MetaXplore by Co-Biome full microbiome analysis range (Gastrointestinal, Digestive Secretion And Systemic Inflammation Testing).

To find out more about Brunswick Holistic Health, colonics, naturopathy and our other healing modalities, book online, or call us on 03 9388 2422.

Colonic hydrotherapy cleans all the accumulated wastes from your insides, which helps your body to function optimally. Our clients find that digestion improves, metabolism improves, circulation and immunity improves. You will be left feeling light and energized.

If wastes accumulate in the colon the toxins get reabsorbed into the blood stream. Over time this means you are slowly poisoning yourself with your own wastes. So by keeping your insides free of toxic accumulations you can help to maintain health throughout your life.

A closed colonic is a medical procedure, carried out by a trained and qualified health professional. The therapist will insert the lubricated speculum for you, while you are lying on your side. Some may find this embarassing, though your genitals are not exposed, so it's not as daunting as you may imagine. All health professionals have seen plenty of body parts, and that part of the procedure will be over in less than a minute. After the speculum is inserted you lie on your back and remain covered for the colonic infusion.

Most people report their colonic hydrotherapy sessions as both relaxing and refreshing, however if you have an accumulation of hardened matter in the colon you may experience some cramping as the colon contracts to expel it. This pain is generally mild and passes quickly. 

If you have haemorrhoids there may be some discomfort inserting the speculum. Having said that, colonics are well-indicated if you have haemorrhoids, as it indicates you may have bowel and liver congestion. We recommend you apply haemorrhoid cream before your visit, to lessen any discomfort. 

If you have severe haemorrhoids and/or are experiencing rectal bleeding beyond a small amount noticed on the toilet paper, you need to wait until that has cleared up before having a colonic and consider visiting your GP if the bleeding persists.

As with any medical procedure there are some risks and contraindications, which are detailed in our Health History form. Colonics is safe for most people, as it is simply a gentle flow of warm filtered water passed into the bowel to clear out accumulated wastes, much like an extensive enema. No drugs, chemicals or irritants are used, just pure filtered water. The machine is sterilized after treatments with hospital grade disinfectants, and the equipment used is sterile, single-use and disposable.

Prior to treatment you will be asked to fill in a Health History form to check that colonic hydrotherapy is a suitable treatment for you. It is important that you read over this form and fill in your details soon after making your booking. 

Please be aware that pregnant women, those with heart conditions, kidney failure, colon or liver cancer or any conditions causing weakness of the bowel wall are excluded from having colon hydrotherapy unless we have received approval from a GP or medical specialist.

No. The rectal tubes are sterile, single use and disposable and the machine is cleaned with hospital grade disinfectants in between treatments.

The water used in the treatment is warmed to body temperature, and purified with a double filtration system. 

For the majority of people the experience will be comfortable and free of side effects. If you have large amounts of toxic matter accumulated you may feel a little light-headed or queasy, or may experience cramping as this is passed from your system. These feelings are generally mild and pass quickly.

After colonic hydotherapy you may experience detox symptoms, fatigue being the most common.  Detox symptoms are more likely after the first session, or for clients that have a history of poor diet and lifestyle choices, and/or chronic gut issues.

Most people feel fine both during and after their cleanse, though if you have any concerns, please let us know.

Most people carry many kilograms of accumulated wastes in the colon, so by cleaning these out, you can lose up to 2kg in each treatment. People are often pleasantly surprised by how effectively colonics flattens the abdomen, as we can be bloated with accumulated wastes, gas and fluids.

Colonics also helps to improve metabolism and the absorption of nutrients, so will contribute to weight loss by boosting the rate that we burn fat, and by helping to decrease the amount of food we eat. Colonic hydrotherapy is a fantastic kickstart to launching a healthier way of life, as it makes you feel so fresh and clean that you're far less inclined to put crap in your body.

Colonics is a highly beneficial adjunct to any weight loss program, but for long term weight loss you need to exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Our Naturopaths or Clinical Nutritionist can help you to devise a comprehensive approach if you're wanting to shed some fat, as there are also supplement that can assist in a weight loss program.

As the colon is 1.5-1.7 mts long, one session will only empty a portion of the entire length. If having colon hydrotherapy for the first time (or if you haven't had a treatment for 6 months or more), it's recommended that you have a succession of 3 treatments over the space of 1-3 weeks.

When you're constipated the accumulations in your colon become very hard and dry and impacted on the colon walls - the first treatment will release some of this matter and start to soften and loosen the accumulations. Then it's ideal to follow-up with that second treatment to release the softened matter, and move further up into the colon to soften and loosen the wastes higher up. For most people the third treatment completes the cleaning of the entire length.

You will find that subsequent treatments are more pleasant and satisfying as you become comfortable with the process, and see the accumulated wastes being released from your body; helping you to feel lighter, cleaner and invigorated.

You don't have to commit to three treatments, but it's highly beneficial. It's also a bit cheaper if you pay for the 3 treatments up front and commit yourself. Having said that, one treatment is still beneficial, and definitely better than no treatment at all! 

Yes. Having colonic hydrotherapy prior to or during your period helps to relieve the congestion in the pelvis, improve circulation and assists in the clearance of hormones from your body; therefore it can be a good time to have colonic hydrotherapy. Remember to insert a tampon or menstrual cup before having a treatment.

However, if you tend to suffer from period pain, it's best to avoid colonics while menstruating as you may feel uncomfortable. 

Refrain from eating for 2 hours before your appointment, and drink lots of water to ensure you're well hydrated. Its best if you're feeling relaxed, so avoid caffeine immediately before your session. A calm and positive state of mind is best... In the days leading up to your appointment you could start a detox diet; avoiding wheat, red meat, dairy, processed and deep fried foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol and coffee. 

If you are (or tend to be) constipated, bloated and gassy, it's best to fast from food for a minimum of 4 hours, and avoid for the 24 hours prior - coffee, known triggers to your bloating, legumes/pulses (lentils, beans, chickpeas), and brassica veggies (cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli).  We recommend replacing coffee with tea, green tea, or matcha to prevent withdrawal headaches.

Allow 50 minutes your visit. The colonic infusion is usually for 25-30 minutes, however there's a little time required pre and post session.

You will likely feel the water as it's filling your colon. As the colon becomes full, you will feel like you need to release it (similar to when you need to poo). It's at that time, the therapist will ensure a release of water occurs which then relieves the feeling.  This filling and releasing takes place numerous times during the treatment, with the constant assessment and guidance of the colon hydrotherapist.  When the colon itself releases through peristalsis, this can feel like you're doing a big poo even though you are not using your voluntary muscles (like you do when doing a poo on the toilet), it's your colon doing it for you!  The treatment is adjusted and/or interrupted at any time to ensure your comfort is well-managed by the ongoing monitoring and alteration of the water pressure to avoid unnecessary distention and discomfort.

Most people report feeling light, refreshed and invigorated. You can return to work or carry on with your usual activities after a hydrotherapy session.

If you are very clogged up and toxic you may feel tired after your first treatment, so in this case it's best to have no plans other than a quiet evening at home, a light and nourishing meal, plenty of water and rest.

Our colonics are run by a degree-qualified Naturopath with 17 years experience restoring and promoting gut health. During the session the contents of the viewing tube will be analysed, and you will be advised if a probiotic supplement is recommended for you. 

Good bacteria in our gut is so important for our health – not only for our digestion, but also for our mental health and immune system. Gut bacteria is disturbed by many of the influences of modern life – alcohol, refined sugary foods, coffee, the Pill, cortisone (steroidal anti-inflammatories), chlorine (in tap water) – so taking a probiotic supplement is often beneficial. 

Probiotic means "for life"; it's really is quite amazing how the right bacterial colonies support our health. Ask for advice before purchasing as there is a huge variation in the quality of products available. We stock a comprehensive range of the best quality Practitioner Only probiotics in our herbal dispensary. Our Naturopaths can also advise on how to feed the good bugs in your gut, to keep a healthy microbiome flourishing. 

The positive effect of colonic hydrotherapy is far superior. Laxatives are essentially poisons that irritate the colon wall and cause it to contract. They often cause cramping and discomfort, diarrhoea, loss of electrolytes and dehydration. If used over a period of time the colon becomes "lazy" and will not trigger the urge to defecate without laxatives, therefore you become reliant on them.

In contrast, colonics gently cleanse the colon of impacted and accumulated wastes and encourages natural persistalsis (the rhythmic contraction of the colon). The body is hydrated as the colon absorbs the pure water.

Colonics do not foster reliance, but help to restore digestive function by cleaning out and exercising the bowel. People often find that long-term digestive complaints are resolved by a series of colonics and normal regularity is restored.

An enema works in a similar manner to colonic hydrotherapy, but is not nearly as effective. An enema only cleans a small portion of the lower colon (the rectum), while colonics clean the entire length (1.5-1.7 mts) in a series of sessions. One hydrotherapy session is said to be the equivalent to 30 or 40 enemas!

No. Unlike laxatives, colonic hydrotherapy promotes and restores normal digestive function therefore you will not become reliant on the procedure. Having said that, we do notice that the more sessions you do, the more enjoyable it becomes, so it could be considered addictive in this way!