What to expect during and after treatment

What happens during treatment?

Treatment is designed to be as comfortable & pleasant as possible. Each step of the process is explained to you before it happens, which allows you to ask questions or express any concerns in advance. People often worry that the treatment will be embarrassing or that they’ll feel exposed. However, your personal dignity is maintained at all times & you are left to undress; only the bottom half of your clothes needs to be removed and you are covered with a fleece blanket. The back of the blanket is lifted to insert the tube into your bottom which doesn’t take long, then you remain completely covered throughout the treatment. The more relaxed you are during treatment, the more effective it will be.

The treatment itself is described by the Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapists (ARCH):
“Warm filtered water is introduced into your colon through a small tube called a speculum that is gently inserted about an inch and a half into your bottom. As the warm water enters, you’ll feel a fullness as your colon fills up, then a relaxing feeling as it empties. The water pressure and temperature are carefully controlled and all waste is drained away discreetly in a closed system with absolutely no mess or odours. This filling and emptying is repeated several times and massage may be used on your abdomen.”

A food intolerance test may be recommended in order to gain a better understanding of which foods might be causing digestive issues.

Herbs & Coffee.

Herbs or coffee can be used to aid elimination of waste & toxins during treatment which are very effective Herbs help to remove trapped gas more quickly. They also stimulate the natural peristalsis movement in the colon (a series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves waste matter through the colon & eventually to leave the body. This sometimes feels like butterflies & can often feel like you need too use the bathroom.
Coffee is a perfect addition to treatment especially for clients with constipation, migraines & those wanting more of a detox effect.

Will it hurt?

Treatment is usually comfortable but there may be a little discomfort, especially if large amounts of waste or gas start to move & be expelled in one go which requires the muscles of the colon to contract suddenly. These moments are brief & you might have the feeling that you need to empty your bowels immediately. However, you don’t need to worry about controlling this sense of urgency as all of the waste is expelled directly through the tubing and goes straight into the waste system.

What should I do before treatment?

I will contact you in advance, so you will be able to ask any specific questions then. You should eat and drink normally before a treatment, but it is not advisable to eat a large meal just before your session as sometimes the abdomen is massaged during treatment, which may be uncomfortable on a very full stomach.

What happens after treatment?

I will advise you about aftercare (including diet) during your treatment. Some people go straight back to work after a colonic treatment, while others like to go home and rest.

You might need to go to the toilet a number of times after treatment, but it is rare that this involves any urgency or discomfort. It is possible that you might feel light headed or tired, much as after doing exercise, but this will pass quickly.

The most common reaction is to feel light and relaxed.

The general rule after treatment is to not do any strenuous exercise, eat small amounts of food, and relax.

Peppermint tea is suggested to ease bloating and trapped gas that may take up to 48 hours to settle after treatment.

​As part of the aftercare, I may recommend nutritional supplements for additional health/gut benefits that are available in clinic for purchase.

How long does it take?

Your first appointment will include an initial consultation, actual treatment time is around 40 minutes with all appointents being minutes.  

Time is required for getting changed before and after treatment and includes coffee or probiotic implant if you have chosen them + after care advice.

How can I find out more?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me before booking an appointment on 07984 199952 or email yorkhappygutclinic@gmail.com or Facebook: York Happy Gut Clinic.

You might also like to have a look at this video of a typical Colonic Hydrotherapy session, which was produced by the Association and Register of Colon Hydrotherapists (ARCH). Don’t worry, it isn’t gruesome!