From the moment you arrive, every step of your experience is designed to help you feel informed, comfortable, and supported.
A relaxed conversation to review you health history, discuss your goals, and answer any questions before getting started. I'll walk you through the entire process so you'll know exactly what to expect before we begin.
Relax in the privacy of your own treatment room with an en suite bathroom while you're guided through a gentle, gravity-fed session designed with your comfort in mind.
Before you head home, we'll review personalized aftercare recommendations, discuss simple dietary and lifestyle strategies to support your digestive health, and answer any remaining questions so you leave feeling informed and confident.
Choose a topic below to find answers to the questions we hear most often.
Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment, focus on whole, nourishing foods, and minimize heavily processed meals. Avoid a large meal within 2–3 hours of your session, and limit fluids for about 30 minutes beforehand for your comfort.
Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. During your session, you'll undress from the waist down and will be appropriately draped to maintain your privacy and comfort throughout the treatment.
Avoid eating within 2–3 hours of your appointment to allow your body to focus on the session rather than active digestion. In the hours beforehand, choose whole, nourishing foods and avoid large, heavy, greasy, or highly processed meals.
Yes. Many clients comfortably recieve colonics during their period. Some even find it soothing, while others prefer to wait until their flow is lighter. Ultimitely, you can decide what feels most comfortable to you.
The conditions below are not an exhaustive list. If you have a significant medical condition, recent surgery, or are unsure whether colon hydrotherapy is appropriate for you, please contact Gut Instincts before scheduling.
-Early pregnancy
- Recent abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Active cancer treatment
- Certain cardiovascular conditions
- Certain gastrointestinal conditions
- Recent hospitalization
- Any condition where your healthcare provider recommends medical clearance
If you have questions about your medical history or whether colon hydrotherapy is appropriate for you, please contact Gut Instincts before scheduling. I'm happy to discuss your health history and determine whether physician involvement may be needed before your appointment.
-Active diverticulitis
- Active flare-up of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Colon or rectal perforation
- Colorectal cancer (unless approved by your physician)
- Severe hemorrhoids with active bleeding
- Active rectal bleeding of unknown cause
- Recent colon or rectal surgery without physician clearance
- Severe cardiac disease or congestive heart failure
- Severe uncontrolled hypertension
- Abdominal aneurysm
- Severe anemia
Yes. Your therapist will be with you throughout your session to monitor your comfort, adjust the water flow and pressure as needed, and provide gentle abdominal techniques to encourage the natural movement of water and waste. If you'd prefer quiet time, I'm happy to give you space while remaining nearby and available whenever you need me.
Yes. Your therapist gently inserts a disposable speculum that's appropriately sized for your body at the beginning of your session and uses abdominal techniques to encourage the natural movement of water and waste. Pressure is always adjusted to your comfort.
The disposable speculum is gently inserted just a short distance into the rectum. It remains comfortably in place during your session and is connected to the tubing that allows water and waste to flow through the closed system.
No. Colon Therapy should never be painful. As water encourages the natural movement of stool and the colon begins to contract, temporary cramping, fullness, warmth, or occasional chills are common. These sensations pass quickly, and we'll adjust where we can to ensure your comfort throughout.
During a typical session, approximately 5-10 gallons of warm filtered water (98-100°F) gently circulate through the colon. Water continues to flow in and out breaking up matter along the way. Following an initial fill and release series, a gentle pulsing technique is used throughout the duration of the session, mimicking your colons natural peristalstis to encourage the movement of water and waste.
Yes. You'll be appropriately draped throughout your session, with the exception of speculum insertion and removal, to maintain your privacy, dignity, and comfort.
Your comfort is always the priority. The water flow can be stopped immediately; however, once your session has ended, the disposable speculum will not be reinserted. If you're in the middle of an active release, I may ask you to wait briefly before removing the speculum to ensure a safe, comfortable, and clean conclusion to your session.
Very little, if any. Because this is a closed gravity system, water and waste flow directly through the tubing into the drain, minimizing odor throughout your session.
Everyone's experience is unique. Many clients feel lighter, more relaxed, or energized after a session, while others may feel tired, especially if their body has been working hard to eliminate waste. You may notice a few additional bowel movements later in the day, while others don't experience any. Temporary gas or mild cramping can also occur but typically resolves quickly. Before you leave, your therapist will review personalized aftercare recommendations and answer any questions you may have.
After your session, focus on nourishing your body with whole, easy-to-digest foods and continue drinking plenty of water. Replenishing electrolytes can also be beneficial to support hydration. Everyone's digestive system is different, so listen to your body and eat in a way that feels supportive. Your therapist will discuss individualized aftercare recommendations based on your goals and how you responded to your session.
No. Most clients return to their normal daily activities, including driving, work, and errands, immediately after their appointment. Before you leave, you'll have plenty of time to use the restroom, get dressed, and make sure you feel comfortable. Some clients notice a few additional bowel movements later in the day, but colon hydrotherapy should not leave you unable to control your bowels.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal timing depends on your health history, symptoms, goals, and how your body responds. For many new clients, I recommend beginning with a series of appointments scheduled relatively close together to build momentum and achieve the best results.
When clinically appropriate, colon hydrotherapy can be safely performed within a 24-hour period. This approach is sometimes recommended in cases of severe constipation or certain chronic health concerns. As your body responds and your goals evolve, we'll transition to a personalized maintenance schedule that's appropriate for your individual needs.
Absolutely. This is one of the most common questions I receive! Colon hydrotherapy is beneficial for both men and women. While many people assume it's primarily a women's service, men make up a significant portion of my clientele. Every client is welcomed into a professional, comfortable, and respectful environment where privacy and dignity are always a priority.
Yes! Gut Instincts accepts both HSA and FSA payments. Coverage and reimbursement eligibility vary by individual plan, so I recommend confirming your specific benefits with your plan administrator if you have questions. An itemized receipt can be provided upon request.
To respect the time reserved specifically for you, appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice are subject to a 100% cancellation fee. This policy is consistently enforced, as last-minute cancellations are often difficult to fill. I understand that life happens, and I always strive to be fair and reasonable. That said, the closer the cancellation is to your appointment time, especially within 12 hours, the more difficult it becomes to refill the reserved appointment, so my flexibility is naturally much more limited.
Absolutely! We all need a little moral support sometimes, especially when trying something new. A friend or family member is welcome to accompany you to your appointment and may join you during your consultation if you'd like.
When it's time for your session, it's completely up to you whether you'd like them to remain in the treatment room or wait comfortably in the reception area. My priority is making sure you feel relaxed, supported, and in control of your experience.
Please note: To help maintain a calm, safe environment for all clients, children may not accompany you to your appointment.
Yes, in some cases. Colon hydrotherapy may be appropriate for children, but only after careful consideration of their age, health history, and individual needs. At Gut Instincts, pediatric clients are accepted on a case-by-case basis and require a parent or legal guardian to be present throughout the appointment. Please contact me directly before scheduling so we can discuss whether colon hydrotherapy is an appropriate fit for your child.