Frequently Asked Questions

Colon hydrotherapy, commonly called colonics, involves gently flushing accumulated waste from the colon using filtered water introduced through the rectum.

During a colonic treatment, a speculum is inserted into the rectum. A small tube allows filtered water into the colon, while a larger tube carries water and waste out. Both tubes connect to the colon hydrotherapy device, so there is no smell or mess.

A viewing screen allows you to see what is being released, which your therapist will discuss with you. Your therapist stays with you throughout the treatment, providing abdominal massage, education and support.

There are so many benefits of colonics. Colonics is not just about relieving constipation or cleaning the bowel, it is also equally important to hydrate the body and remove toxins. Other benefits include:

• Reducing gas and eliminating bloating
• Relieving constipation by softening and flushing out impacted faecal matter
• Increasing digestive function and nutrient absorption
• Assisting in eliminating parasites and bad bacteria and toxins
• Increasing energy
• Improving mental clarity, concentration and is great for brain fog
• Relieving emotional stress and anxiety
• Detoxifying the liver and blood
• Hydrating the body
• Improving the skin
• Assisting with weight loss
• Reducing cravings
• Decreasing risk of colon cancer
• Reducing toxicity in the body
• Promoting "letting go" of emotional baggage
• You will feel hydrated, relaxed, and energetic.

The following is a list of contraindications—conditions that may make colon hydrotherapy unsuitable for you. If you are unsure, please contact the Centre before booking

• Cancer of the colon or GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
• Abdominal hernia/Inguinal hernia - Please contact us before booking.
• Acute abdominal pain 
• Recent history of GI or rectal bleeding.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• History of seizures.
• Carcinoma of the rectum.
• Recent abdominal surgery
• Intestinal perforation.
• Recent colon or rectal surgery.
• Diverticulitis.
• Recent heart attack.
• General debilitation.
• Vascular aneurysm.
• Renal insufficiency.
• Epilepsy or psychoses.
• Severe haemorrhoids.
• Cirrhosis.
• Fissures or fistulas.
• Pregnancy.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Acute Crohn’s disease.
• Rectal or abdominal tumours.

Please note: If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may still be able to have a colonic treatment in some cases. Please call the Centre before booking to confirm your suitability.

We recommend increasing your water intake to at least 2 litres a day, in the lead-up to your appointment. If your body is hydrated your treatment will run differently than if you're dehydrated as more time will be spent hydrating your body.

Try to avoid foods such as meat, dairy, bread, pasta and rice for at least 24–48 hours prior to your appointment. Carbonated drinks such as soft drinks, beer, etc., may cause excess gas in your body therefore making your treatment a little uncomfortable.  

On the day of your treatment, try to avoid eating for at least 2 hours prior to your treatment. An abdominal massage is part of the treatment so if you have a full stomach, you may experience nausea or discomfort.

What happens if I don't have time to do all the suggested preparation? Our therapists are highly trained and experienced and will tailor your treatment to support your needs on the day.

Colonics is a process that requires patience. Not everyone will release a lot on their first appointment, especially if you are dehydrated and severely constipated. Every colonic treatment is different and everyone responds differently to their appointment, so trusting the process is essential for amazing results. The first appointment is generally about hydration. It is important to hydrate the colon, soften any impacted faecal matter and then eliminate. However, some clients have amazing results at their first appointment, while others may take two or three appointments.

Colon hydrotherapy is not painful. However, you may feel slight cramping or discomfort as the body begins to release built-up waste and toxins. It feels a little like diarrhoea pain but will pass as the treatment progresses.

Allow 75 minutes for your initial appointment and 60 minutes for follow-up appointments. Table time is 45 minutes, plus toilet time after the treatment.

Some clients release a lot during treatment, while others release more in the toilet afterwards. Each treatment is different.

For those wanting an extended appointment, we offer longer sessions of up to 90 minutes.

Everyone responds differently to their colonic treatment. Some people feel amazing and hydrated; others feel empty and lighter. Some may feel emotional, nauseous or exhausted. It depends on what is released and discussed during the session.

A colonic is a detox of the mind, body and soul, so it may not just be the bowels that are releasing.

After your colonic, we recommend increasing your water intake and having something light to eat, such as soup, vegetables, stir-fry, grilled fish or chicken. 

Good fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and fermented vegetables are good to add to your diet for overall gut health as well as a good probiotic to restore any good bacteria that may have left your body during the treatment.

Your body will be in detox mode, so be gentle with yourself. Lots of toxins will be moving through your body so water and healthy, nourishing food is best. Avoid spicy or heavy foods and alcohol. 

Being on your period is a great time to have a colonic as your body is already in shedding mode. However, if you have painful periods or endometriosis, we recommend to wait until your period has finished before having a colonic.

Each client is different, and the number of treatments depends on their concerns and goals. For someone who is constipated, their goal may be to poop every day, so they may require weekly treatments until that happens.

We recommend three to five treatments initially, close together, then reassessing as treatments progress. Some clients come weekly, some monthly, some quarterly and some yearly.

Your therapist will guide you and work out a plan specifically for your needs.

Everyone is different, but it is not uncommon to have no bowel movement for a day or two after your colonic.

This also depends on how much was released during your treatment, your bowel transit time, diet, water intake and usual bowel habits.

Some people find they start having regular bowel movements after their first or second treatment. Again, everyone is different.

No. Colonic treatments help strengthen the muscles that make up the colon, supporting its natural muscular contractions, known as peristalsis.

It’s like taking your colon to the gym for a workout!

No. Most people return to work or their normal activities after their appointment. However, if it’s your first session, you may feel a little tired afterwards due to the release of toxins.

Generally, most people feel lighter and energised, and have an overall sense of wellbeing after toxins have been released.

Some clients have extra bowel movements throughout the day after their appointment, but you shouldn’t have any unexpected accidents.

Just remember, don’t trust a fart!

No, you don't need to wax or shave before a colonic.

There are two types of colonic systems: open and closed. At Joanne’s Temple Colonics, we use the closed system, which is therapist-led. 

Your therapist stays with you throughout the treatment, providing abdominal massage, education and support.

You can relax on a comfortable massage table and remain covered with a towel for privacy throughout the session. There is no smell or mess.

Colon hydrotherapy is not suitable for everyone. We assess your suitability before treatment and use the following equipment and hygiene procedures to support your safety.

At Joanne’s Temple Colonics & Wellness, your health and safety are our priority.

We use a closed-system device with built-in safety mechanisms. All speculums and tubing are sterile and single-use, supplied in sealed, double-bagged kits for each client.

Your therapist is fully certified in both Pressurised and Rojas Colonics, having completed two colon hydrotherapy training courses alongside additional training, including first aid.

Before treatment, you will complete a health questionnaire to assess your suitability.