Frequently asked questions

The colon is the last portion of the digestive system. It is approximately 5 feet long (1.5 meters) and 2 to 3 inches in diameter and its job is to extract water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body.

See Wikipedia for more detail.

What is colonic irrigation?

Colonic irrigation involves the slow and gentle introduction of water into the colon under low pressure and controlled temperature. This water is massaged around the colon to enable stuck waste matter to be released from the bowel wall.

Why have a colonic?

Waste material contains impacted faeces, dead tissue, parasites, worms etc. and if it stays in the colon for any length of time, it gradually becomes more toxic.

The more toxic the colon, the more work the liver has to do; if the bowel gets overloaded and is unable to clear faecal matter, the toxins will end up being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This is when you start to feel tired, headachy, weak and unwell.

When you have a colonic, you clear the path for waste to leave your body, your body becomes less toxic and you start to feel better!

Is colonic irrigation safe?

Yes. We're using water to cleanse the large bowel and this is one of the safest and natural forms of health treatment there is.

Will the treatment hurt?

No. All I'm doing is facilitating the natural elimination process of your body. You're still in control of the treatment and if you feel uncomfortable, you can stop at any time.

So I can assure you that it will not hurt. But I realize you may be nervous about having a tube inserted in your rectum, so feel free to have a chat with me before the appointment (020 7411 9824).

How long will the colonic take?

The treatment lasts 60 - 90 minutes, during which I provide a guided breathing and meditation exercise to encourage relaxation.

Once the treatment is finished, it takes just a few minutes to recover, and then you will be able to leave straightaway.

Are colonics embarrassing?

No, your modesty is preserved at all times, and you will be in a private room with only your therapist.

After the small tube is gently inserted into your rectum, you will remain covered for the duration of the treatment.

The mess and odour you sometimes get during an enema does not happen with a colonic. A plastic tube gently introduces clean water into the colon via the rectum, and also carries the waste out using gravity. This is done slowly and safely, always at your own pace, so that you feel comfortable and don't lose control.

I am with you the throughout the whole treatment, explaining what is happening inside your body, so that you can be reassured should you have any questions.

Can a colonic clear up my skin?

Your skin "breathes" and is the largest organ of elimination. Therefore depending on where the 'weakness' in your body exists, if the colon is clogged or unable to eliminate waste fully, your skin may become congested.

Surface eruptions (acne for example) happen when the skin helps to release toxins. When you cleanse the colon, the other organs of elimination (lungs, kidneys, liver, colon) can do their job properly, and your skin very often clears up.

Will my colon be completely empty after the colonic?

No. The colon is in constant use. The more impacted matter you release, the futher the water can get without obstruction.

The aim is to have a colon that works effectively, not an empty colon.

What kind of water do you use for the colonic?

Highly filtered water is used, treated with herbs that make the water more capable of absorbing and flushing toxins from the body.

We do not use tap water because it contains numerous unwanted chemicals.

Will a colonic help with my constipation?

Yes. A series of colonic irrigation sessions can remove impacted waste matter, strengthen the colon muscles and alleviate constipation.

I usually recommend a change of diet in addition to colonic irrigation for the most effective results.

Can I just use laxatives?

Laxatives are a short term solution that will empty the colon but can also act as an irritant to the body.

With a laxative, the body manufactures a thin watery substance passes through the body but can leave behind toxins and impacted waste.

Colonic irrigation uses pure water which isn't an irritant and in contrast to laxatives will actually hydrate the body.

What about hygiene?

Highest standards of hygiene are always complied with.

Rubber gloves are worn throughout the treatment and you can be assured that only disposable equipment is used.

Who can benefit from having a colonic?

Everybody, unless you are suffering from a condition which is contra-indicated.

Unfortunately as we no longer live as nature intended, colonics can help us clear unwanted waste that has built up over years of having an unhealthy lifestyle and poor eating habits.

All colonics do is naturally help clear the bowel of toxins, mucus and impacted faecal matter, aiding the body's natural healing processes.

Is colonic hydrotherapy the same as colonic irrigation?

Yes.

Is colonic irrigation the same as an enema?

No, an enema helps water or a solution get to the sigmoid part of the bowel, rather than going all the way round the entire colon.

Also, exteme use of enemas can weaken the bowel wall, whereas colonics help tone up the bowel by stimulating peristalis (muscular waves that propel food through the colon), and working the bowel muscle.

Can I eat before and after a colonic treatment?

Yes you can. It depends what the aim of the treatment is and what conditions you are currently dealing with, but generally you are fine to eat lightly before and after a treatment.

It is best to check with your therapist regarding your particular case for more individualised treatment protocol.

Are there any side effects or dangers?

Depending on how toxic your system is, determines how you are likely to feel after your first colonic. Often if you have released a lot of very old waste matter you may feel tired and/or have a mild headache after your first treatment, as your body is undergoing a mini-cleansing reaction.

Rest and drinking plenty of water will help this pass within 12 hours.

Will the water pressure cause any damage?

No. The water is introduced very gently and always at your own pace. The bowel is a muscle, so it expands and contracts as the water is introduced and waste matter is evacuated.

I am in constant contact with you, to ensure that you feel comfortable at all times during the treatment.

How many treatments should I have?

This varies depending on the individual, but usually a minimum of two to three treatments is necessary for maximum effect.

How qualified will the therapist be?

Deborah Laniado is an experienced colonic hydrotherapist; she trained at the Anne McDevitt Clinic in Dublin, Ireland.

Deborah has been successfully performing safe, relaxed and comfortable colonic irrigation treatments for over 5 years and has seen 100's of patients.

Click here for more information about Deborah Laniado.

How will I feel after the treatment?

You might feel tired afterwards for a couple of hours, but the next day your should feel alive and well.

Click here for how you will benefit over the following week.

Will the treatment help me lose weight?

A single cleanse may help you trim your waistline by simply removing accumulated waste which may be causing excessive bloating.

If you add a good diet and regular exercise, colonic irrigation will help with ongoing weight loss, by helping to eliminate toxins from your body as your metabolic efficiency improves.

Should I have a colonic if I have my period?

This is totally up to you and how comfortable you feel during your period. It will not do you any damage or cause any problems.

Often people suffer from constipation during their period, at which time I would encourage a colonic, to help clear any faecal matter building up during this time, and to avoid excess hormones overwhelming the body.

Will the colonic remove good bacteria from my colon?

Some good and bad bacteria will be removed during the treatment as we are helping clear the bowel.

However the bacterial flora is in the protective mucosal lining of the bowel wall and folds of the colon, so within 72 hours your bowel would naturally repopulate the flora in the same proportions as before the colonic.

One of the aims of the treatment is to encourage a healthy bowel flora environment. So I always give my patients probiotics after the treatment, and encourage them to take them at home to repopulate the bowel with beneficial bacteria, rather than to repopulate the bowel with the same ratio of good to bad flora as before.

Can I ask you a question?

Sure!

Call Deborah on 020 7411 9824 for a free phone consultation, check out our prices, or:

Click here to ask Deborah a question >>

If you've already booked an appointment, please check out these 7 tips for how to prepare for a comfortable colonic.

Convenient location

North London Colonics
192 Goldhurst Terrace
West Hampstead
London
NW6 3HN

Affordable

First 60-90 minute treatment is £120 (normally £135, see voucher above).

Repeat treatments are £100 (for 1hr).

See prices for more deals.

Clinic hours

Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm

Experienced therapists

Deborah Laniado (CNM, ARCH, Dip. Herb) is an experienced colonic hydrotherapist with 100s of satisfied London clients.