What Is a Colonic?

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A colonic involves using large amounts of water to flush waste out of the colon, the longest part of the large intestine. The procedure is also known as colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, or a colon cleanse.

Some believe that a colonic can help prevent disease and improve overall health. To date, the evidence supporting this is weak. Some health experts even suggest that a colonic can be dangerous to your health.

This article will discuss what a colonic is, whether it works, and what to expect from the procedure. It also explains how to manage potential complications that can arise from irrigating the colon.

How a Colonic Is Done

A colonic is a procedure performed by a certified, non-medical professional called a hydrotherapist. A typical session lasts 45 minutes to one hour.

Prior to the procedure, you will be asked about your medical history and to sign disclosure documents stating that you understand the risks of the procedure (discussed below).

For the actual procedure, you will be asked to undress completely, change into a gown, and lie on a treatment table. A colonic is often performed while lying on your side, but some treatment tables allow you to remain on your back.

During the Procedure

Here's a step-by-step overview of how a colic is performed:

  1. Once you are in the correct position, the therapist inserts a disposable nozzle into your anus. The nozzle is attached to a long disposable plastic hose that is connected to a machine called the hydrotherapy unit.
  2. The hydrotherapy unit pushes a large amount of water into the colon. The water is then released back into the tube where it is disposed of in a concealed unit. Around 16 gallons of water are used.
  3. The therapist may observe the contents as they are released back into the clear tubing and comment on the color or consistency of your stools.
  4. After the session, you will be directed to a toilet to pass any residual water and stool.

The therapist may lightly massage your belly during the procedure to help encourage water into parts of the colon.

The procedure may cause abdominal pressure or discomfort but usually no pain. You do not smell anything while undergoing a colonic.

After the Colonic

Because a colonic can cause dehydration and lead to an electrolyte imbalance, avoid caffeine and alcohol for several days until your normal fluid balance is restored.

A low-residue diet is also recommended to give your digestive system a chance to rest. This includes eating softer foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, white rice, and chicken and avoiding harder-to-digest foods like raw vegetables, red meat, nuts, and whole grains.

Why Do People Get Colonics?

People often get colonics as a means to prevent constipation or remove toxins from the body. Many believe that doing so can improve their overall health.

Proponents of colonics claim that accumulated feces in the colon may negatively affect your health by:

  • Promoting constipation
  • Blocking the absorption of water and nutrients
  • Allowing harmful bacteria and yeast to colonize in the colon
  • Enabling the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream

But as of now, there is little scientific evidence to back up these health claims.

While a colonic can certainly help clear hardened stool from the bowel, dietary factors like decreasing your red meat intake and increasing your fiber intake play a substantial role in preventing constipation and other health conditions, including colon cancer.

Colonics vs. Enemas

An enema is an injection of fluid used to empty the bowel, often ahead of a medical procedure. A colonic reaches distant parts of the colon using multiple infusions of water for the purpose of "detoxifying" the body.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Colonics

The following side effects are common. They can occur immediately following a colonic and last for several hours:

  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness
  • Cramping
  • Bloating

Diarrhea and vomiting are also possible.

complications from colonics
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

Serious complications can also sometimes occur, including:

There is also evidence that a colonic can strip mucus and naturally-occurring bacteria and yeasts that protect the colon from infection. By clearing these away, you may actually be increasing your risk of a bowel infection.

Who Should Avoid Colonics?

Colonic hydrotherapy is discouraged in people with certain health conditions. Chief among these are conditions that cause intestinal bleeding or inflammation.

Avoid colonics if you have:

People who are pregnant should not have a colonic as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Bazzocchi G, Giuberti R. Irrigation, lavage, colonic hydrotherapy: from beauty center to clinic? Tech Coloproctol. 2017;21(1):1-4. doi:10.1007/s10151-016-1576-6

  2. Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Ask a doc: are colon cleanses healthy?

  3. Vanhauwaert E, Matthys C, Verdonck L, De Preter V. Low-residue and low-fiber diets in gastrointestinal disease managementAdvances in Nutrition. 2015;6(6):820-827. doi:10.3945/an.115.009688

  4. Journal of Lancaster General Hospital. Colon cleansing: Medical breakthrough or myth? Summer 2014.

  5. Stavrou G, Kotzampassi K. Gut microbiome, surgical complications and probioticsAnn Gastroenterol. 2017;30(1):45-53. doi:10.20524/aog.2016.0086

Additional Reading

By Cathy Wong
Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health.