About Colonics (FAQ)

PNW Wellness encourages both seasoned colonic veterans and those new to colon hydrotherapy to explore and determine what you want to achieve with colon hydrotherapy. Each person is unique and will have their own goal. At PNW Wellness, we want to empower you and guide you to reach your health summit.

There are several schools of thought regarding colonics resulting in different sets of frequently asked questions. Below you will find a sample of the most frequently asked questions, but they are by no means the only questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Colon Hydrotherapy? (Also called Colonics)

A. Colon Hydrotherapy is simply a gentle flow of warm filtered, purified water passed into the bowel to clear out accumulated wastes, much like an enema. No drugs, chemicals, or irritants are used, just ultraviolet (UV) purified water.

Q. Is Colon Hydrotherapy safe?

A. Colon Hydrotherapy is safe for most people. Our Angel of Water system is an FDA-approved device for colon irrigation. It is sterilized after each treatment, and the insertion nozzles and tubing used are sterile, single-use, and disposable. Before treatment, you will be asked to complete a client intake form to check that colonic hydrotherapy is a suitable therapy for you.

Q. Can anyone have colonics?

A. Colon hydrotherapy is safe; however, each person should contact their primary care provider for discussion and approval before scheduling. On your intake form, there are several conditions listed where colon hydrotherapy is contraindicated (not recommended). Here are some examples of some conditions that should be discussed and approved with your primary care provider ahead of scheduling:

  • Anal Fissure/Fistula (a tear in the colon)

  • Anemia (severe)

  • Cardiac Disease

  • Cirrhosis

  • Colitis

  • Colon Cancer

  • Colon Surgery (less than three months post-op requires a doctor’s referral)

  • Colostomy

  • Crohn’s disease (acute inflammatory or bleeding stages)

  • Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis

  • GI Hemorrhage/Perforation (history of requires a doctor’s referral)

  • Hemorrhoids (in a severely inflamed or severely bleeding stage)

  • Rectal Bleeding (other than minor hemorrhoids)

  • Hernia (abdominal/inguinal)

  • Kidney Dialysis

  • Pregnancy (up to 4 months)

  • Renal Insufficiency

  • Tumor in the Rectum or Large Intestine

  • Ulcerative Colitis (active or bleeding)

Q. Why should I get colonics?

A. Your colon is designed to efficiently remove excess toxins and waste from your body. However, over time, environmental factors (pesticides, pollution, air quality, heavy metals in water or food, etc.), a poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress or any condition that compromises your health, can all decrease this efficiency. Like washing your skin or cleaning any other part of your body, colon hydrotherapy can help give a gentle reset to your system. Colon hydrotherapy is effective at immediately relieving symptoms of gas, bloating or constipation. It can also help rebalance the gut microbiome over time.

Q. How should I prepare for my colonic?

A. Prior to a colonic session, refrain from eating at least two hours before your scheduled appointment. If possible, eat a whole food diet (i.e., unprocessed food including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, etc.) and drink plenty of water for 24-48 hours in advance. Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to your session.

Q. What is recommended for colonic aftercare?

A. Frequently, people leave the session feeling lighter or better than when they came in and go back to work or resume their normal activities.

However, some people may experience some flu-like side effects after the session. People have reported great relief by drinking lots of water, ginger or peppermint teas or by soaking in either hot Epsom Salt or Magnesium Flake Bath for 20 minutes. We will send an aftercare email with detailed instruction at the conclusion of your session.

Please NOTE: If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call us at PNW Wellness, +1-503-757-8883 or email us at info@pnwwellness.com.

Q. Is the device an open or closed system?

A. We use an open system.

Q. What is your COVID-19 Policy?

A. You can be comfortable with or without masking indoors, but we assume no liability for your ultimate health and your decisions around masking. We are vaccinated. We reserve the right to unilaterally make changes to health protocols according to updated public health guidance and law.

Q. Do you use an Angel of Water® Device?

A. Yes! We are the only colonic clinic in the greater Portland area that uses an Angel of Water® Device for our colonics! You can learn more about the Angel of Water device and how it works here.

Q. Do you provide instructions on Queen of Thrones castor oil packs?

A. Please see the infographic below.