I didn’t intend or plan for my first blog of 2025 to be about colonics, but here we are! Today, I shared that I was having a colonic done to my Instagram (@sarah_bowmar) and was shocked at how many inquiries I had about it!

This is not medical advice.

Colonic Breakdown and Benefits

• A colonic, also known as colon irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, is a procedure that involves flushing the colon with water or other solutions. A small tube is inserted into the rectum during a colonic, and water or a solution is introduced into the colon. The solution can remain in the colon for some time before being flushed out. The entire procedure is under an hour and involves removing your clothes from the waist down, getting in a hospital gown, lying on a bed, having the tube lubed and inserted, and having your colon flushed for about 45 minutes.
• There is a “viewing tube” where you can see everything coming out of you (stool, mucus, candida, worms, parasites, etc). Most people have 5-25lbs of compacted feces in their colon at any given time. No one’s diet is perfect, and everyone could benefit from a colonic; however, the more processed foods you eat- the more you are demanding of your entire body, digestive tract, and colon. 
• Practitioners of colon cleansing say the benefits include:
  • Removal of toxins and detox improvements 
  • Better nutrient absorption
  • Boost in energy
  • Improvement of immune system function and digestion
  • Weight loss
  • Fewer headaches
  • Promotion of good health or overall well-being
  • Lower risk of colon cancer
  • Skin health improvements

FAQs

• What does it feel like / does it hurt?
  • TBH- if you’re used to butt stuff, the insertion will be a cake walk. I actually had to ask her if she was sure it was even in (AI could never write this)
  • The sensation experienced during a colonic can vary depending on the individual and the procedure beingused. 
  •  
    • Mild cramping:
    • Some people may feel mild cramping or abdominal pressure as the water fills the colon. 
    • Fullness:
    • Individuals may experience a sensation of fullness or bloating as the colon fills. 
    • Gurgling or bubbling:
    • Water flowing through the colon can cause gurgling or bubbling sounds.
    • * It’s important to note that a colonic should not be painful. If an individual experiences severe pain, they should stop the procedure immediately and seek medical attention. 
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• What is the prep before?
  • Daily: you should always be taking a probiotic esp, especially if you have a colonic scheduled
  • 3 days prior: drink at least 1.5 gallons of water each day
  • The day of: fast the entire day before your procedure (so try to schedule it in the morning), and do not drink anything 2 hours prior
• How much does it cost?
  • It all depends on where you live, but the average cost, according to the google machine, is from $75 – $150, and some offer packages and bundles to reduce the price per session
• What happens afterward?
  • After a colonic, you can expect to feel refreshed and light, and you can return to your normal activities. However, you might experience some changes in your bowel movements and may feel fatigued or have a headache
    • Aftercare 
    •  
      • Drink plenty of fluids
      • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
      • Avoid heavy lifting or rigorous exercise for 24 hours
      • Take probiotic supplements and electrolytes 
      • Eat a light meal
      • Rest
      • Soak in a warm bath
      • Try peppermint or ginger tea
      • Try a gentle abdominal massage
• How often do you have to do it?
  • Beginners
    • For beginners, it’s recommended to start with a series of 3–6 sessions spaced 1–2 weeks apart
    • This initial series helps to cleanse the colon and establish a foundation for ongoing health improvement
  • Maintenance
    • After the initial series, you can adjust the frequency based on your health goals
    • Some people may benefit from scheduling sessions every 1–2 months
    • Others may choose to have a monthly maintenance session 
    •  
  • Other considerations
    • Some recommend colonics four times per year to coincide with each change of season. 
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• Where did you go?
  • Priority Health in Des Moines (if you book, please mention me)
• What’s the difference between a colonic and an enema?
  • Enemas involve a one-time infusion of water into the colon. By contrast, colonics involve multiple infusions. What’s more, the main objective of an enema is to evacuate the lower colon, while colonics are meant to cleanse a larger portion of the bowel