Top Reasons to Get a Colonic Cleanse
A Complete Guide to Gut Health, Cleansing, and What to Expect from Colon Hydrotherapy
At Fernz Wellness in Los Angeles, we specialize in colon hydrotherapy and electro-lymphatic drainage, and we’ve created a calm, spa-like environment where your gut health journey can begin with clarity and care. If you’re new to colon cleanses, you might feel a little unsure about what to expect or why people even do it.
Totally understandable, colonics aren’t something most people talk about over lunch. But here, we talk about everything, because we believe feeling good in your body shouldn’t be a mystery.
Whether you're feeling bloated, dealing with constipation, prepping for a colonoscopy, or just feeling off and curious about a gut reset, we’re here to walk you through every step, and answer every “TMI” question without flinching.
What Is a Colonic Cleanse?
A colonic cleanse, also known as colon hydrotherapy or colonic irrigation, is a procedure where filtered water is gently introduced into the large intestine through the rectum to help clear out old waste products, gas, mucus, and anything else that might be hanging out longer than it should in your bowel.
The idea is to give your intestinal tract a bit of a rinse, not to strip or scrub it, but to help support its natural function. Think of it as encouraging your body to regulate and reset its own rhythm, especially when things feel sluggish or stuck.
Now, a lot of people confuse colonics with enemas. Understandable! Both involve introducing fluid into the rectal area. But they’re very different. An enema is usually a small amount of fluid, often used at home, that clears the lower part of the colon. A colonic, on the other hand, uses more water and reaches much deeper into the intestinal tract. It’s a full-body experience, not just physically, but emotionally and energetically too. Many of our clients say they feel lighter, clearer, and even less anxious afterward.
Advantages of the LIBBE Open System
At our studio, we use the LIBBE open system colon hydrotherapy. If you’ve ever heard about “open vs. closed” systems and felt confused, here’s what that means in real words. In a closed system, a therapist stays with you the entire time, manually operating the equipment, and the fluid and waste go through a closed tube. In an open system like the LIBBE, you have more privacy and autonomy, you insert a small, sterilized nozzle yourself, you’re lying on a specialized bed, and waste exits directly into a gravity-drained basin, so you don’t feel or see anything unpleasant.
We prefer open system colonics for a few reasons: it's more comfortable, more empowering for clients, and feels more like a private spa experience than a medical procedure. That said, we’re always nearby to guide and support you. The nozzle used is small, pencil-sized, and single-use (totally sterile). Nothing is forced. Your body is always in control of how much fluid is introduced and how it responds.
For those who might be nervous about discomfort, cramping or diarrhea can happen, especially if you’re releasing a lot, but many clients are surprised by how gentle and even meditative the colonic treatment feels.
Colonics vs. Other Cleanse Methods
You might also be wondering how colonics compare to other types of colon cleanses like herbal laxatives, dietary cleanses, or intense fasting. Great question, because not all cleanses are created equal.
Over-the-counter laxatives and colon-cleansing products often stimulate the bowel to empty forcefully. This can lead to cramps, dehydration, or even dependency over time if used too frequently. Many people come to us after feeling depleted from those types of approaches. They’re looking for something more balanced, something that works with their body, not against it.
Herbal supplements and detox teas can also offer short-term relief, but from our experience, they often miss the mark when it comes to addressing the full colon, especially the deeper parts of the large intestine where build-up can happen. These products might get things moving temporarily, but they don’t give your body the chance to release in a deeper, more sustained way.
Colonics, by contrast, are hydrating. That might seem surprising, but introducing warm, filtered water into the colon helps soften old stool and encourages natural peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that help move things through your digestive tract. It’s not a purge, it’s a support. Many people feel more energized afterward, not drained.
Some people choose to pair their colonic sessions with fasting, liver cleanses, or other supportive therapies. That can be helpful when guided by a knowledgeable practitioner, especially if you’re working on reducing bloat, clearing out candida, or even preparing for a medical procedure like a colonoscopy (always check with your physician first).
There’s also the conversation around the theory of autointoxication, the idea that old waste sitting in the colon can release toxins back into the body and contribute to fatigue, skin issues, and other health problems. While modern medicine remains cautious (and the FDA doesn’t endorse colonics for disease treatment), the center for complementary and integrative health acknowledges that people do report feeling better. And from our personal and professional experience, the difference our clients feel is hard to ignore.
We don’t claim to cure anything. That’s not what this is about. We simply support your body’s natural cleansing ability in a safe, clean, and respectful space. That’s the rationale behind everything we do. Whether it’s helping relieve severe constipation, encouraging smoother digestion, or offering a space for you to rest and reset, colonics, when done properly, can be a powerful tool in your wellness toolkit.
Read more about digestive health and how colon hydrotherapy can help here.
Top Reasons People Choose Colonics
When someone books a colonic for the first time, it’s rarely “just because.” There’s usually a moment, sometimes subtle, sometimes very loud, when they realize something feels off.
Maybe it’s stubborn bloating that won’t go away, or energy crashes that hit in the middle of the day for no clear reason. Or they’re constantly battling constipation, trying new colon-cleansing products, changing their diet, and still not feeling like things are moving the way they should. Some people feel foggy or weighed down, others notice their skin is flaring up for no reason. For many of our clients, it’s not about “cleaning out” in a superficial way, it’s about reconnecting with their bodies, understanding their digestion, and starting to feel clear and regulated again.
At our wellness studio, we’ve seen all types of reasons why someone might seek out colon hydrotherapy, and the truth is, everyone’s gut story is different. But over the years, there are a few very real, very common reasons that come up again and again, and those are what we want to share with you here.
Parasite Cleanses & Candida Overgrowth
One of the more eye-opening reasons people come in for colon hydrotherapy is when they’re dealing with persistent symptoms that may be related to parasites or candida overgrowth.
This topic can feel taboo, no one really wants to talk about the possibility of parasites, but you'd be surprised how many clients start to suspect something's off when they're experiencing symptoms like itching, bloating, sugar cravings, or strange fatigue that doesn't match their lifestyle.
When it comes to candida, which is a yeast that naturally lives in the body but can become overgrown under certain conditions (like antibiotic use, high sugar intake, or chronic stress), the signs are often subtle. Recurring yeast infections, white-coated tongue, intense carb cravings, or a foggy brain are some of the red flags we hear in client conversations.
What we’ve seen in our studio is that doing a series of colonics, typically three within a month, often helps support the body during a candida cleanse or anti-parasitic protocol.
It’s not that the colonic is “curing” anything (we never make that claim), but it can help flush out waste products and create a clearer, less burdened environment for the body to do its job. Think of it like taking out the trash so your immune system doesn’t have to trip over it.
Chronic Constipation & Irregularity
This one is probably the most common reason people come to see us. Chronic constipation is way more widespread than most people realize, even people who are going to the bathroom every day may not be eliminating fully. One thing we like to share is that having a bowel movement daily doesn’t necessarily mean your colon is fully clearing out. If you’re feeling backed up, bloated, or like you’re only “half done” after going to the bathroom, that might be a sign that your bowel needs more support.
We’ve seen clients who have tried laxatives, fiber supplements, and dietary changes, but they still feel stuck. That stuck feeling is called bowel stasis, and it often goes hand in hand with low energy, irritability, and a heavy or distended belly. In these cases, colon hydrotherapy can be incredibly relieving. The water used in the session helps to gently soften stool that may have been sitting in the intestinal tract for too long, making it easier for your body to release without the cramping and urgency that can come from harsh laxatives.
See our full article on how colon hydrotherapy can help with constipation relief here.
Colonoscopy Prep & Medical-Directed Cleansing
Now, this is a more clinical reason, and one that’s important to approach responsibly. Some clients come to us under the guidance of their physician for support with colonoscopy prep. Colonoscopy requires a completely empty colon, and while most people follow the standard prep involving strong laxatives, others find that including colonics in the days leading up to the procedure helps them feel more thorough and a bit more at ease.
We always recommend speaking to your doctor first if you’re considering this. Colon hydrotherapy is not a replacement for the standard prep, but it can sometimes be part of a complementary and integrative health plan when a provider gives the green light. Especially for those who have sensitivities to the prep powders or issues with extreme dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, colonics can offer a gentler bridge.
In these cases, the approach is more clinical, and safety is top priority. We make sure to explain everything in detail, sterilize our system thoroughly between every session, and keep the environment calm and professional. Many clients say they appreciate the support and extra confidence going into their medical appointment, knowing they’ve done everything possible to prepare their body well.
Full-Body Reset & Emotional Clarity
This is a less obvious reason to seek out colonic irrigation, but one we talk about often in the treatment room. Gut health isn’t just about the body, it’s deeply tied to the nervous system, emotional health, and overall well-being. We’ve had so many clients come in thinking they just wanted to “flush out” and leave telling us they feel like they hit the reset button on their mind too.
The gut and the brain are in constant communication, something often referred to as the gut-brain axis. When your intestinal system is sluggish, congested, or inflamed, it’s not uncommon to also feel foggy, anxious, or moody. And while colonics aren't therapy, the emotional clarity that can come from releasing old waste often surprises people. Some clients even tear up during their first or second session, not because they’re in pain, but because something shifts. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve felt it, but there’s something about letting go physically that allows for deeper energetic release too.
We like to create a space where that’s welcomed. With soft music, gentle lighting, and time to relax, the sessions can feel more like a meditative moment than a clinical procedure. Clients often leave feeling “lighter,” both in their bodies and their minds. It’s one of the reasons we love what we do.
See The Transformative Power of Colon Cleanse Hydrotherapy here.
Liver Support, Skin Clarity, and Bloat Relief
Bloating and gas are very common issue, it's that uncomfortable pressure in the belly, especially after meals, that often signals that your digestion is struggling. Maybe your liver is overburdened, your body is struggling to break down fats, or there's excess gas and waste sitting in the large intestine. Colonics can offer a gentle nudge to the system that encourages things to move and relieves that trapped, swollen feeling.
In colon hydrotherapy, especially when done consistently during a cleansing phase, we’ve seen direct improvements in how people’s skin looks too. That’s not surprising when you think about it, your skin is one of your body’s main elimination pathways. If your bowels aren’t moving properly, toxins may try to exit another way, and that often shows up as breakouts, dullness, or inflammation.
Another area we pay close attention to is liver function. While colonics don’t “detoxify” the liver directly (and no external therapy can claim to do that), cleansing the colon can ease some of the load. When waste products and toxins aren’t being reabsorbed into the bloodstream from a stagnant colon, your liver can focus on its many other jobs, from processing hormones to filtering blood. It can also help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How Often Should You Do a Colonic?
People often walk into our studio wondering, “Is one session enough? Is it something I should do regularly?” The answer for this isn’t exactly the same for everyone. What we’ve found after years of working with clients is that the answer depends a lot on what your body needs right now, and what your goals are.
We don’t believe in pushing unnecessary sessions. Our approach is always about listening to your body and supporting it in the most gentle, aligned way possible. But we do have some consistent patterns that we see work really well, especially for people just starting out with colon hydrotherapy.
The 3x/Month Cleansing Phase
When you're just getting started with colonics, one session will give you a sense of how your body responds, but it’s often not enough to see significant, lasting change. This is why we recommend beginning with three sessions in your first month, either once a week, or, in some cases, back-to-back over a few days, depending on what’s going on in your body.
Why three? Because the first session often softens and loosens the waste products, but the deeper release usually starts to happen in the second and third sessions. It’s kind of like washing out a bottle that’s been sitting in the back of the fridge, the first rinse might get the top layer, but it takes a few gentle rounds to fully clear it out. Your colon, especially if it’s been backed up for a while or if you’ve never done any type of colon cleanse, needs a little time to respond and open up.
Some people come to us with years of bloating, irregular bowel movements, or sluggish digestion, and the idea that one session will solve all of that isn’t realistic, nor is it how the body works. Doing three sessions over the course of a month creates momentum, and it gives us a chance to support your body through the natural cleansing process, while observing how your system is responding. Whether you choose to come in once a week or do your three sessions close together, our role as practitioners is to guide you toward what’s best for your body.
When to Transition to Monthly or Seasonal Maintenance
Once your body starts to regulate, and we start seeing those signs during the sessions, we usually recommend shifting into a monthly maintenance rhythm. The ideal time to make that switch is when your stool is becoming more regular, your energy feels more stable, and you’re no longer experiencing things like stubborn bloat, brain fog, or cravings for processed foods and sugar.
You’ll know when your body is reaching that turning point because you’ll feel it. You might notice that you’re waking up with more ease, your skin looks brighter, and those afternoon slumps aren’t hitting as hard. From our side, we also start seeing less mucus, gas, and debris during sessions, your colon begins to look clearer and your intestinal tract seems more responsive. That’s when we usually say, “Okay, we’re in a good place, now let’s focus on staying here.”
Some people prefer to keep going monthly just to stay in rhythm, while others choose seasonal colonics (every few months) around times when the body naturally shifts, like after holidays, travel, or a period of heavy eating. We’re all different, and your body might ask for different things at different times. Listening to it, and learning how to hear what it’s telling you, is part of what makes this work so special.
Tips from Our Practitioners
One of the biggest tips we give clients is to start tracking what’s happening between sessions. Are you going to the bathroom regularly? Is your digestion smooth and complete, or do you feel like something’s left behind? How’s your skin? What about your mood? These things are all connected.
Some people notice a kind of “reboot” feeling after their second or third session. Their gut starts signaling more clearly, cravings shift, and they start to get natural urges to go to the bathroom without pushing. Others might feel more emotionally clear, like the fog they didn’t know they were living under starts to lift. We call that a sign of your body resetting, and it’s more common than people think.
Also, hydration is everything. Colonics introduce water into the colon, but staying well-hydrated between sessions is key for healthy movement and proper electrolyte balance. If you’re someone who tends to feel dehydrated easily or has a diet that’s low in water-rich foods, we’ll give you guidance on how to support your kidneys, balance electrolytes, and avoid the dryness that can happen after a big release.
There’s also something to be said for giving your body space to rest after a session. Avoid heavy meals, overly processed foods, and anything that feels hard to digest. This isn’t a hard rule, but it helps your system rebuild and re-regulate after the release. We want your body to absorb nutrients, not just pass things through.
See How to Find the Best Colon Hydrotherapist for Your Needs in Los Angeles here.
Signs It’s Time for a Gut Reset
People often wait until their symptoms become overwhelming before they take action. But the truth is, your body usually gives you signs long before it starts shouting. You don’t need to feel “sick” to benefit from a gut reset, in fact, the earlier you catch those subtle signals, the better your results will be.
What We See at Fernz Wellness
One of the clearest signs that someone’s body is overdue for support is what shows up during a session. We often see gas, excessive mucus, or even black specs, things that shouldn’t be lingering in a healthy, balanced colon. Sometimes, we see what look like parasites, visible strands or pieces that clients don’t expect but often recognize as something foreign. This isn’t something you’ll read about in product pamphlets or experience through laxatives, you actually see the physical result of what's been sitting in your colon for possibly years.
When the intestinal tract is congested, your whole system slows down. Clients report symptoms like sluggishness, skin breakouts, poor sleep, and food sitting in the belly like a rock after meals. Often, we hear them say, “I just feel heavy” or “I don’t feel like myself.” Sleep and gut health are very much much connected and that’s the body whispering that it needs a reset.
What’s important to understand is that you don’t have to wait for something dramatic, like inflammatory disease or chronic constipation, to seek help. Early signs matter, and colonics can be part of your care before things become a bigger issue.
From Sugar Cravings to Skin Breakouts
One of the more surprising signs that your gut might be struggling is your relationship with sugar and carbs. We’ve had clients come in saying they cannot stop craving sweets, especially in the afternoon or late at night. And while part of that can be emotional or stress-related, it’s also often a sign of imbalanced gut flora, sometimes related to candida overgrowth, sometimes just from years of processed food and stress on the digestive system.
Your gut bacteria play a big role in your cravings, mood, and energy levels. When things are off, your body might push you toward the foods that are actually feeding the problem. It’s a cycle we see often, crave, eat, bloat, crash, repeat.
We also see skin flare-ups. especially around the jawline or cheeks, when the colon isn’t clearing efficiently. Your skin is another elimination organ, so when your intestine can’t keep up, your body looks for other ways to get rid of toxins. That can look like acne, dullness, or even itchy rashes. Some clients try every cream and treatment before realizing the issue isn’t what’s going on their skin, but what’s trying to come out.
Mood swings, low energy, irritability after meals, all of these can be tied back to gut health. Colonics aren’t a magic fix, but they’re often the jumpstart people need to interrupt the cycle and reconnect with their body in a real, empowering way.
Inside Fernz Wellness in Los Angeles
Our studio, Fernz Wellness, isn’t your typical “clinic.” Yes, we’re professional, trained, and fully equipped with the LIBBE open colon hydrotherapy system, but what sets us apart is the intention behind every detail. From the moment you walk in, the entire space is designed to feel like a breath of fresh air, not a medical room. Because healing, to us, happens best in spaces where you feel safe, relaxed, and seen.
Our sessions take place in private, cozy rooms with soft lighting, plush linens, and calming music in the background. We believe that your nervous system plays a huge role in your digestion, and so every part of the environment is there to support nervous system regulation. You’ll never feel rushed or clinical here, we want you to feel like you’ve stepped into a sanctuary.
After each colonic, we cleanse the space with sage, not just for the physical reset, but for the energetic clearing too. It’s a way to honor the release that just happened and to reset the room for the next client. You may not expect energy work in a colon hydrotherapy setting, but for many of our clients, this ritual is part of what makes Fernz feel so unique. It’s subtle, but meaningful. We keep things clean, simple, and soothing. Every session is a mini reset for your whole body.
Read more if you are considering a colon cleanse in Los Angeles here.
Fernz Wellness - Los Angeles Colon Hydrotherapy
Learn more about us here and discover how our services can be a vital part of your journey to optimal health. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to better digestive health and improved well-being.
Our address is 5486 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 and you can also call or text us at (424) 281-9366.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this guide, we hope you’re walking away with more than just facts about colon cleansing. We hope you’re feeling empowered to look at your gut health in a new way, not as something separate from the rest of your body, but as a vital part of your entire well-being. Because when your digestion is working, everything else feels easier, your energy, your focus, your mood, even your skin.
Your colon plays a major role in immune function, skin clarity, and hormone balance. When waste sits too long, it can ferment and release gases, contributing to bloating, fatigue, and low mood. Over time, that stasis creates a traffic jam for the rest of your system. Clearing it out, slowly, gently, respectfully, helps your body function better on every level.
When people cleanse their gut, they often feel lighter, clearer, and more like themselves, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Your gut is always talking to you. Whether it’s through cravings, discomfort, emotions, or quiet intuition, it’s giving you clues about what it needs. And part of our job as practitioners is to help you tune back into those signals.
Colon hydrotherapy isn’t about forcing your body into something. It’s about working with it, with curiosity, care, and patience. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If your system feels like it’s asking for a reset, it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get it, there are some questions that feel a little awkward to say out loud, but please know, nothing is too weird to ask. In fact, we’ve probably answered it ten times already this week. Here’s a roundup of the most common questions we hear from new clients.
Is it painful?
No, it shouldn’t be. Most clients describe the sensation as unusual at first, but not painful. You may feel some pressure or mild cramping when your colon starts to release, kind of like a wave of gas moving through. That’s completely normal. The fluid is gently gravity-fed, not forced, so your body is always in control. The experience is surprisingly relaxing for many people, especially once they settle in.
How long is the session?
The actual colonic treatment takes about 45 minutes, but we ask that you plan to be at the studio for about an hour total. This gives us time to talk with you before and after, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. We never rush.
What should I eat before?
Eat light and clean the day of your appointment, steamed veggies, fruit, broths, or smoothies tend to work well. Avoid anything too heavy, greasy, or processed, and try to skip alcohol and caffeine, especially right before your session. The goal is to make it easy for your body to focus on releasing, not digesting a big meal.
Do I need to be on a special diet?
No, you don’t need to follow a strict diet, but eating clean and drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your session will definitely help your body respond better. That said, we’re not here to judge your food choices, we’re here to support you wherever you're at.
What will come out during the session?
Everyone is different! You might release gas, old waste, mucus, and sometimes things like undigested food or even (rarely) what appear to be parasites. Some people are surprised at how much is released, others release a little each session and build momentum over time. There’s no right or wrong.
Is it okay if I’ve been on antibiotics?
Yes, and this is actually a great time to give your body extra support. Antibiotics can be necessary and life-saving, but they also wipe out beneficial bacteria in the gut. A colonic won’t fix that directly, but it can help clear waste products that may be lingering, and create a cleaner environment to reintroduce healthy bacteria through probiotics or food-based sources. Let us know what medications you’ve taken recently so we can support you properly.
Will I be running to the bathroom all day after?
For most people, no. Once the session is done, your colon has already done most of the releasing. You may need to use the restroom again once or twice within the hour after your session, but after that, things typically calm down. If anything unusual happens, we’re here to talk you through it.
Can I go back to work after?
Absolutely, many of our clients come in during lunch breaks or before evening plans. Just plan ahead, eat light, stay hydrated, and maybe skip that big dinner out or intense workout right after. If you can, give yourself a little space to relax post-session, even if it’s just for a walk.
Will I lose weight?
You may lose a bit of water weight or volume from waste release, especially if you’ve been dealing with bloating or constipation, but we like to remind clients that colonics are not a weight loss tool. The real value is in the cleansing, regulation, and overall gut reset, and the feeling of lightness and energy that can come with that.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t do a colonic?
Yes. If you have certain conditions like severe colitis, uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or renal issues, it’s important to consult with your physician first. We always do a full intake and review of your health history before proceeding.
Do I need to poop before the session?
Nope! If you do, great. If you don’t, that’s what the colonic is here to support. There’s no need to stress, we’ve seen every kind of situation and we’re here to help you feel at ease no matter where your body is at.
Have another question that wasn’t covered here? Just reach out! We’re happy to chat and help you decide if colon hydrotherapy is right for you. There’s no pressure and no such thing as a silly question in this space.
Additional Resources
Eating for a Healthy Colon – Rush University Medical Center
5 Things to Know About Colonic Cleanses
The Advantages of Regular Colon Cleansing – Medisential
Colon Cleanse: What You Need to Know - Healthline
Natural Colon Cleanse: Benefits, Types, Effectiveness, and Risks
What you should know about colon cleansing - Mayo Clinic
The LIBBE Colon Hydrotherapy School: Colonic Network LIBBE Device Training
Natural Colon Cleanse: A Gentle Path to Better Health
*The services provided by Fernz Wellness are intended for general wellness and educational purposes only. They are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or wellness routine. Results may vary.
