Colon Hydrotherapy FAQs
Thinking about your first colonic? It’s completely normal to have questions, and we’re glad you’re here. At VIVA Wellness in Brookfield, an I-ACT Certified colon hydrotherapist stays with you throughout your session in a private treatment suite. Our hydrotherapists have performed well over a thousand colonics, so truly, ask us anything.
Colon hydrotherapy uses warm, filtered water introduced through the rectum to help move stool out of the colon. If the whole process feels a little mysterious right now, that’s okay. Below, we answer the questions we hear most often about what happens, privacy, preparation, comfort, cost, and safety. You can also visit our colon hydrotherapy page for the full service overview.
Your First Colonic Appointment
Your Initial Colonic is 75 minutes, which includes time for questions and getting settled. Return Colonics are 60 minutes. The water portion of the session generally lasts about 30 to 40 minutes.
We’ll talk everything through before you get started. You’ll undress from the waist down in privacy and stay covered throughout the session. A lubricated, single-use speculum is inserted a short distance into the rectum, and your hydrotherapist will guide you through each step. Warm, filtered water enters the colon in gentle, controlled fills and releases, and you’ll let us know when you feel full. Water and waste leave through enclosed tubing, and gentle abdominal massage may be used during parts of the session. Want a broader overview first? Read What Is a Colonic & How Does Colon Hydrotherapy Work?
Yes, and we know this is a big question for first-time clients. Each treatment suite is private and has an attached bathroom. The closed system carries waste away through enclosed tubing, and you’ll have a bell to ring when you’re ready for your hydrotherapist to come in. You stay covered throughout the session.
VIVA’s colon hydrotherapists include Charolette Gress, Amira Gray, Esmeralda Choate, Laneice Bridges, Jaida Green, and Allie Larson. You can learn more about their I-ACT certification, training, and what that means for your appointment.
Before Your Visit
We’ll send preparation instructions before your appointment so you know exactly what to do. In general, avoid arriving right after a large meal, and let us know ahead of time about medications, supplements, recent procedures, or medical conditions.
You can book your first colonic online, but there are some health situations where we want to talk with you first.
Please reach out before booking if you are pregnant, have had recent abdominal or colorectal surgery, have an active gastrointestinal condition or infection, have a history of significant GI bleeding, or are managing a serious heart, kidney, liver, or vascular condition.
Not sure whether something in your health history matters? Ask us. We would much rather answer the question ahead of time than have you wondering whether you booked the right service. Our nurse practitioner can also help with additional screening when needed.
For the full list of health considerations and how VIVA screens for colon hydrotherapy, visit our colonic safety page.
We don’t provide colon hydrotherapy for anyone with an active C. diff infection. If you have a history of C. diff, an appointment with one of our nurse practitioners is required before booking.
Clients must be 16 or older. A parent or legal guardian must be present for the entire session, and a consultation with our nurse practitioner is required with both the teen and parent before booking. Please contact us to get started rather than booking online.
No. At VIVA, we don’t present colon hydrotherapy as something your body needs in order to detox. People book colonics for different reasons, and we would rather be clear about what the service is than make big promises about “removing toxins.” If you’re curious about how the treatment works or what people commonly come in for, ask us. We’re happy to talk it through.
Comfort & Aftercare
You may notice fullness, an urge to have a bowel movement, or some cramping as the water fills and releases. You should never feel like you have to push through significant discomfort. Tell your hydrotherapist right away about pain, nausea, or dizziness, and remember that you can pause or stop at any time.
Usually, there’s no planned downtime. Most clients return to their normal activities after the appointment, although you may notice some digestive activity later in the day. Give yourself a little time to settle, follow the aftercare tips we share, and reach out if you have questions. Seek medical care for symptoms that are severe or getting worse.
Constipation and bloating are two of the most common reasons people ask us about colonics. Some people simply want to see how they feel after a session, while others make colonics part of a broader wellness routine. Because those symptoms can have many causes, we don’t position a colonic as a fix for ongoing digestive issues. If constipation, bloating, or other symptoms keep coming back, VIVA’s functional medicine providers can help you look at the bigger picture.
These are both common questions. We don’t claim colonics “reset” the microbiome, and we don’t tell people they need regular colonics to have normal bowel movements. Some people enjoy an occasional session or choose a series based on how they feel. If you feel like you can’t have a bowel movement without help, that’s a good reason to check in with a medical clinician rather than simply booking more sessions.
Colon hydrotherapy isn’t completely risk-free, which is why VIVA takes screening, sanitation, equipment, and communication seriously. Some people may experience temporary cramping or digestive changes, and certain health conditions mean colon hydrotherapy may not be appropriate. If you want the details, our colonic safety page explains our screening process, equipment, and sanitation practices.
Cost & Booking
- Initial Colonic: $150 (75 minutes)
- Return Colonic: $110 (60 minutes)
- Intro Detox Colonic Series: $300 (three 60-minute sessions)
- Full Detox Colonic Series: $550 (six 60-minute sessions)
All purchases are paid in full at the time of booking. We’re happy to reschedule with 48 hours’ notice. Please see our cancellation policy for details. Financing is available through CareCredit.
There’s no magic number. Some clients book one session and see how they feel, while others choose a series. Your hydrotherapist can talk through the options with you based on your goals, without assuming everyone needs the same schedule.
Here’s what one client, Sandy R., shared:
“My first colonic at VIVA Wellness was a great experience. Ella explained everything clearly and made me feel completely comfortable. I’m excited to make VIVA part of my self-care routine.” Sandy R.
Still have a question you’re a little nervous to ask? Ask it. Our hydrotherapists have performed well over 1,000 colonics, and we want you to feel comfortable and know exactly what to expect before your first visit. Book your Initial Colonic online, call or text us at 262-777-8482, or send us a message. Our clinic is at 12625 W. Burleigh Road in Brookfield, just west of Milwaukee.
Medical Information & Sources
Colon hydrotherapy at VIVA Wellness is a wellness service. This page is for general educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition or replace individualized guidance from your healthcare provider. For more information, see NCCIH on detoxes and cleanses, Mayo Clinic on colon cleansing, and NIDDK on constipation.
Clinically reviewed by: Jennifer Hruz, FNP-BC, APNP
Last reviewed: October 2026
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