Booking your first time colonic irrigation can feel daunting — most people arrive with a mixture of curiosity and nerves. At Phenomenal Colonics in Belsize Park, Marijke Vogel has guided thousands of first-time clients through the experience over more than 25 years. This guide covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your first session.
What Is Colonic Irrigation?
Colonic irrigation — also known as colonic hydrotherapy or colonics — is a professionally administered treatment that introduces warm, filtered water into the large intestine via the rectum. The aim is to soften and move accumulated waste, gas, and mucus, supporting better digestive function and a feeling of lightness and clarity.
At Phenomenal Colonics, Marijke uses the open gravity system, which she controls manually throughout. She also incorporates individually blended organic Demeter-certified herbal preparations into every session, chosen specifically for your constitution and health picture. No two sessions are identical.
How to Prepare for Your First Colonic Irrigation
Preparation for a first time colonic irrigation is straightforward. You do not need to fast, but there are a few things worth doing in the days beforehand:
- Stay well hydrated with water and herbal teas in the 24 hours before your session
- Reduce alcohol, heavy animal proteins, and refined carbohydrates the day before
- Avoid eating a large meal or drinking excessive liquids in the two hours before your appointment
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing on the day
Marijke will send preparation guidance when you book and is happy to answer any questions before you arrive. If you have a specific health condition or take regular medication, it is worth mentioning this when you get in touch — she can advise on whether any adjustments are needed.
What Happens When You Arrive
Your first session begins with a short consultation. Marijke will take time to discuss your health history, digestive symptoms, diet, and any specific concerns before the treatment begins. This conversation informs the herbal preparation she selects and the way she approaches your session.
You will then be asked to change into a gown and lie comfortably on the treatment table. Marijke remains present throughout — there is no point at which you are left alone. Most first-time clients say they are surprised by how calm and comfortable the environment feels.
What Happens During a First Time Colonic Irrigation
Once you are settled, Marijke gently introduces the speculum — a small, smooth device — which connects the two tubes that allow water to flow in and waste to flow out. The water enters slowly and filtered. Throughout the session, Marijke monitors your body’s response, adjusts the flow and herbal preparation accordingly, and provides gentle abdominal massage to support movement and ease any discomfort.
The first 10 to 15 minutes often focus on releasing trapped gas, which many first-time clients are carrying in significant quantities. As gas moves out through the transparent waste tube, water travels progressively further into the large intestine. Through careful observation, Marijke can see what the waste reveals about your digestion and absorption — and will guide you through what she observes if you wish.
Mild cramping can occasionally occur as waste from deeper sections of the bowel begins to move. This passes quickly and Marijke’s herbal preparation is specifically chosen to ease this transition. Most first-time clients describe the experience as considerably more comfortable and more relaxing than they expected — and many say the sense of relief in the latter stages of the session is unlike anything they have felt before.
Will It Be Embarrassing?
This is the question most first-time clients want to ask but feel awkward raising. The honest answer is no — though it is completely normal to feel self-conscious before your first session.
Marijke has been practising for over 25 years and is experienced at putting new clients at ease. You remain covered throughout the treatment, the open system is clean and odour-free, and dignity is maintained at all times. Within a few minutes of starting, most clients have forgotten their nerves entirely.
How Long Does a First Colonic Session Take?
Allow approximately one hour for the full appointment, including changing, a short consultation, the treatment itself, and time to freshen up afterwards. For a first session, the consultation at the start will take a little longer — so budget slightly more time if possible.
How Will You Feel Afterwards?
Most first-time colonic irrigation clients feel lighter, clearer, and more comfortable immediately after their session. Some feel pleasantly relaxed or a little tired as the body processes the treatment — both are entirely normal responses.
You can return to your usual activities right away. Marijke typically recommends keeping food light and easy to digest for the rest of the day — fresh fruit, a simple salad, vegetable soup, or similar. She will give you specific aftercare guidance based on your individual treatment.
Clients with significant gas congestion or candida may notice improvement building over several sessions rather than immediately. This is completely normal and expected — Marijke will discuss this with you at the time.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
One session will not completely empty the colon, and results build progressively. For most new clients, Marijke recommends starting with up to three sessions close together — each one builds on the progress of the last and gives the digestive system time to reset properly. After that, clients follow up as needed: some come seasonally, others more regularly.
The goal is not dependency but improvement. As the colon learns to function more effectively and peristalsis is restored, many clients find they need fewer sessions over time, particularly when dietary and lifestyle changes are made alongside treatment.
Is First Time Colonic Irrigation Safe?
When performed by an accredited practitioner using modern equipment, colonic irrigation is safe for the vast majority of healthy adults. Marijke holds accreditation from ARCH — the UK’s longest-established colon hydrotherapy association, regulated by the government-backed CNHC. Her CNHC registration number is CNHC04200.
There are some contraindications — including pregnancy, active diverticulitis, and certain bowel conditions. The colonic irrigation FAQs page covers these in full detail.
Booking Your First Colonic Irrigation in London
Phenomenal Colonics is based at Balance On The Lane, 16 England’s Lane, Belsize Park, London NW3 4TG — five minutes’ walk from Belsize Park tube station on the Northern line.
Marijke responds to all enquiries personally. To book your first session or ask any questions beforehand, contact her by phone, email, or WhatsApp:
Call or text: +44 (0)7982 831239 Email: marijke@phenomenalcolonics.com WhatsApp: Chat with Marijke
You can also read what clients say about their experience or explore the health benefits of colonic hydrotherapy before you book.
Colonic hydrotherapy is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have any medical concerns, always consult your GP before booking.