I’ve been helping people with their health through nutritional advice and colon hydrotherapy for over 30 years, I figured it was time to do a little Q & A about what colonics are really like and how they can help YOU with your health journey. I sat down with a friend of mine to write this and I hope this information is helpful to you and gives you a sense of ease if you’re coming in for a first appointment.
Can you give us a little more about you?
Cassandra: A little about me: My name is Cassandra Orjala and I love my job! I have been helping people with cleansing for 30+ years. Before this I was a hairdresser for 12 years and then a massage therapist. I am very fortunate to have been able to make a switch and love this career.
I love having my own practice in beautiful Post Falls, Idaho! I lived in Coeur d’Alene for about 30 years before making the switch to Post Falls. I’ve found that this central location helps me serve clients from Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Post Falls, Spokane Valley, Spokane and all the communities in between more easily.
I am I-ACT certified ( International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy ) & well-trained through an apprenticeship I completed in the 90’s with a wonderful Colon Hydrotherapist. My experience in massage has really helped me stay much more in tune with my clients bodies and I use massage techniques to assist in the colonic process when needed.
I assist people in the process of cleansing their colon by way of a colonic machine. This makes the process clean, easy and safe. It is similar to an enema, but more gentle, and much more productive. On top of that, there is no mess for you to clean.
Technically I am called a Colon Hydrotherapists.
Why do you offer this service?
Cassandra: There are many reasons I offer this service. I believe in them, as they have been so helpful for me with my own health. Colonics offers something that can not be obtained simply by cleansing the colon alone. While a clean colon prevents the long-term negative reflex activity upon the body caused by a toxic colon, it does not generate the powerful short-term positive reflex impulse upon the body afforded by colonic irrigations. Judiciously done, colonics are safe, relaxing, and do not upset internal intestinal flora, hormone levels, or the sodium potassium balance.
It is a simple treatment, I believe they are very helpful to many, if not MOST people who are experiencing issues with their digestive system. While colonics are not solving the underlying issues that led to whatever is going on in your digestive system, they are helpful in getting out the debris that is in there. This helps the digestive system work better and also helps you feel more comfortable while working on what is causing the underlying dis-ease.
Colonics help most people feel great! My clients are very interesting, genuine people, and I have a very high level of satisfaction from this job. It is so nice to help people along their health journey. And, always satisfying when someone comes in feeling very awful and leaves feeling so much better.
Even if you do not have any digestive issues, I don’t think most people know how good you can feel after a colonic. Everyone is unique and there are no guarantees that colonics will help find the answer to your digestive problems, but I have seen colonics be life-changing for so many people in my 30 years.
What are the health benefits of a colonic?
Cassandra: There are many benefits that can be experienced. I’ll name a few.
- Hydration is a big benefit and tough to achieve in our temperature and humidity regulated world.
- Some experience increased energy. Some of this is just due to a lightness felt by letting go of things you’ve literally and figuratively been holding on to
- Coming in for a series can not only be a good physical practice, but can also be a good way to check in every couple weeks about your health goals.
- Many people experience greater clarity
- Many people find colonics helpful in overcoming or managing chronic health issues
- These are just a few of many other benefits.
How long does a colonic last?
Cassandra: The appointment lasts about an hour. The time spent in the actual session is about 45 minutes of that.
What’s the whole process like?
Cassandra: I think the first thing I will say is that the process is typically quite comfortable. Many people are surprised by this. The colonic machine I use is a closed system.
As stated before, the usual session lasts about 45 minutes. The equipment that touches your body, the rectal speculum, is disposable. After the gentle insertion of the speculum into the rectum, it is attached to a plastic hose which connects to our modern equipment. The therapist then adjusts the flow and temperature of the water coming out of the machine.
The water travels through the plastic hose into the rectum and potentially through the entire colon. You temporarily receive a regulated volume of water to your personal tolerance. My system has a filter for the water, and I use warm and cold water in a pressure and release method to induce peristaltic action in the colon. While lying comfortably on the table, the plastic hose which leads back into the Colon Hydrotherapy machine allows the waste to empty. All tubes are disposed of after each client.
During the session, you are covered and comfortable and in a nurturing environment.
Walk me through the pre/post care of a colonic?
Cassandra: I suggest no food two hours prior. You do not want to be digesting food while eliminating at the same time. No water one hour prior- you do not want to have your bladder filling up and feeling the need to urinate during a session. I typically have clients use the restroom before starting their session.
Post colonic, you don’t want to run out and have a big heavy meal, anything spicy or frozen like yogurt, alcohol or caffeine! And you do want to drink plenty of water to help keep the flushing going. I have a great article about what to eat and avoid after a colonic. You can find it here.
In essence, you’ll want to eat light; steamed veggies, fruits, soups, etc.
What makes a good colonic?
Cassandra: Once we’ve had one session under our belt, a client can choose how to approach their colonics. Some will come as they are. Others want to do as much work ahead of their colonic(s) to make the most of their appointment. This would be doing things like coming in very well hydrated, or working on eliminating foods like dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, processed foods, sugar, corn, etc… before their appointments to make the biggest benefit to their health.
What can you expect to feel before/during/after?
Cassandra: It is very normal for people to be a little nervous coming in.
During your session, my goal is to help you feel as relaxed as possible. Most people are surprised at how comfortable the experience is after those initial nerves.
Ideally, afterwards you feel a difference-sometimes dramatic. Some people feel a lightness they may not have felt in a long time and more energy. People who have more serious digestive issues can get the biggest impact from a series of sessions.
Once you get that good clean feeling, I like to say keep it going as long as you can with good nutrition. When you start to feel that you need a little assistance again, another session or series are beneficial.
Some people need regular sessions due to chronic issues, and that’s ok, too. I’ve been working with some clients for years who have seen dramatic improvement in overall well-being from consistent appointments.
Foods to eat that will have similar cleansing effects?
Cassandra: Fruit and vegetable cleanses are wonderful and can be a great way to cleanse your colon. Celery juice daily, on an empty stomach, is amazing. I like to drink lemon water first thing in the morning, as well. Salads. Lots of greens. Papaya. Aloe water. Coconut water. Staying hydrated is so important. Switching your diet is critically important for your health.
However, for some people the process of completely switching their diet is hard. And, colonics can be a great way to jump-start that switch. Making you feel great more quickly while you put in the hard work on your diet.
Biggest mistake you see people make with colonics?
Cassandra: Not committing to the whole process. Colonics are not a quick fix, They are so, so helpful, but you will get the most benefit from them by doing the work to improve your diet and lifestyle habits alongside a colonic series.
Best tip or piece of advice in regard to colonics?
Cassandra: Set up your colonic series with another health intention in mind. Maybe it’s a juice cleanse or a commitment to a new diet. Colonics will not only make the process of a big change easier, having a check in with me every so often will help keep you accountable to your goals AND help you get more out of your sessions. It’s a win-win! 🙂
Cassandra Orjala has been a Colon Hydrotherapist for over 30 years. She currently works and reside in North Idaho. These interview questions were adapted from a similar interview with the Skinny Confidential.