A common question I am asked is if colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy helps constipation? As with most things, it really depends. If your gut function is generally healthy and well balanced, then no – I wouldn’t recommend colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy. They’re not needed and can sometimes do more harm than good.

If, however, there’s constipation due to sluggish bowel tone or what I call a “cemented section” (yes, stool can become that hard and dry), colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy can sometimes offer short-term relief. It can help clear what’s stuck, particularly when muscle tone has been reduced from long-term laxative use.

That said, it won’t fix the underlying cause. And in most cases, the negatives outweigh the positives – over time, the bowel can become reliant on stimulation, and the process can disrupt the natural pH and microbiome balance that healthy digestion depends on.

When someone’s constipated, my starting point is always to check the foundations:

Hydration: Aim for around 2.8 litres of plain water daily – more if you sweat heavily (exercise, sauna, etc.).

Fibre: Focus on 4-6 handfuls of vegetables per day for both fibre and microbiome support.

If those are in place but things still aren’t moving, we can then look at gentle supports like psyllium husk, and if needed, short-term stimulants such as senna tea or powder (should not be used long term) – but always with a plan to address the “why” behind the sluggishness.