What it Takes to Open a Colon Hydrotherapy Clinic

I started small, learned as I went, and built my practice one client at a time.

How I Started

I’ve been a colon hydrotherapist for 23 years, and one of the questions I’m often asked is, “What does
it actually take to open your own colon hydrotherapy clinic?”
So I thought I would share how I did it – including some of the things I learned the hard way.
I didn’t start with a big clinic. My very first clinic was in my home. When I later opened my first clinic
in Vancouver, I rented a room in an existing clinic. I needed a treatment room with running water
and a bathroom close by, but I certainly didn’t need an entire clinic of my own to get started.

Choosing the Right Space

This is one area where I have learned a lot. Over the years, I have been involved in setting up six
colon hydrotherapy treatment rooms, and I’ve learned that you need to make sure the space will
actually work before you commit to it.
I once signed a lease and paid a deposit on a space, only to discover afterward that the plumber I had
hired had made a mistake and we weren’t able to add the bathroom we needed.
I had to walk away from the lease and lose my deposit. It was an expensive lesson, but an important
one.
Now I would always recommend having the plumbing requirements properly checked before signing
a lease or making a financial commitment to a space. You want to know that the room can
accommodate the equipment, that you have the necessary water and drainage, and that the bathroom
requirements can be met.

Licences and Inspections

When I opened in Vancouver, I needed a City of Vancouver business licence. Before I received my
licence, I also had to go through a health inspection and a plumbing inspection.
Requirements can vary depending on the municipality you are opening in, so I encourage students to
investigate this early rather than waiting until the clinic is almost ready to open.

Equipment and Basic Costs

I have used Prime Pacific equipment for many years. Prime Pacific is a Canadian company, which has
been a real advantage for me when it comes to equipment, supplies and ongoing support.
A colon hydrotherapy system is approximately $12,000, and Prime Pacific may offer financing, which
can make the initial investment easier when you are just starting out.
You will also need a plumber to properly set up the room for your equipment. I would allow
approximately $1,000 as a starting point, although every location is different.
Prime Pacific also supplies the disposable speculum and tubing kits. They are approximately $7 per
kit, and a new single-use kit is used for each client.
My commercial and personal liability insurance is approximately $375 per year. We also use Jane app for
online booking and client charting, which costs approximately $150 per month.

These are my own approximate costs, not a universal quote. Your actual costs and local
requirements may be different.

Where I Am 23 Years Later

Sometimes I look back at that first little clinic and think about how much has changed.
Today, Inner Garden Health has clinics in both Vancouver and North Vancouver, with a wonderful
team of trained colon hydrotherapists. Over the years we have treated thousands of clients, and so
much of our growth has come from people referring their friends and family to us.
I’m also now an I-ACT certified instructor and have the privilege of training new colon
hydrotherapists through the Inner Garden School of Colon Hydrotherapy.
For me, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is being able to share not only the clinical
training, but also the practical experience I have gained from actually building and running clinics.

I’m Here to Help You Set Up

One thing I want my students to know is that my support doesn’t end when the training course
finishes.
When you are setting up your own treatment room or clinic, questions are going to come up. You may
be looking at a space and wondering whether the plumbing will work. You may have questions about
equipment, room layout, supplies, inspections, business licensing or what you actually need before
opening your doors.
I want my students to know they can reach out and ask me.
After 23 years in this profession and six treatment-room setups, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned –
including what worked, what didn’t, and what I would do differently today. I think that kind of
support can save a new therapist a lot of unnecessary stress and potentially some expensive mistakes.

What I Would Tell Someone Starting Today

Opening a colon hydrotherapy clinic is really about much more than buying a machine and finding a
room.
You are working very closely with people, and many clients are nervous when they first come
through the door. They need to feel that they are in good hands.
Your training matters. Your equipment matters. Cleanliness and proper procedures matter. But so
does how you speak to people, how comfortable you make them feel, and the relationship you build
with them.
You will need good professional training, a suitable room with the correct plumbing, reliable colon
hydrotherapy equipment, commercial and personal liability insurance, disposable supplies, a booking
and charting system, and any licences and inspections required in your area.
And today, I would definitely add a good website and a strong local online presence.
But you don’t need to have everything perfect before you begin. I certainly didn’t.

You don’t have to start big. You just have to start well, ask the right questions,
care about the people you are serving, and let your business grow from there.