Colonic irrigation, also known as colonic hydrotherapy, is a practice that involves flushing the colon with water to remove waste material. While this procedure has been practiced for many years, there are two distinct methodologies: open system colonics and closed system colonics. Each approach offers different features, benefits, and considerations that may influence your choice should you be considering this treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of both systems, while maintaining an informed and balanced perspective on their potential benefits and limitations.
What Are Colonics?
Before delving into the differences between systems, it’s helpful to understand what colonic irrigation entails. The procedure involves introducing warm filtered water into the colon (the large intestine) to flush out accumulated waste material. Proponents suggest this may help with various digestive issues, though it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting many claimed benefits remains limited.
Colonic irrigation differs from enemas in both volume and reach. While an enema typically uses approximately 1 litre of water and reaches only the sigmoid (lower) part of the colon, a colonic irrigation session may use up to 75 litres of water over an hour treatment, potentially reaching much further into the colon.
Open System Colonics: Key Features
The open system, such as the Libbe device, offers a distinct approach to colonic irrigation with several defining characteristics:
Equipment and Setup
With an open system:
- The client lies on a specially designed fiberglass table that resembles a recliner
- A basin is incorporated into the table’s design
- A small, pencil-sized disposable rectal tube is used
- After receiving instructions, clients typically insert the tube themselves
- The therapist may leave the room during parts of the procedure, offering privacy
Water Flow and Waste Removal
During an open system colonic:
- Warm, gravity-fed water flows gently through the rectal tube into the colon
- When the client feels full, they simply push out naturally
- The rectal tube automatically shifts to one side within the rectum
- This allows waste material to flow around the tube and into the basin
- Waste travels down a drain past a clear viewing tube
- An odour exhaust system keeps the room odour-free
Client Experience
The open system offers:
- Greater privacy, as the therapist may not be present during the entire procedure
- Client control over the release process
- A potentially more comfortable experience for first-time clients
- Less therapist involvement throughout the session
Closed System Colonics: Key Features
The closed system provides a different approach to colonic irrigation:
Equipment and Setup
With a closed system:
- The client typically lies on a massage-type table
- Equipment is usually plumbed into a cabinet attached to a nearby wall
- The therapist inserts a speculum into the client’s rectum
- A disposable hose connects the speculum to the equipment
- The speculum used is larger than in open systems, approximately the thickness of a 20 pence coin and 2-4 inches in length
Water Flow and Waste Removal
During a closed system colonic:
- A pressurised stream of water is delivered through the attached hose into the colon
- When the colon fills and pressure reaches maximum levels, the therapist manually drains the colon
- Water and waste travel back through the same hose
- The therapist must constantly monitor water pressure and temperature to avoid complications
- The client can only pass waste small enough to travel through the speculum
Client Experience
The closed system involves:
- Continuous presence and involvement of the therapist
- Potential abdominal massage during the procedure
- Less privacy than with open systems
- More therapist control over the water flow and drainage process
- Potentially beneficial therapeutic relationship with the practitioner
Key Differences Between the Systems
When comparing open and closed system colonics, several significant differences emerge:
Client Autonomy and Privacy
- Open System: Offers more privacy and client control; the therapist may leave the room
- Closed System: Requires constant therapist presence and involvement
Insertion Method
- Open System: Uses a smaller rectal tube often inserted by the client
- Closed System: Uses a larger speculum inserted by the therapist
Water Pressure and Flow
- Open System: Utilises gentle, gravity-fed water flow
- Closed System: Uses pressurised water flow controlled by the therapist
Waste Removal Process
- Open System: Waste flows around the tube directly into a basin and drain
- Closed System: Waste returns through the same tube that delivers water
Therapeutic Approach
- Open System: More self-directed, potentially less invasive experience
- Closed System: More therapist-directed, potentially more like an “internal massage”
Potential Benefits of Colonics
It’s important to approach claims about colonic benefits with appropriate perspective. While proponents suggest various advantages, scientific evidence for many claims remains limited. Some potential benefits that may be experienced include:
Open System Potential Benefits
- May provide a more comfortable introduction for first-time clients
- May be better suited for those who prefer privacy during the procedure
- The gentle, gravity-fed approach may be less aggressive on sensitive colons
- May be preferred by those who have had bowel surgery or bowel disease
Closed System Potential Benefits
- The therapist’s continuous involvement may provide additional therapeutic support
- Abdominal massage during the procedure may enhance the experience for some
- May be better suited for those with spinal injuries or lack of control of the anal sphincter muscle
- The therapist’s expertise is applied throughout the entire session
Safety Considerations and Precautions
Before considering either form of colonic irrigation, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and necessary precautions:
Medical Contraindications
Colonic irrigation may not be appropriate for individuals with:
- Diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or ischemic colitis
- Prior colon surgery
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Severe haemorrhoids
- Recent bowel perforation
Potential Risks
Possible complications may include:
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Infection from improperly sterilised equipment
- Bowel perforation (though rare when performed by trained practitioners)
- Disruption of normal bowel function
- Discomfort, bloating, or cramping after the procedure
Important Precautions
If considering colonic irrigation, these precautions are advisable:
- Consult with your GP or healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure
- Choose a qualified, experienced practitioner with proper credentials
- Ensure all equipment used is either disposable or properly sterilised
- Disclose your full medical history to the practitioner
- Stay well-hydrated before and after the procedure
Who May Be Most Suited to Each System?
Different individuals may find one system more appropriate than the other:
Open System May Be More Appropriate For:
- First-time clients who may feel anxious about the procedure
- Individuals who value privacy during intimate procedures
- Those with bowel conditions requiring gentler treatment
- People who prefer greater autonomy during the procedure
- Those who may feel uncomfortable with therapist involvement
Closed System May Be More Appropriate For:
- Individuals with limited mobility or control of the anal sphincter
- Those who value the therapeutic relationship with the practitioner
- People who prefer professional guidance throughout the procedure
- Individuals who benefit from abdominal massage during treatment
- Those comfortable with less privacy during the procedure
NHS Perspective and Medical Consensus
The NHS and many medical professionals maintain a cautious stance on colonic irrigation for general health purposes:
- The NHS does not offer colonic irrigation as a standard treatment
- Medical researchers note that the body’s digestive system and organs like the liver and kidneys already effectively remove waste and toxins
- Claims about “detoxification” through colonics lack robust scientific support
- The procedure is sometimes used medically for specific preparation before certain diagnostic procedures or surgeries
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re considering colonic irrigation, these steps may help you make an informed choice:
- Consult healthcare professionals: Speak with your GP about whether colonics are appropriate for your specific health situation
- Research practitioners: Choose only qualified, registered practitioners with proper training and facilities
- Ask questions: Inquire about the specific system used, sterilisation procedures, and the practitioner’s experience
- Consider alternatives: Explore evidence-based approaches to digestive health through diet, hydration, and exercise
- Weigh personal preferences: Consider which system might better align with your comfort level and preferences
Conclusion
Open and closed system colonics offer distinctly different approaches to colonic irrigation. The open system provides greater privacy and client autonomy with a gentle, gravity-fed water flow, while the closed system offers more therapist involvement and a potentially more therapeutic experience.
While some individuals report positive experiences with colonic irrigation, it’s important to approach the procedure with an informed perspective. Scientific evidence for many claimed benefits remains limited, and the procedure carries certain risks that should be carefully considered.
Your personal comfort, medical history, and individual needs should guide any decision regarding colonic irrigation. As with any health intervention, consulting with qualified healthcare professionals remains essential before undertaking such procedures.
