Many people have questions and some confusion about colonics... hopefully this will provide some answers for you.

There are basically two types of colonics with some variations within the two main categories...open-system and closed-system colonics. I will state at the onset that I have a pretty strong bias in favor of closed-system colonics...my experience in both receiving and administering both types is that the closed-system colonics are far more effective. Nevertheless, there are some benefits and drawbacks to each system.

A closed-system colonic involves the rectal insertion of a speculum to which two hoses are attached...one hose is for the inflow of water and the other hose is for the outflow of water and expelled waste. The outflow tube is fed directly into the plumbing so that everything is contained within tubing..there is no odor or mess. The speculum generally comes in two sizes (adult and child)...both of which are smaller than the diameter of a normal bowel movement so it can be easily accommodated provided stress is not tightly contracting the sphincters (some deep breathing is usually sufficient to relax the tense muscles). Once lubricated and inserted, the speculum reaches just beyond the second sphincter that is located within the rectum shortly after the first anal sphincter. Since both of the sphincters are bypassed, when waste is expelled it freely flows from the body through the tubing without the need to exert any effort to defecate. There are several different types of closed-system colonic equipment...the Woods Gravity Flow Method is one type of closed-system.. others are referred to by the manufacture's name of the equipment. Each one requires that the therapist administer the colonic and be present for the duration.

An open-system colonic involves the lubrication and insertion of a rectal tube that is roughly the diameter of a pencil. Usually this type of colonic is performed on a specially-designed table that allows the client to recline with their knees bent and slightly elevated...and there is a well and drain just below their buttocks. Water flows in through the rectal tube and then waste and water are expelled around this tube and empty into the well and down the drain. (Please don't ask me how the tube stays in...just take my word for it that it does!) A ventillation fan is included to eliminate odor...but there is more mess than with the closed-system. Because the rectal tube does not have sufficient diameter to fully open the sphincters, some effort is necessary to expel water and waste...similar to what occurs during an enema. The client must also contract their sphincter muscles in order to fill with water. (This effort required for filling and expelling creates significant muscle tension in the abdominal area which inhibits full relaxation...one of the requirements for releasing well.) The smaller diameter rectal tube is one of the desired features of the open-system for some people. Also, it is possible for an individual to basically self-administer the colonic with the open-system once the colon hydrotherapist has instructed the client in how to insert the rectal tube and controlling the various water dials...and checked to see that they have started the procedure properly. Obviously, this is advantageous for those who would prefer privacy during a colonic.

*The open-system colonic provides an advantage for the therapist as well...multiple clients can be seen simultaneously in different rooms since they do not require the therapist's undivided attention. Note that some faciliities may not allow their clients to self-administer while others may expect it! I am hearing a growing number of disturbing stories of client's being left to fend for themselves and then charged as if the therapist had administered the colonic. A skilled colon hydrotherapist is able to greatly assist the release of waste and also provide feedback and education for the client...obviously if the therapist is not spending much time with you then you are missing essential components of this process.

Make sure that you know what type of colonic is offered before you make an appointment...most facilities offer only one type of colonic...and if you are accustomed to one system you will be greatly surprised when a facility only offers the other system.