Open vs Closed Colonic Systems: Which Is Better?

When booking a colonic, you will often be asked whether you prefer an open or closed system — or the clinic will use one or the other. Both systems achieve the same fundamental goal (flushing the colon with warm water), but the experience, level of privacy, and therapist involvement differ significantly. Understanding these differences helps you choose the system that best suits your comfort level and needs.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Open System	Closed System
Also called	LIBBE, gravity-fed	Pressurised, therapist-assisted
Nozzle size	Small, pencil-thin	Larger speculum
Insertion	Self-inserted by client	Inserted by therapist
Therapist presence	Often leaves the room	Present throughout
Waste disposal	Open basin beneath you	Sealed tube to drain
Water pressure	Gravity-fed (lower)	Machine-controlled (adjustable)
Privacy level	Higher	Lower (therapist present)
Typical cost	Similar	Similar (sometimes slightly more)

How the Open System Works

The open system (also known as the LIBBE system) uses a gravity-fed water flow and a very small, pencil-thin nozzle. The client self-inserts the nozzle while positioned on a specialised basin. Water flows in gently via gravity, and waste is released naturally around the nozzle into the basin below, which connects to the plumbing.

With open systems, the therapist typically sets up the equipment, explains the process, and then leaves the room — returning periodically to check on you and adjust settings. Many people prefer this for the greater privacy and sense of control it provides.

Advantages of open systems:

• Greater privacy — self-insertion and often solo during the session
• Smaller nozzle — generally more comfortable for insertion
• Lower water pressure — gentler on the colon
• Client controls the pace — you can relax and release naturally

Disadvantages of open systems:

• No abdominal massage during the session (therapist is usually out of the room)
• May be less thorough — gravity-fed water may not reach the ascending colon as effectively
• Can produce some odour — the basin is open
• Requires more self-confidence — some first-timers prefer hands-on guidance

How the Closed System Works

The closed system uses a larger speculum inserted by the therapist, connected to a machine that controls water pressure and temperature precisely. Water flows into the colon through one channel, and waste exits through a separate channel into a sealed drainage tube. The therapist remains in the room throughout, monitoring the flow and often performing abdominal massage to assist waste removal.

Advantages of closed systems:

• More thorough — controlled pressure can reach the entire colon more effectively
• Therapist-guided — beneficial for first-time clients who want professional support
• Abdominal massage — helps release gas and move impacted waste
• No odour — the sealed system prevents any smell
• Observation window — many machines have a viewing tube so the therapist can monitor what is being eliminated

Disadvantages of closed systems:

• Less privacy — therapist is present throughout and performs insertion
• Larger speculum — some people find this less comfortable
• Higher water pressure — though controlled, it can feel more intense
• Less client control — the therapist manages the fill-and-release cycles

Which Should You Choose?

There is no objectively "better" system — the right choice depends on your priorities:

Choose open if: Privacy is your top priority, you are comfortable managing the procedure yourself, or you prefer a gentler, gravity-fed approach. Open systems are often favoured by people who have had several colonics and are confident with the process.

Choose closed if: You want the most thorough cleanse possible, you are a first-time client who would benefit from hands-on guidance, or you want the benefit of abdominal massage during the session. Closed systems are often recommended for people with chronic constipation or significant waste buildup.

Does the System Affect Results?

Both systems can produce excellent results when operated by skilled practitioners. The main difference in effectiveness comes from the therapist's expertise, not the machine itself. A skilled therapist using an open system can achieve results comparable to a closed system — and vice versa.

That said, the controlled pressure of closed systems does make it easier to work water into the ascending colon (the furthest section from the rectum), which may be relevant for people with significant impaction or very sluggish transit.