At Colon Irrigation Melbourne in Armadale, we have offered the LIBBE open system since 1999. Many clients travel from across Melbourne suburbs — including Brunswick, South Yarra, St Kilda, Toorak, and Brighton — for the comfort, professionalism, and consistency we provide.

Safety and Hygiene

• If you value privacy, independence, and a gentle approach, the LIBBE open system may be ideal.

• If you have physical limitations or prefer more therapist involvement, you may consider a closed system.

Both open and closed systems can support elimination, but the experience differs significantly. The closed system may be suitable for some, but many people find it invasive. The open system, on the other hand, offers privacy, dignity, and a more natural flow — which is why it has become the preferred choice for so many.

If you’re exploring colonic irrigation in Melbourne, consider whether the experience you want is therapist-led and clinical, or private and empowering.

Which System Is Right for You?

Choosing between open and closed systems depends on your comfort level and needs.

• Privacy and dignity — you insert the nozzle yourself and manage the release.
  

• Comfort — the nozzle is much smaller than a closed-system speculum.
  

• Natural process — your body releases waste on its own, rather than being manually controlled.
  

• Odour control — the system is ventilated for discretion.
  

• Empowering — clients often describe feeling more relaxed and at ease.
  

What Clients Say?

The therapist starts with a gentle flow of gravity-fed, warm purified water through the rectal tube & into the clients colon. When the client feels the sensation to have a bowel movement they simply push out in the position they are in.

The rectal nozzle automatically moves to one side within the rectum allowing the softened faecal matter to flow around the inserted nozzle. The water and waste flow down a 1 meter clear viewing tube to the left of the client.

The therapist remains for a few bowel movements on the first session, or until they feel necessary for the client to relax and fully understand the procedure. Once the client becomes familiar with the Open System, the client can have total privacy during treatments.

What Is an Open-System Colonic (LIBBE)?

Why Many Prefer the Open System

• You insert a small, pencil-thin nozzle yourself, in private.
  

• You recline on a specially designed bed with a built-in basin.
  

• Warm, filtered water flows gently into the colon using gravity, not pressure.
  

• As your colon contracts, waste passes naturally into the basin, with ventilation preventing odour.
  

• The therapist is nearby for reassurance, but you remain in control of the process.
  

Open Colonics: Process

• For individuals who have mobility restrictions and cannot reach to self-insert.
  

• For people who prefer a therapist’s direct handholding throughout the process.
  

•  In some medical settings, where additional monitoring is needed.
  

The client lies on a bench / massage table. The client usually lies on their left hand side whilst the therapist lifts the right bum cheek to insert the speculum and helps the client back onto their back. The therapist always inserts the speculum into the client's rectum on this system.

The speculum used on a closed system is much larger than one used on an Open System. It is usually the thickness of a 20 pence coin and 2 - 4 inches in length. 

**See below pics of nozzle examples used on both systems**

A pressurised stream of water is then delivered through the attached hose & into the colon.  When the colon is filled & pressure reaches maximum levels the therapist manually drains the colon back through the same hose which is attached to the speculum inserted into the client.  The client can only pass waste big enough to pass through the 20 pence thickness speculum.

Water pressure & temperature within the colon must be monitored constantly to avoid leakage or perforation, requiring the constant attention of the therapist.  The therapist sometime massages the clients abdomen whilst manipulating the flow of water in and out of the client.

When Closed Systems May Be Used

• Many describe it as more invasive and clinical, since the therapist must be present at all times.
  

• The larger speculum can feel uncomfortable compared to smaller devices.
  

• Some first-time users say the lack of privacy makes it an awkward experience.
  

What People Experience with the Closed System

• A therapist inserts a large speculum into the rectum and holds it in place for the duration of the session.

• The therapist controls the water flow and pressure, as well as when waste is released through a tube into a machine.
  

• The practitioner remains in the room and manages the procedure throughout.
  

While closed systems can be effective, many wellness clients find them less comfortable due to the level of therapist involvement and lack of privacy.

Closed Colonic: Process

The client lies on a specially designed fiber-glass table/bed. After demonstrating to the client how to position themselves on the bed the therapist leaves the room, providing total privacy for the client whilst undressing.

The client gently inserts the small 'pencil thin' rectal nozzle just 1 inch into the rectum. The device in designed to prevent further than necessary insertion. The client then covers themselves with a modesty sheet, rings a bell for the therapist to enter and starts the therapy together.

Examples of different types of nozzles used on each system

What Is a Closed-System Colonic

• All nozzles and consumables are single-use and sterile.

• Water is triple-filtered for purity.

• Sessions are overseen by trained therapists who follow strict protocols.
  

This article provides a balanced look at open vs closed colonics — what they are, how they differ, and why many people choose one over the other.

Conclusion

A short comparison of 'Closed' & 'Open' System Colonic Irrigation

Open vs Closed Colonics | Melbourne Colonic Hydrotherapy Guide

No matter which system you choose, hygiene and professional care are essential. At our clinic:

This post originally apperared on  Icleanse.co.uk