Modern lifestyle is typically characterized by fast foods, unhealthy habits such as excessive intake of medications, alcohol drinks and smoking. These factors together with the toxins in the environment cause strain to the human body, resulting to several illnesses. Thus, there are people who go through detoxification treatments to regain their overall sense of well- being.

Detoxification therapies are generally procedures promote the the removal of toxic substances from the body. In standard medicine, detoxification can be synthetically achieved chelation therapy. However, there are also natural methods in which detoxification may be achieved. These naturopathic treatments include therapeutic massages, water or juice fasting, cleansing diets, and cleansing procedures such as enema and colon hydrotherapy. It is believed that most these therapies were already used since ancient times as standard medical treatments.

One of these ancient detoxification treatments that is quickly regaining its popularity in modern society is colon hydrotherapy. It is a cleansing process that is typified by the gentle and regulated introduction of sterilized water to the entire length of the colon through the rectum. The purpose of this treatment is to remove all impacted waste matters in the colon. These hardened accumulated wastes are believed to be the breeding ground of bad bacteria in the colon as well as the source of toxins. The proliferation of these microorganisms and toxins can lead to autointoxication and may cause a number of disease that are not only limited to constipation, diarrhea, and gas pains. Other symptoms of autointoxication include chronic migraines, fatigue, halitosis, skin problems, depression, and anxiety. Thus, with the removal of these toxic wastes through colonic irrigation, the body is able to regain its natural vigor.

An individual may either choose to perform the colonic treatment on his own by purchasing a home colonic kit, or he may go to colon hydrotherapy clinics and let a professional therapist do the work. There are two types of colonic machines that are commonly use today. Various existing colonic clinics may be employing either one or both. One equipment the closed- tube system, otherwise known as the Closed System. The other is a an open-basin system, more commonly known as the Open System.

With the Closed system, water is allowed to flow in to the colon through one of the two hoses connected to a tube that is inserted into the rectum, called a speculum. The water pressure can be regulated so as not to inconvenience the patient as well as cause any damage to the organ. The second hose is used to remove the water and wastes from the colon, pass through an illuminated glass viewing tube that enables viewing of the eliminated wastes, and finally into the sewer system.

The Open System on the other hand has a treatment table that has a built-in basin that is plumbed directly to the sewer system. The water is introduced to the colon through the rectum, using a smaller tube that is as big as a pencil. The water can also be regulated just as like in the Closed System. However, unlike the Closed System, Open System encourages natural elimination of the water and wastes.

Contrary to the impressions most people are likely to hold regarding colonic irrigation, the procedure is not at all messy nor smelly. Moreover, patients need not concern themselves about decency issues because both equipments were designed in a way that privacy and dignity are preserved at all times.