A colonic refers to a medical treatment designed to cleanse residual, built-up stool and toxins from the colon. You may see the therapy called colon therapy, enema, or colonic lavage. It is also sometimes called colonic irrigation, colon hydrotherapy, or colonic hydrotherapy.
Colonic irrigation typically describes bowel preparation before a medical procedure like a colonoscopy. In addition to its use before a colonoscopy, many people use the treatment for the health benefits of regular cleansing.
Regardless of the reason for your colonics treatment, you must not eat for at least 3 hours before the procedure. However, if you are preparing for a colonoscopy, your doctor will likely give you detailed instructions. You also want to avoid consuming beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, as they cause gas for at least 24 hours. Also, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.