'Disease begins in the bowel,' said Dr Bernard Jenson, a famous naturopath. And it is with this understanding, in the present climate of excess and ill health, that this article bears relevance. The colon is used consistently and is in many respects uncared for and unspoken of. In Ireland, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer affecting both men and women. So many of people's health problems are colon and bowel related.

The Colonic Hydrotherapy Clinic on Henry Street, which is exclusive to Galway City, opened over two years ago and is improving the health of people in Galway City and County.

Aisling Battersby has been studying health since 1998. She is a fully qualified Colonic Hydrotherapist, having trained in Scotland under Anne-lise Miller in the Scottish School of Colonic Hydrotherapy. She is certified in naturopathic nutrition and has a broad knowledge of the body after running a yoga center as well as extensive training in various therapies.

Colonic hydrotherapy has been used since ancient times for treating constipation, which was believed to have been the root of many diseases and illnesses. The first recorded reference dates back more than 3,000 years to the Ebers papyrus, an Egyptian medical document.

"Through vast studies of the body and the true origins of health, it has become obvious to me that many illnesses begin in the bowel. It is inevitable that my studies have lead to the workings of and caring for the bowel by way of colonic hydrotherapy.

"So many Irish people now suffer from bowel problems that range from constipation and IBS, to a leaking gut. The knock-on affects of an unhealthy bowel range from bad skin, flatulence, low energy, sluggish feeling, bloated stomach, indigestion, headaches and diverticulitis to name but a few. People may often be carrying a little excess weight that is hard to shift. This is often due to poor digestion. So a colonic, combined with nutritional advice, is the ideal way to start a new health kick and in getting your body back on track," says Aisling.

According to Aisling, colonic hydrotherapy is a painless, safe, gentle and effective method of cleansing the intestine of toxic residue. It acts as an internal bath to help cleanse the colon of poisons, gas, accumulated faecal matter and mucus deposits. It offers the patient a quick, simple and safe solution to an often painful and uncomforting problem. "The great thing about it is that people see instant results. With any bowel problems, minor or major, people are feeling discomfort, so having a colonic is the ideal short and long term solution," she says.

Aisling says that the treatment is beneficial to everybody with results varying from person to person. After the procedure, many people feel lighter, begin to have regular bowel movements again and many other symptoms can disappear. "Both people who are healthy or experiencing bowel problems have found that a colonic or course of them has helped them stay on track," she says.

The clinic provides a complete nutritional advice service to all customers. "A lot of people's bowel problems are directly related to the food they consume. It is for this reason that it is so important to advise people on the foods they should be eating. The foods we eat affect almost all aspects of our health," she says.

The initial treatment includes a full health consultation and nutritional advice. "The procedure is conducted in a relaxed and professional manner. The long-term benefits are having a greater optimal absorption of nutrients, therefore appetites go down and cravings are controlled. You also get a greater elimination of toxins. The short-term benefits are optimal energy and resolving digestive ailments."

There is now gift vouchers on sale for Christmas with 15 per cent off the original prices.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Aisling on 087-6722395.

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