Such reactions are, however, sadly the result of much ignorance and a distinct lack of understanding or appreciation as to what colonic hydrotherapy actually involves.

Colonic hydrotherapy is one of the oldest forms of natural healing and its benefits have been known and practiced since as far back in history as 1500 BC and was described in an ancient Egyptian medical manuscript called the 'Ether Papyrus'. Ancient philosophers such as Hippocrates (4th and 5th century) and Galen (2nd century) were also advocates of colon cleansing therapy.

Dr Kellogg (who gave the famous cereal company his name) in the early part of the 20th century published a comprehensive approach to colonic hydrotherapy which he advocated for use in treating numerous conditions including colitis, cholera, liver toxicity and surgical shock.

Indeed until the war years of the 1940s, colon hydrotherapy treatment rooms were a common feature of many GP's surgeries and the majority of hospitals.

With the 'advancements' in the use of surgery and medically prescribed drugs plus the fact that colonic therapy was considered too costly (due to i`s labour intensive nature and the special training required to deliver it) the therapy unfortunately fell out of favour in mainstream medicine.

However, like much ancient wisdom that is being 'rediscovered' in recent times, we are witnessing a tremendous revival of interest in the practice of colonic hydrotherapy - due in some part to the therapy having attracted some rich and famous patrons such as the late Princess Diana (who is said to have had colonic treatments weekly), Kim Bassinger, Demi Moore and of course the recent media coverage of the therapy in Channel 4's 'The Salon'.