by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Recession and the pace of modern life are turning more people onto the inner man and woman.

A Maidstone business says that recession has boosted demand for colonic hydrotherapy.

Inner Health has specialised in the treatment for more than five years since therapist Jane Haines moved her practice from London to Kent.

She explains that a wide range of conditions - from cancers to skin and hair complaints - can stem from bowel neglect and can be treated in ways that are “discreet, painless and a pleasure.”

“The population is growing increasingly stressed by fear and anxiety during the recession, combined with a fast-moving pace of life,” she said. “Fast food, fast thinking and fast living as well as worry can all be contributors to things like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and constipation.”

She added: “Colonic hydrotherapy has been at the heart of our business for more than five years, during which time we have changed hundreds of people’s lives.”

Her counselling sessions encourage clients to consider changes to their diet and lifestyle in a bid to combat problems such as bloating, bad breath and headaches. “It’s nothing to be scared of, or to be shy about. If anything, it shows a willingness to be open and mindful about your body - and your life.” Forty per cent of the clinic’s clients are men.

To cope with rising demand, the practice has taken on two new specialists Fiona Kennard, an expert in diet and nutrition, and Jennie Reader, a qualified reflexologist and Reike coach.

Ms Kennard said: “We are not talking about faddy diets or weird and wonderful potions – just simple everyday changes which can make a world of difference to vitality and energy levels as well as general health and wellbeing.”