Achieving a proper balance between body and mind is one of the main principles of good health and summer is the perfect time to make positive life changes, according to Vincent Power, the owner of Limerick’s Clinic of Alternative Medicine.

The business—based at 40 William Street—offers therapies such as allergy testing, skin treatments, holistic massage and sports injuries, colonic irrigation and colon cleaning, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy.

The clinic—founded by the late Vincent Power Snr in 1982—also operates a herbal dispensary, with many products made on site, and a health food shop.

Vincent began training in complementary therapies around 10 years ago by following in the footsteps of his late father and has since gained an impressive list of qualifications.

“The whole field of complementary medicine is becoming more and more attractive an option for people. I think it’s something that can be availed of in parallel with conventional medicine; many of the younger GPs have started to train in areas like herbalism and we frequently get referrals, particularly for hypnotherapy. Doctors appreciate the role that a more positive mindset has to play in the healing process,” he said.

He added that “the busiest treatment at the clinic is colonic irrigation and this simply involves a thorough cleanse of the bowel which rejuvenates not just the colon but has beneficial spin-off effects throughout the body” and discarding the misinformed view of the stage hypnotherapist with cape and pendulum, the clinic’s hypnotherapy centre can help with “stress, panic attacks, lack of confidence, anxiety, emotional issues, smoking or weight loss”.

“Many people are keen at this time of the year to adopt a better dietary regime, so allergy testing can help to eliminate potentially harmful foods. In the test, a total of 150 different foods and drinks are tested for any allergy and food sensitivity in the body. Holistic body massage is also available, using the latest German technology to treat aches, pains and stiff joints,” Vincent added.