While in the past the salty, sulphurous liquid was used to treat conditions such as gout and constipation, a therapist now claims it is producing "magical" results for sufferers of another intestinal complaint: irritable bowel syndrome.

Two years ago, a patient asked hydrotherapist Eliza May to use the water she had collected from the tap outside the Pump Room as part of her colonic irrigation treatment. And, for the first time in 20 years, her symptoms disappeared.

Miss May, who has been working in the town for eight years, then suggested the treatment to a number of other clients. The latest to be amazed is 33-year-old Kirsten Krauth.

She said: "I suffered from severe IBS for a few years which meant I was bloated and had bad stomach cramps.

"I went to see a doctor about it and tried lots of things, including changing my diet, but it didn't make any difference. I decided to try colonic irrigation and had a couple of treatments before Eliza started to incorporate the spa water. After she'd used it the symptoms went and I just felt healthier in myself.

"I would recommend it to anyone - it's fantastic. I now have a treatment about every three months."

Miss May, 30, runs the Spring Clinic in Regent Street and asks clients to bring the water in a clean bottle if they would like it to be used.

She said: "My first client who had the treatment felt this water was magical and others have reported wonderful results. I am curious as to whether some medical research could be done to prove that the spa water is beneficial in this way."

Leamington's mineral springs were discovered in the Middle Ages and bath houses were built around them in 1784. The exisiting Pump Room was built in 1814 and became a mecca for the sick who believed the water could help cure or relieve a huge number of disorders.

www.spring-clinic.com