Three days later it was fully healed and Mr Nelson not his real name was discharged

Three days later it was fully healed and Mr Nelson (not his real name) was discharged. The use of greenbottle maggots to heal infected wounds has long been recognised. A small number of fresh larvae was applied and the foot was redressed. A swab failed to find any evidence of micro-organisms even though antibiotic therapy had been discontinued before the larvae were applied. Two days later the dressing was removed, the wound much improved.

Most of the dead tissue had been removed, revealing a deep cavity. Partial or total amputation of the toe was the only other option. Ten days later about 100 larvae were duly applied directly on to the wound. Mr Nelson, a 53-year-old retired policeman from south Wales, expressed his surprise at how small the maggots were and was pleased that he was unable to feel them moving about on his skin. A course of antibiotics and a wound dressing had so far failed to make progress and the infection was spreading. W hen a jar of wriggling maggots was presented to James Nelsonby doctors at Bridgend General Hospital, Mid Glamorgan, as a possible cure for his infected third toe, he could do nothing but nod in acquiescence. He claims particular success with headaches and migraines, PMT, ME, psoriasis and eczema, low energy, depression and insomnia.

The cost is pounds 500 or - as a special offer for Independent readers - pounds 450.Welbeck Clinic: 0171-435 0915.. Each of the 70 pockets of the bowel can hold between seven and 10 compressed meals," says Leor. The seven-day programme includes a daily colonic, either morning or evening; cleansing drinks (eight per day), including four that include Bentonite clay which expands inside you and pushes out waste matter; handfuls of herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements; fruit and vegetable juices, and an early-morning linseed drink - something I had associated with cattle fodder; and a clear vegetable broth - with all the vegetables taken out, of course.Leor promises that this is a course that can change your life - whether it is your relationship to food and your body or a specific problem. "Between 500 and 600 people die in this country every year from cancer of the bowel, while thousands suffer from constipation and related problems Laxatives usually exacerbate the problem. The aim of colonics is to get the body functioning properly on its own and get rid of the build-up over the years of waste in the bowel. The aim is to cleanse all the tissues and systems of the body, concentrating on creating a healthy bowel.

Besides this London-based course, there are some residential ones throughout the year which are based outside London. You will need to buy or rent a juicer and get a supply of organic vegetables - there are organic greengrocers throughout the country who will deliver. To my surprise, I came out longing not for a glass of wine and slice of pizza but for a feast of fresh vegetables I also caught myself tempted to walk the five miles home. I didn't, but enjoyed feeling pampered, and energised, for as long as the effects lasted Jesus never had it so good.AVD Cosmetics: 0171-636 7911.. Leor Cohen's seven-day tissue cleansing programme at the Welbeck Clinic has to be done when you have plenty of time to rest - so you cannot do it and go to work. A steam inhalation ("I'll just get the crock-pot, then you put your head in the face hole," says Beryl) comes first, then a four-handed massage ("Alan's very discreet"), and, finally, a sweaty,detoxifying stint in a steam tent, preceded by one of Beryl's more alarming announcements: "I'm going to put some ice on your heart."I'm told the "friction" massage pushed all the toxins in the right places - ie, out of my body - and understand that the head bit may have somehow detoxed my brain. "Deep-cleansing, revitalising and nurturing" is how this full-body healing treatment from India describes itself.

The two-hour session begins with a confession: you tell Beryl, the specialist, about your lifestyle and personality quirks and she categorises you according to one of three ancient Ayurvedic mind-body constitutional types (I was pitta or fire). You then select natural oils according to your nasal preferences (they call it aroma sensory testing), to be used in the treatments. At least, that's what I did (although those not wishing to fork out pounds 60 to pounds 80 may think four days, even 40 for that matter, spent eating nothing but apples, a cheaper bet). You feel guilty, want to "detox" - all the usual Nineties reflex responses to pleasure - but you can't face a fully fledged fast so you go for Aveda's Himalayan Rejuvenation Treatment. Those who are watching their weight, rather than just detoxing, are especially catered for. As additional treatments, I chose cranial osteopathy (pounds 35, 45 minutes), an exceptionally gentle manipulation of the small bones in the head and neck and a very effective method for releasing body tension.