Ela Gold is a highly respected naturopath and holistic colon hydrotherapist dedicated to helping people achieve optimal gut health and overall well-being. She is the founder of Vitalis Health Colon Wellbeing Clinic, where she specialises in natural therapies that support digestion, detoxification, and the body’s self-healing ability. With over 25 years of experience, Ela combines evidence-based natural medicine with a compassionate, whole-body approach to health. Her work is rooted in empowering individuals to understand and care for their digestive health, paving the way for long-lasting vitality and well-being.
In addition to her clinical practice, Ela is deeply passionate about training the next generation of Holistic Colon Hydrotherapists. As the founder of the Healthy Gut Academy , Australia’s leading educational institution for colon hydrotherapy, she provides hands-on training and in-depth theoretical knowledge to equip her students with the highest industry standards. Ela’s commitment to raising the bar in gut health education and natural therapies has positioned her as a leading figure in her field, inspiring others to embrace the transformative power of colon hydrotherapy.
What were some of the main cultural barriers when it came to business that you had to overcome migrating from Germany?
Migrating from Germany and starting a business in Australia came with several cultural barriers that I had to overcome.
One of the biggest challenges was language—not just learning everyday English but also mastering medical and professional terminology in a new language. Communicating complex health concepts to clients in a way that was both accurate and easy to understand took time and practice.
Communication style was another major adjustment. Australians tend to be informal, friendly, and use humor often, even in professional settings. In contrast, I was used to the direct, structured, and efficiency-driven German approach to communication. Adapting to this more casual and relaxed way of interacting with clients and colleagues required a shift in mindset.
The attitude toward work and organization also differed significantly. In Germany, everything is typically highly organized and orderly, with strict adherence to rules and efficiency. In Australia, things are generally more relaxed and flexible, which was initially challenging for me. I had to find a balance between maintaining high professional standards while adapting to the more easygoing Australian business culture.
Even food presented a cultural challenge! When I first arrived, I struggled to find the high-quality breads and cakes I was used to in Germany. Even today, I find that Australian baked goods can’t quite compare to the traditional flavors and textures of home.
Despite these differences, overcoming these barriers helped me grow both personally and professionally, allowing me to build a thriving business while embracing the unique aspects of Australian culture.
Why do you think it’s so important that women take a holistic approach to our health and wellbeing?
A holistic approach to health and well-being is especially important for women because women’s bodies and health needs are uniquely complex, interconnected, and influenced by multiple factors—physical, emotional, hormonal, and environmental.
Women’s bodies go through constant hormonal changes—menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause—all of which impact energy levels, mood, digestion, and overall health.
A holistic approach considers nutrition, stress management, herbal support, and lifestyle adjustments to support these natural cycles rather than just managing symptoms with medication alone.
The gut plays a huge role in:
- Hormone metabolism (e.g., estrogen detoxification)
- Mental health (via the gut-brain axis)
- Immune function
A holistic approach ensures that digestion, detox pathways, and nutrition are optimized to support hormonal balance, mental clarity, and vitality.
Women tend to juggle multiple responsibilities—career, family, relationships—often putting their needs last. Stress and emotional well-being directly impact cortisol levels, sleep quality, digestion, and immune function. A holistic approach integrates:
- Mindfulness & stress reduction (yoga, meditation, nature therapy)
- Emotional release techniques (breathwork, journaling, bodywork)
- Community & support systems (women’s circles, therapy, connection)
Many wellness systems push women to “perform like men”—linear energy, go-go-go productivity—but women’s bodies thrive when aligned with their natural cycles. A holistic approach encourages:
- Honoring energy shifts during the menstrual cycle (resting when needed, planning tasks accordingly)
- Syncing nutrition & movement with hormone phases
- Understanding the sacred connection between emotions, intuition, and physical health
Holistic health isn’t just about “wellness trends”—it’s about reclaiming the wisdom of our bodies and treating health as a long-term, integrative journey. The more women understand their own bodies, the more they can make empowered choices rather than being dependent on quick-fix solutions that don’t serve them in the long run.
There’s an increasing awareness of the importance of gut health over the past few years, what’s your perspective on this increasing awareness?
The increasing awareness of gut health over the past few years is one of the most exciting shifts in the health and wellness space. People are finally recognizing what holistic practitioners have known for years—the gut is at the core of overall health, not just digestion.
Several factors have contributed to this shift:
- The Rise of Research on the Gut Microbiome
- Studies on the gut-brain axis, the gut-immune connection, and the role of gut bacteria in chronic disease have gained mainstream attention. People now understand that gut health impacts not just digestion but also mood, immunity, skin, weight, and even hormonal balance.
Many people are struggling with autoimmune conditions, IBS, bloating, fatigue, and skin issues, and traditional medicine often fails to address the root cause. As a result, more people are seeking holistic and naturopathic approaches—which, of course, emphasize gut health!
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have made gut health conversations more accessible. More holistic practitioners, nutritionists, and functional medicine doctors are sharing information about gut healing, which has empowered people to take control of their own health.
People are realizing that medications like antacids, laxatives, and antibiotics don’t necessarily fix gut issues—they often just suppress symptoms. The growing interest in probiotics, fermented foods, colon hydrotherapy, and detoxification shows that people want long-term solutions instead of temporary relief.
As a naturopath and holistic colon hydrotherapist, this shift is bringing more people to my clinic looking for natural ways to heal their digestive system.
- More people seeking colon hydrotherapy as a way to support gut detoxification
- There is a greater demand for gut-healing diets and personalized nutrition plans
- And an increased awareness of the gut-brain connection, with people looking for stress-reducing techniques to support digestion
- As well as a rise in interest in prebiotics, probiotics, and microbiome testing
What are some of the most memorable moments that you’ve experienced having been in business for over 25 years?
Having been in business for over 25 years, I’ve experienced countless memorable moments—some deeply rewarding, others challenging, but all shaping my journey.
One of the most fulfilling experiences has been witnessing the transformations in my clients. Seeing people come in feeling sluggish, bloated, or unwell and then leaving with renewed energy and vitality after addressing their gut health is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about physical health—many clients share how their mental clarity, mood, and overall well-being improve, which reinforces why I do what I do.
Another milestone was establishing the Vitalis Training Center for Colon Hydrotherapists. Training and mentoring the next generation of practitioners has been one of the greatest joys of my career. Watching students gain confidence, build successful practices, and go on to help countless others has been incredibly gratifying. Knowing that I’m contributing to raising the standards of colon hydrotherapy and gut health education in Australia is something I’m very proud of.
There have also been challenges that turned into valuable lessons. Adapting to changing industry regulations, evolving business landscapes, and educating people about the importance of gut health—especially in the early days when colon hydrotherapy was far less understood—required persistence and passion.
Another unforgettable experience was when I started collaborating with other health professionals, including naturopaths, nutritionists, and integrative doctors. These partnerships helped bridge the gap between traditional and holistic medicine, allowing more people to benefit from a comprehensive approach to health.
And, of course, there have been plenty of fun and unexpected moments, from clients who couldn’t stop laughing during their first hydrotherapy session to heartwarming stories of people regaining their confidence and quality of life.
Looking back, every challenge, success, and personal connection has made this journey incredibly fulfilling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
If you can choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could choose a superpower, it would be the ability to instantly transfer all my knowledge to people, especially my students. Over the years, I’ve gained so much experience in gut health, colon hydrotherapy, and holistic wellness, and I would love to pass that on effortlessly.
Training new colon hydrotherapists takes time, and while I enjoy teaching, I often wish there was a way to fast-track their learning so they could immediately apply high-level knowledge and skills in their practice. The more well-trained and knowledgeable CHTs out there, the more people can benefit from better gut health, detoxification, and overall well-being.
This superpower would also help break down misinformation about digestive health and empower more people to take control of their well-being with the right tools and understanding. If I could share everything I’ve learned in an instant, it would make an even bigger impact on the world of natural health!
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