Whilst many people living with IBS find their symptoms to be an occasional nuisance, for others who do not respond to conventional treatment – their condition getting progressively worse over time: Hypnosis for IBS could be the answer.
So let’s take a look, in that we know that hypnosis can assist with so many different issues, at how it can also be immensely effective for people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
I’ll begin by providing an explanation of what hypnosis is, and then I’ll go in some practical information on how IBS hypnosis, can help control the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of altered awareness, a deep state of relaxation, during which our subconscious mind is more open and receptive to new ideas and suggestions which encourage more sensible, balanced or helpful attitudes to reality.
The subconscious mind controls the involuntary functions of the body, including habits and things that we do automatically. The subconscious mind also stores memories of every single thing that has happened to us.
The Mind/Body Connection
Hypnosis might sound like an odd approach to dealing with a condition like IBS, but it actually makes a lot of sense. IBS is often a very distressing condition for sufferers, who can experience severe abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. This could come with a significant loss of quality of life, because it can also disrupt your daily activities. As a result, hypnosis can be an extremely helpful option for people suffering with IBS.
The gut-brain connection is very real. It can link anxiety to stomach problems and vice-versa. Have you ever felt ‘butterflies’ in your stomach?
The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotion. Anger, anxiety sadness, elation – all of these feelings and others can trigger symptoms in the gut.
The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. For example the very thought of eating can release the stomach’s juices before food gets there. This connection goes both ways. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut.
How can Hypnosis help with IBS?
For one thing, it can help to put your mind at rest as a complementary therapy. This is because it’s designed to be a very relaxing experience, which can help to relieve the stress and anxiety associated with the symptoms. But hypnosis can also be incredibly useful because it can help to address the underlying causes of your IBS. As we’ll explore below, there are a number of different theories on why this occurs, including stress, anxiety, diet.
What causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but most experts think that it is related to problems with digestion and increased sensitivity of the gut. Your bowel should contract regularly to push food along its length, but these contractions may become abnormal and lead to discomfort.
This may be due to overactive nerves or muscles in the bowel, and it can be worsened by stress and anxiety.
Other factors that can bring about IBS include:
- Bacteria – symptoms of IBS tend to be worse after an infection called gastroenteritis, as it may lead to increased sensitivity in the gut.
- Intolerance to certain foods and drinks – common triggers include alcohol, caffeinated drinks and fatty or fried food.
- Oversensitivity of your digestive nerves – increased signals from the nerves lead to feelings of pain.
Hypnosis for IBS?
One of the key benefits of hypnosis for IBS is that it can help to ease the symptoms of your IBS.
As mentioned and contrary to popular belief, IBS is not a problem of your digestive system, it is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction There is nothing physically wrong with your gut, the problem lies in how your gut functions.
This miscommunication between your gut and your brain can cause symptoms like bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and heartburn. The complex digestion coordination is out of sync, causing trouble in your stomach and chaos in your colon.
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy, as backed by Professor Whorwell, and recognised by the NHS, works by changing the communication between the gut and brain, reducing the hypersensitivity of the nerve cells and relieving IBS, together with the associated stress and anxiety caused.
How do you use Hypnosis to manage IBS symptoms?
Although there are a few key things to bear in mind when getting started, using hypnosis to manage your IBS is actually incredibly simple.
A detailed case history will be taken, to assist with addressing the underlying causes of your IBS and how to best manage your symptoms, this would include looking at your diet and any food/symptom triggers.
The actual Hypnosis for IBS sessions, involves progressive relaxation, with suggestions of soothing imagery and sensations focussed on the individuals symptoms. Improving overall well-being, quality of life, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating for most clients.
Diet Tips..
Eating a healthy balanced diet and having a regular meal pattern generally helps. Avoiding late-night meals, sitting down to eat, and chewing well can also help to ease symptoms.
If you have constipation, increasing the amount of soluble fibre in your diet and the amount of water you drink can help.
If you suffer from diarrhoea, cutting down on the insoluble fibre you eat may help. As well as to avoiding the skin, pith and pips from fruit and vegetables.
Foods that contain soluble fibre include:
- Oats
- Barley
- Rye
- Fruit (bananas and apples)
- Root vegetables (carrots, potatoes)
Foods that contain insoluble fibre include:
- Wholegrain bread
- Bran
- Cereals
- Nuts and seeds (except golden linseeds)
Is Hypnosis safe for IBS?
Yes, hypnosis is a completely safe option for managing your IBS.
IBS hypnosis, can help with the symptoms, as a complementary therapy, but diagnosis of IBS, should always be confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner before seeking help.
Next Steps
So as you can see, Hypnosis for IBS can be a great way to manage your IBS, as a complementary therapy. Clinical studies have shown, using Gut Directed Hypnotherapy can improve gastrointestinal symptoms in people by 70 – 80%. Improving overall well-being and quality of life.
So why not contact Steve today to see how Hypnosis for IBS can work for you?
