Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long-term digestive disorder that affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and indigestion. Research suggests that up to 1 in 5 people may experience IBS at some stage in their lives.
While IBS does not cause lasting harm to the body, it can significantly impact quality of life — particularly when symptoms are chronic or triggered by stress. Fortunately, hypnotherapy offers a proven, natural route to managing symptoms and improving gut health.
IBS presents differently in each person, but common symptoms may include:
Abdominal pain or cramping (mild to severe)
Bloating or a visibly distended stomach
Constipation and/or diarrhoea
Excessive wind or flatulence
Nausea or indigestion-like symptoms
Note: Always consult with your GP to rule out other causes for these symptoms.
The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but it’s widely believed to result from a combination of physical and psychological factors. These may include:
Food intolerances or sensitivities
Hormonal fluctuations
Digestive tract infections
Stress and anxiety
Major life events such as bereavement, divorce or job change
Yes — research suggests hypnotherapy can be one of the most effective long-term treatments for IBS.
A landmark study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that over 40% of IBS patients experienced a significant reduction in symptoms following hypnotherapy. These benefits often continued well beyond the treatment period.
Unlike medication or dietary adjustments, hypnotherapy addresses the root psychological and emotional factors contributing to IBS. It helps calm the gut-brain axis — the communication pathway between your brain and digestive system — which plays a key role in regulating bowel function and managing discomfort.
Many IBS sufferers are perfectionists or highly sensitive individuals who carry unresolved stress or worry. These unconscious patterns can fuel ongoing digestive issues.
In our sessions, we use techniques such as:
Regression hypnotherapy – to help you revisit and process formative emotional experiences
Visualisation – to reprogramme limiting beliefs and build new associations with safety and calm
Self-hypnosis training – so you can apply the tools whenever symptoms arise
By working together, we can identify your unique triggers, access the subconscious mind, and develop new responses to physical sensations and emotional stressors.
Hypnosis is a natural and deeply relaxing state of focused awareness. I believe that by teaching self-hypnosis, clients who may have struggled to be hypnotised previously can gain control and enter a state of deep relaxation.
Identifying and interpreting the root causes of underlying stress is crucial. Regression hypnotherapy aids in this process, allowing clients to process significant memories once they are out of hypnosis. Follow-up sessions gradually unlock hidden childhood memories, and visualisation techniques can reprogram the subconscious, modifying negative beliefs.
As an award-winning hypnotherapist with over 22 years of experience in treating IBS, I offer personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
Please call me to arrange an initial 30-minute consultation, free of charge, where I can explain how I may help you manage your IBS symptoms effectively.
For more specific issues related to IBS, you might also consider exploring my pages on hypnotherapy for stress and anxiety, hypnotherapy for insomnia, or hypnotherapy for panic attacks.
