Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder characterised by a range of symptoms affecting the digestive system. This condition can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation, with up to 20% of the population potentially suffering from IBS at some point in their lives.
The symptoms of IBS can vary considerably from person to person and may include:
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions. Always consult your GP for advice.
The precise causes of IBS remain unknown, but experts suggest that it can be triggered by various factors, including specific foods, hormonal changes, and stress. Psychological issues, particularly stress and anxiety, are widely accepted as significant contributors to IBS symptoms.
Major life events—such as the death of a loved one, divorce, moving homes, or job loss—can act as stressors that exacerbate IBS symptoms.
Research indicates that hypnosis may be one of the most effective treatments for IBS. A study found that 40% of patients who underwent hypnotherapy experienced a reduction in symptoms, with benefits appearing to last for an extended period.
Typical treatments for IBS often include dietary changes to avoid trigger foods, medication to alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhoea, or forms of counselling. Stress is a major trigger for IBS, and hypnotherapy can assist patients in relaxing during episodes of abdominal pain and bloating.
A notable study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology involved 138 IBS patients receiving hypnotherapy for one hour each week over three months. The results indicated a significant reduction in symptoms that persisted for up to a year after treatment.
Source: Daily Mail
The root cause of stress in individuals may often lie deep within their subconscious, stemming from past experiences. Hypnotherapy can uncover these deep-rooted issues, which may continue to cause anxiety long after the original events.
IBS sufferers often exhibit perfectionist tendencies, setting excessively high standards and constantly worrying about others’ opinions. Hypnotherapy addresses these underlying concerns.
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.
