Hypnotherapy for IBS
Research shows that hypnotherapy for IBS can be effective.
If you suffer from IBS, it is best to seek medical advice from your GP first of all. IBS tends to affect women more than men.
Symptoms of IBS
Generally, stomach pain along with constipation and diarrhoea is the main symptom of IBS. Some also experience bloating spasms, urgent need to go to the toilet, a dull ache, dizziness, nausea and cramps. The symptoms are not necessarily constant and can come and go. Women tend to experience more pain during their menstrual cycle.
Risks factors
There is definitely a psychological element attached to IBS. It is linked to stress and anxiety. When our body perceives itself being in a stressful situation, it sets off a response in our body sometimes called the ‘flight or fight response.’ This activates triggers to our brain to be on high alert. Although stress and anxiety is a psychological issue, it can lead to physical problems such as IBS.
This is because the mind and body are connected.
The majority of people who suffer from stress and anxiety find that they also have issues with their digestive system. This is why the gut is also commonly known as the ‘second brain.’ This is because the enteric nervous system relies upon the same neurons and neurotransmitters that are found in the central nervous system. There is definitely and brain and gut connection.
How can hypnotherapy help IBS?
The digestion system is controlled by the automatic nervous system. This is divided into the sympathetic nervous system, which is related to the flight and fight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is activated through relaxation.
If the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, it can lose its rhythm resulting in IBS symptoms. When the body is deeply relaxed, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over and the gut relaxes.
This is where deep relaxation, hypnotherapy and guided imagery come in.
When your body is deeply relaxed (which can be done through progressive muscle relaxation) it allows your unconscious mind to open up. Your hypnotherapist can then offer you verbal cues through guided imagery to help alleviate your symptoms.
IBS is, however, generally a symptom of anxiety. If you are looking for hypnotherapy for IBS, you might also want to consider working on your anxiety because most often than not, there will be an initial event that caused the IBS, and it will most probably be related to anxiety.
Further information about Inner Resolve hypnotherapy can be found here.