Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Research and Benefits

Are you one of the millions of people struggling with the distressing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Although this struggle may feel like a lonely one, you are far from alone.

Although many of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be temporarily improved with medications and natural supplements, many people need to take them on a long-term basis and some have only mild improvement of symptoms.

The medications often used include Laxatives, Antidiarrheal Medications, Anticholinergic Medications, Tricyclic Antidepressants, SSRI Antidepressants, Pain Medications including Opioids as well as medications specifically for IBS including Alosetron (Lotronex), Eluxadoline (Viberzi), Rifaximin (Xifaxan), Lubiprostone (Amitiza) and Linactoltide (Linzess).

The fecal microbiota transplant procedure can be helpful in relieving the symptoms of IBS including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea alternating with constipation.

The problem is, that there are some people who are not helped by these medications or this procedure or develop intolerable side effects.

 

The Powerful Connection Between the Brain and the Gut in IBS

Cutting-edge research is beginning to shed light on the powerful connection between the mind and the body and more specifically on the powerful connection between the brain and the gut. This connection is so powerful often leading to the gut being called our “second brain.”

It is known that stress and anxiety can trigger physical gut issues. Concerns about these gut issues can cause more stress. This can create a vicious cycle resulting from additional anxiety about how your IBS may impact your life – like being caught in situations where a bathroom might not be readily available. These additional anxieties can worsen the symptoms that seem impossible to break.

As you may know, the fear of sitting in traffic, and the fear of having a flare-up while in social situations can result in social isolation. This can potentially lead to loneliness or depression. This is where hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome steps in.

Cutting-Edge Evidence-Based Research of Hypnotherapy for IBS

The good news is, there is an affordable, safe and effective, natural alternative to the traditional medical treatment mentioned above.

Numerous IBS studies^1,2,3,4,5,6 in prestigious medical journals underscore the benefits of hypnotherapy. Groundbreaking research published in the journal “Gut³” reported that patients with severe intractable irritable bowel syndrome who were treated with hypnotherapy, have followed up for a mean duration of 1 ½ years. All patients who received hypnotherapy remained in remission although two have experienced a single relapse overcome by an additional session of hypnotherapy. This group was divided into classical cases, atypical cases, and cases exhibiting significant psychopathology. The response rates were 95%, 43%, and 60% respectively.

Hypnotherapy: A Natural, Safe, and Effective Option for IBS Management: 

So, as you can see, hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a natural, safe,non-invasive, natural, gentle, drug-free, low-risk treatment option for the management of IBS.

A note of caution: It is vital to undergo hypnotherapy by a certified professional hypnotherapist, preferably one who is board-certified.

While hypnotherapy is emerging as a promising treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it should not be viewed as a stand-alone treatment. It should be done alongside the medical care you receive from your medical doctor.

 

 

 References

1. Harvey  RF Hinton,  RA Gunary: Individual and group hypnotherapy in treatment of refractory irritable bowel syndrome. 1989; 1424- 425

 

1. Vidakovic-Vukic  M Hypnotherapy in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: methods and results in Amsterdam. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl. 1999; 23049- 51

 

1. Whorwell  PJ Prior,  A Colgan: Hypnotherapy in severe irritable bowel syndrome: further experience.  1987; 28423- 425

 

1. Prior  A Colgan  SM Whorwell: Changes in rectal sensitivity after hypnotherapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. 1990; 31896- 898

 

1. Whorwell  PJ Prior  A Faragher: Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable bowel syndrome.  1984; 21232- 1234

 

1. Galovski  TE Blanchard: The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with hypnotherapy. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 1998; 23219- 232