How Can Hypnotherapy Help Manage IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder which results from abnormal changes in the movement of muscles in the intestines (bowels) which results in a disturbance of bowel movements due to either transit being faster (often resulting in diarrhoea) or slower (often resulting in constipation). The symptoms can be transient (2-4 days) but can also be longer lasting (for weeks at a time) or even continuous.
It is essential that you confirm your diagnosis with your GP as symptoms of IBS can also be related to other conditions which require medical intervention.
Common symptoms also include changes in bowel habits, abdominal cramping and/or pain, bloating, tiredness, nausea and headaches.
If this is a physical problem, how can hypnotherapy help?
It has long been recognised that although IBS is not caused by stress, with the mind-body connection, stress can impact the body physically and for those classed as gut responders (people who’s physical response to stress is a change in their digestive system), stress can increase the chance of a flare-up.
The symptoms of a flare-up itself can also be a direct cause of stress which results in the vicious circle of stress increasing the symptoms which inturn trigger further stress and so on.
There are a variety of practical ways to help manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome including through medication (antispasmodics, supplements and antidepressants) and dietary changes (recognising sensitivities, intolerances (FODMAP*) and other lifestyle choices).
From an emotional perspective, it’s the aspect of managing anxiety and stress that can help. Although everyone struggling with symptoms of IBS will have an individual experience of the condition, there are some common behaviours resulting from the symptoms:
Learning to manage your emotional responses to IBS can help you to reduce some of the triggers of IBS, feel more in control and improve your quality of life on a daily basis.
If you would like to learn more about how hypnotherapy can help you manage your symptoms of IBS then please get in touch.
* FODMAPs are found in foods we eat and stands for: Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. You can find more information here: https://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/
NB guidance should always be taken when changing diet and removing food groups may have an impact on your overall health. Please consult a dietician or GP before making changes to your diet in relation to managing your IBS.