Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and flatulence, and vary greatly from person to person. Sufferers often experience swings from diarrhoea to constipation. It is the most common disorder of the intestine, affecting 10 to 20 per cent of adults, many of whom do not seek treatment. The cause of IBS, which strikes three times as many women as men, is unknown. Studies have suggested that anxious, compulsive, over-conscientious, dependent, sensitive, guilty, unassertive, or depressed people may be more likely to develop IBS.
One problem facing doctors in trying to assess the role played by stress in IBS, is that the disease itself causes stress. Patients may become caught in a cycle in which stress triggers IBS symptoms, which in turn exacerbate the stress.
Ideally, the approach is to remove the source of the stress or anxiety and dissolve the negative emotions that create the IBS. Stress can cause disturbances throughout the gastrointestinal tract that can be counteracted by treatment. Studies have also shown that hypnosis may be useful in maintaining remission in patients who have suffered from duodenal ulcers.
Medical testimony
There are well-documented medical studies of the benefits of hypnosis in IBS. In one study published in The Lancet in 1989, 33 people suffering from IBS were given four 40-minute sessions of hypnotherapy over seven weeks and taught self-hypnosis for twice-daily use at home. By the end of treatment, 20 of the 33 had improved, with 11 becoming almost symptom-free.
For Hypnotherapy Birmingham for IBS, ring me on 0121 707 3588.