Hypnotherapy for Chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can feel overwhelming. While there’s no cure, there are effective ways to manage the condition, and hypnotherapy is emerging as a powerful tool for many. Hypnotherapy offers symptom relief and a chance to regain control over your well-being. We explore IBS, how it affects individuals, and why hypnotherapy could be the missing link to better digestive health.

Chronic Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the digestive system and gut that causes the bowel to be very sensitive. The condition causes recurring pain and discomfort in the abdomen and often, the nerves and muscles don't work as they should.

IBS is one of the most common disorders of the digestive system. Worldwide, it's estimated that around 10% of the population has IBS, and it’s thought to affect one in five people during their lifetime. Many people living with irritable bowel syndrome find their symptoms to be an occasional nuisance; for other people, however, the condition can seriously affect their quality of life.

Some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome experience constipation, others have diarrhoea, and some may suffer from both. The pain can range from mild to severe and may happen at a particular time of the day. The exact cause of IBS is not currently known. While the condition can change over time and be managed successfully with the right strategies, it's often a lifelong condition.

Symptoms of IBS

Symptoms can vary from person to person and can be experienced at differing severities. In some people, the symptoms seem to be triggered by something they have had to eat or drink, stressful periods, or food poisoning.

Some of the more common symptoms of IBS include:

• pain and discomfort in the abdomen

• bloated abdomen

• gas

• indigestion

• feeling full

• nausea

• diarrhoea

• constipation

• cramping

• heartburn

• muscle pains

Can hypnotherapy help with bloating?

Bloating is a common symptom of IBS. Hypnotherapy can help improve various symptoms of IBS, including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and overall well-being. 

What are the causes of IBS? The gut often reacts to stressful situations, making the individual nauseous or feeling as though they have to go to the toilet with some urgency. This natural mind-gut connection is often exaggerated in those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and may cause them additional stress. Hypnotherapy for IBS can help you break the cycle of pain and anxiety related to IBS. Hypnotherapy is now acknowledged within the wider medical profession as an evidence-based therapy that can help reduce the symptoms of IBS, and sometimes alleviate those symptoms entirely.

Hypnotherapy for IBS - Treatment

​ Hypnotherapy has been used by many to manage numerous instances of pain, including irritable bowel syndrome, sciatica, spinal stenosis, joint pain and a variety of other injuries and illnesses. The premise of hypnotherapy is to change the way individuals perceive pain messages to reduce the intensity of what they are feeling. We use Integration CBT based on hypnotherapy, Mindfulness, and NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) allows you to feel safe and confident in meeting that challenge in a way that is most effective for you as an individual.