Hypnotherapy for IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known as IBS, affects 1 in 5 people in the UK over the course of their lifetime. If you have been diagnosed with IBS, you may have been given dietary advice, perhaps been put on medication or maybe had hypnotherapy suggested as a treatment.
The impact of IBS
IBS can be debilitating, preventing you from achieving simple tasks such as going shopping or enjoying long walks. It may also be causing you serious discomfort on a regular basis.
But imagine what it would be like to be completely free of IBS.
Hypnotherapy can help you break the cycle of pain and anxiety related to IBS, and has done so for thousands of people.
Symptoms of IBS can vary between individuals, but the following are common:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Abdominal contractions, spasms or cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Excess wind
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
You may experience a combination of some of these symptoms. One may be worse than the others. Or your symptoms may vary from mild, where they do not really affect your quality of life, to serious.
There is no one definitive cure for IBS. However, there are a number of self-help treatments that can alleviate symptoms, such as a controlled diet and therapies like hypnosis.
Medical endorsement for IBS hypnotherapy
Research pioneered by Professor Whorwell, a gastroenterologist at Wythenshawe Hospital, shows that hypnotherapy can make a significant contribution to the treatment of IBS.
He began investigating the application of hypnotherapy for the management of IBS in the 1980s and his research shows that over 60% of IBS sufferers who undertake hypnotherapy see long term improvement, or complete disappearance of symptoms, often with no recurrence.
Hypnotherapy is now acknowledged within the wider medical profession as an evidenced-based therapy that can help reduce the symptoms of IBS and sometimes alleviate them entirely.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) also lists hypnotherapy as one of the treatments to help with IBS.
Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is available on the NHS, so it is worth telling your doctor that you are interested in pursuing this treatment.
Why hypnosis is helpful for IBS sufferers
We know that IBS can be exacerbated by anxiety or stress and that the subsequent worry about the IBS can perpetuate the effects.
Hypnotherapy can get to the root of the problem, giving you the tools to manage any stress that may be making the IBS worse, and by using positive suggestion increase your confidence in your well-being to reduce sensitivity in your gut.
What will happen during an IBS treatment?
Don’t forget, you might be eligible for IBS hypnotherapy on the NHS, so it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor first.
Before we begin, I will need a detailed history of your condition and ask if you have been to a doctor and had tests to rule out any other issues.
I might then write to your doctor, with your consent, to let them know you are undergoing hypnotherapy. This gives your doctor the opportunity to ask questions.
Evidence shows that 6 hours of treatment over 6 one-hour or 12 half-hour sessions works well, with the opportunity to top these up in the longer term.
Sometimes, hypnotherapy can work in a few sessions, or just one. I will monitor your progress on a session by session basis and make recommendations from there.
If you would like to try hypnotherapy for IBS, simply get in touch to book your Initial Consultation. Or if you have more questions and would like to book a 15-minute call, simply use the form provided.
Please note: Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is very effective, however, results may vary and success is not guaranteed. The treatment requires your willingness and commitment to bring about the changes.
Contact me to book your Initial Phone Consultation
If you would like to book a session, either online (via Zoom) or in person at my hypnotherapy practice in South Devon, or if you have any questions, please get in touch via the form below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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