IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) can significantly impact the quality of your life and social relationships.
IBS is estimated to affect up to 30% of the UK population and more than 10% of Americans, and according to the National Institute of Health, IBS affects 11%-20% of the population worldwide.
Irritable bowel syndrome is still a relatively unknown condition to most people. The medical community knows very little about it. The condition’s exact cause is not known, but it is thought to be related to abnormal functioning in the brain-gut axis. In other words, certain chemicals produced in the gut can affect how we feel emotionally and mentally.
Hypnotherapy has been shown to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional eating effectively.
This article will discuss the role that hypnosis can play in improving symptoms of IBS.
“I loved hypnotherapy even though I was apprehensive about what to expect. My first session left me feeling like I had spent time with an old friend, so relaxed that it was hard to believe I was actually hypnotised. The hypnosis sessions gave me relief from my abdominal pain and helped me overcome my irrational fear of public toilets. Hypnotherapy has given me a new perspective in life; it helped me understand the changes my body is going through, teaching me to accept and cope with the fact that I have chronic digestive problems.”
What is IBS?
IBS, also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can lead to abdominal pain, urgency, bloating and gassiness. When it comes to IBS treatment, there are several options, from drug therapy to diet changes. One other option is hypnotherapy. Several studies indicate hypnotherapy can be beneficial for the treatment of IBS.
“Hypnotherapy should be considered for people with IBS” - Nice Guidelines - 2008
Can hypnotherapy help with IBS?
Yes, it can! Hypnotherapy is a safe and non-invasive way to treat IBS and can help you manage your symptoms in several ways. Hypnotherapy is undoubtedly at the forefront of therapeutic interventions for IBS. This is because hypnotherapy shows great promise in reducing many symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Hypnotherapy has been used to treat IBS for many years. It can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of IBS.
First, it can help you relax, which will help your body’s stress response system function better. Instead of letting stress hormones like cortisol run wild and make things worse for you, hypnotherapy can help you return to baseline and feel like yourself again.
Second, hypnotherapy can help you develop positive self-talk habits that encourage more positive thoughts about your IBS symptoms. As we know from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) research, negative thoughts can trigger the stress response system and make your symptoms worse. Positive thoughts have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with IBS.
Third - helps change your relationship with food and promote healthy eating habits.
And four, and perhaps most importantly—hypnotherapy is designed to give you tools for managing your symptoms when they flare-up.
What to expect during a hypnotherapy session for IBS
During the free consultation, I will begin by asking you questions about how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally right now and discuss your symptoms and other challenges you have so that I have an idea of what to work on. After the information has been gathered about you and your condition, a session plan and goals can be decided together.
During a hypnotherapy session for IBS, you will find yourself in a comfortable position, relaxing and feeling at ease. I will instruct you to close your eyes and focus on breathing, and other relaxation techniques will be used. This can help you to relax and become more receptive. This helps induce a trance-like state of heightened suggestibility and receptivity to suggestion.
I will then make relevant suggestions so you feel more in control of your symptoms and change any unwanted behaviours so that it contributes positively toward managing IBS symptoms.
I will then lead you through exercises that guide your thoughts away from any difficulties or problems with IBS and toward something positive, like a time when you felt healthy and relaxed.
Cognitive techniques will be taught to manage stress and anxiety and change any habits.
We may also discuss what kinds of foods are good for your body, helping you recognise how certain foods trigger symptoms for people with IBS.
It’s important to note that hypnotherapy is not intended to replace medication or other treatments. Instead, its best used in conjunction with these other treatments to help reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Once the session has ended, there is time to ask questions before leaving so you can fully understand what happened during your session. Any homework like listening to a support recording will be given also at the end.
At our next session, we’ll discuss what worked best for you during our session together so that we can try something else if necessary, as we are all unique and not one size fits all! It’s about finding what works for you!
How long does the IBS hypnotherapy take?
The length of each session is 60 minutes. The number of a session depends on the issues you are hoping to address but could range but could be anywhere from 1 to 6, depending on your needs! I offer a FREE consultation where this can be discussed and give you a more accurate picture.
Where does the hypnotherapy for IBS sessions take place?
Sessions are face to face at Precious Health in Hale, Altrincham WA16 9NZ, online or telephone sessions.
How much does an IBS hypnotherapy session cost?
The cost is £70 per session, including support recordings to carry on your change work between sessions and after.
How do I book?
To book a FREE consultation Click Here which will open up a live calendar to book your slot, or you can either call me on 07799 032191.
I am available to answer your questions, schedule an appointment, and provide more information about hypnotherapy services. I look forward to hearing from you!
Online Hypnotherapy and Manchester Hypnotherapy for IBS with Hypnoshift.
Samantha Chater is a registered Clinical hypnotherapist with the General Hypnotherapy Register and CNHC.
Hypnotherapy sessions are convenient for those who live in Manchester, Altrincham, Sale, Hale, Bowdon, Timperley, Cheadle, Didsbury, Knutsford and Lymm.