IBS … Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What is IBS?
It is a disorder characterised most commonly by cramping, abdominal pains, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. IBS can cause a lot of discomfort and distress; most people control ling their symptoms with diet, stress management and sometimes prescription medicine. However, some people find the condition disabling, affecting their work, social and family situations. It is estimated that 20% of western population have symptoms making IBS one of the most common disorders in the modern world. It does occur more in women than men.
What causes IBS?
It is thought that life-style choices, diet, and stress are the biggest contributor to IBS. Hypnosis is only one of several approaches to treating irritable bowel syndrome and may not be the most suitable option for all patients. A consultation with a RAGPH therapist will advise on whether hypnosis would be suitable. Using hypnosis has advantages which makes it an attractive option for many IBS sufferers with chronic and severe symptoms:
- It is one of the most successful treatment approaches for chronic IBS. The response rate to treatment is 80% and better in most published studies to date.
- The treatment often helps individuals who have failed to get improvements with other methods (see for example: Whorwell et al., 1984, 1987; Palsson et al., 1997, 2000).
- It is a uniquely comfortable form of treatment. It is relaxing, easy and generally enjoyable.
- It uses the healing power of the person's own mind, and is generally completely without negative side effects.
- The treatment sometimes results in improvement in other symptoms or problems such as migraine or tension headaches, along with the improvement in IBS symptoms.
- The beneficial effects of the treatment last long after the end of the course of treatment. According to research, individuals who improve from hypnosis treatment for IBS can generally look forward to years of reduced bowel symptoms.