Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition affecting the digestive system and is characterised by chronic and relapsing symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Patients also commonly complain of associated symptoms, such as nausea, lethargy, and backache.
IBS affects up to 24% of women and 19% of men in industrialised countries (Drossman 1997). The the cause of IBS is largely unknown, but IBS is increasingly recognised as a “biopsychosocial” disorder, with organic, psychological, and environmental contributions to its development (Webb 2007).
Treatment of IBS by conventional means is often unsuccessful, with symptoms failing to respond to an array of currently available medications however Hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for IBS in a number of clinical studies.
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to induce a very deep state of pleasant relaxation in which the mind become more responsive to positive suggestions of self-improvement .
Gut-directed hypnotherapy has been specifically designed to improve symptoms of IBS, by utilising hypnosis to allow patients to change the way their brain influences the activity of their bowel, and its impact on their symptoms (NICE 2008).
If you are suffering from IBS please get in touch with The Mindful Therapist Harley Street or book your initial consultation here.
Testimonial "Alex is an excellent hypnotherapist. I first went to him a couple of years ago and more recently for my seriously debilitating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). To be honest he was my final resort given that I’d tried all other known methods and none had been that successful. I’m now pretty much fine despite one more session to go, which will hopefully remove the last irritating bits. What I like best about Alex (apart from the fact that he delivers as promised) is that he stays focused and does not allow too much personal chatter to interfere with doing what is best.”