Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the large intestine. People who experience it may feel cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea or constipation. Although what causes it is still unknown, experts found out that hypnosis is a great way to alleviate the disorder’s discomfort.
Hypnosis was found to be an effective treatment for IBS in several clinical studies. The process results in progressive relaxation that improves the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life by reducing abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is not a dangerous disorder. However, it causes a lot of discomfort that can inhibit the patient from doing regular activities. While the causes of IBS are still unknown, experts have figured out that some factors like muscle contractions in the intestines, abnormalities in the nervous system, severe infection, early life stress, and a change in gut microbes play a role in triggering it.
IBS is common, experienced by at least 1 in 5 people in the UK at some point in their lives. IBS can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common in young adults. Meanwhile, women seem to be more affected by the disorder than men. There is no cure for IBS but simple lifestyle changes are known to make the symptoms more tolerable.
How Does Hypnotherapy Help in IBS?
Hypnotherapy was found to improve the primary symptoms of IBS. In some instances, it also relieved other symptoms felt by patients, such as nausea, fatigue, backache, and urinary problems.
The process appears to offer symptomatic, psychological, and physiological benefits. However, keep in mind that there isn’t a cure for IBS yet. Hypnotherapy is only a band-aid solution for the problem. Approximately 25% of patients who tried out Hypnotherapy to alleviate their symptoms did not respond to the treatment. Some people might improve through hypnotherapy, but it shouldn’t be a reason to ignore traditional approaches to treat the disorder.
More than Hypnotherapy, changing lifestyle factors such as diet should also be considered. For some, an occasional Loperamide or laxative, depending on the bowel movement abnormalities, may be recommended. In most cases, patients who received Hypnotherapy had long-lasting comfort that lasted for 1 to 5 years, and most remained well without needing to follow up medication at all.
When to See a Doctor?
It’s essential to consult with an expert in case your symptoms go beyond your threshold for pain. See a doctor if you experience a persistent change in bowel habits or other signs or symptoms of IBS. There is a possibility that you’re experiencing other conditions, which could be fatal if left unchecked.
Be on the lookout for more severe symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, iron deficiency anaemia, unexplained vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and persistent pain that isn’t cured by passing gas or bowel movement.
Summary
There are other treatment options for IBS aside from Hypnotherapy. Psychological methods such as cognitive therapy is also a great way to ease the symptoms. Keep in mind that hypnosis may be especially suitable if severe chronic symptoms continue after standard medical management approaches have been tried.
It’s time to change your life with Hypnotherapy. Leeds Hypnotherapists offer techniques to help issues you have been experiencing for years. Get a free consultation today by booking an appointment through our website. You can receive hypnotherapy in Leeds or online hypnotherapy sessions are available if you are outside of Leeds.
