An estimated 35 million Americans have irritable bowel syndrome, “IBS.” It ranks second only to the common cold as a cause of lost work time and accounts for about 3 million physician visits in the United States every year. Overall, two to three times as many women as men have IBS. (Source: MayoClinic.com)
Symptoms of IBS vary widely from one person to another. Among the most common symptoms are: abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea and/or constipation or constipation alternating with diarrhea.
In the last 20 years, research has shown that hypnosis can influence gastrointestinal functioning in powerful ways, and that in particular, it is effective in helping patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
In 1984, researchers in Manchester in England published a study reported in the journal Lancet, showing that hypnosis treatment dramatically improved the symptoms of IBS patients who had failed to benefit from other treatment. (Whorwell, P.J., Prior, A., & Faragher, E.B. (1984). Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet, 2, 1232-1234.)
In 2000, researchers in the United States reported in Gastroenterology that Twenty-one of 24 patients with severe IBS treated with a standardized seven-session hypnosis protocol improved in all central IBS symptoms after treatment. Improvement was well-maintained at 10-12 month follow up. (Palsson, OS, Turner, MJ, & Johnson, DA. Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: Symptom improvement and autonomic nervous system effects. Gastroenterology 2000, 118,(4): A174.)
What happens in a session:
After a discussion of the client’s individual experience with IBS, Carol or Karen will work with the client to achieve a state of relaxation and focus. Your hypnotherapist then designs direct suggestions relating to the IBS symptoms, suggestions relating to stress management and suggestions to assist in motivation with regards to assist with compliance with doctor’s orders with regard to diet, exercise etc.
Most clients find that they need at a series of at least 8 to 10 sessions to see maximum effectiveness. You will be given a tape or CD for home use to further reinforce the suggestions.
For more information about IBS and Hypnosis, contact Carol or Karen.