Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS or spastic colon) does not have an exact diagnosis. It is characterised by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable organic cause. IBS can result in Diarrhoea or constipation, or both (they may alternate).
Although there is no cure for IBS, it is important to remember that the IBS, itself, is NOT the problem. It is a group of symptoms, which often mislead us into thinking that, if we could eliminate these, all would be well. So, there are myriad treatments that attempt to relieve symptoms, including dietary adjustments, medication, and psychological interventions.
There is much controversy in the psychotherapeutic community as to which discipline (if any) is most effective at treating IBS.
With traditional psychotherapy being so long-winded (no pun), almost half of the study participants drop out. The chances are that, going along week after week, and talking about the problem, is unlikely to ‘fix’ it.
Here’s why – if we move beyond the tendency to treat the symptoms, and get to the cause, we find that some form of low-level, long-term stressors are causing the gut to react. Because these stressors are below our conscious ‘radar’, we often have no idea why we are suffering. Stress reduction, in the form of relaxation, can bring about some respite, always remembering that we are still only addressing the symptoms.
Once we get below the radar, into the subconscious mind, we can – with the aid of some neat hypnotherapy – ‘unhook’ the programme which is causing the symptoms. It has been widely reported that hypnosis is effective in over 90% of IBS patients. This is certainly borne out in my practice.
If you get in touch, I can explain more fully how Advanced, No-Nonsense Hypnotherapy can help.
greg.hypnotherapy@gmail.com
As always, it is strictly confidential, there is no obligation and no pressure to purchase. It will give you a chance to check me out, see how you feel, and it won’t cost you a penny.