Hypnosis and hypnotherapy for IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common but often misunderstood chronic condition where the normal functions of the bowel are disrupted. Symptoms of IBS can vary considerably but often include:
- abdominal bloating
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- bouts of diarrhoea and / or constipation
- sudden urgency to use the toilet
The embarrassment often associated with IBS and the unpredictability of the symptoms can cause sufferers great anxiety, which may prevent them working, establishing relationships or even leaving their home. IBS can have a significant, negative impact on the sufferer's self esteem and confidence. Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK will develop IBS at some point in their life and it can affect anyone at any age. Traditionally, the problem with diagnosing IBS is that whilst there is evidently a problem with the functioning of the gut, the structure of the gut will appear normal, even when looked at under a microscope. Treatment will therefore focus on managing the symptoms rather than resolving whatever is causing it.
How can you manage / control your IBS?
The simple answer is: not very well. You could try altering your diet, or manage your stress through regular exercise in an attempt to help minimise your symptoms. Or you could take probiotics to boost the good bacteria in your gut. There are also various medicines available to treat the symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation, or to help relax the muscles in your gut, but whilst these may provide some temporary relief, sufferers often find their IBS symptoms will return once their medication has finished. Chances are if you’re reading this then you will have already tried one or more of these methods, and possibly others. Unfortunately, none of these can resolve what caused your IBS in the first place, and so controlling your symptoms becomes a constant, tiring battle.
Why, Why, Why?
The most effective way to cure IBS completely and permanently, is to resolve what’s causing it; if there is no longer any cause, there can be no effect.
So why do you suffer from IBS? You have probably puzzled over this many times before. Looked for reasons, triggers behind it, such as stress from exams, relationships or work. Perhaps you have a food intolerance or feel your IBS was triggered by emotional upset or depression. But knowing this doesn’t make the problem go away. Neither does it explain why others, who undergo similar stresses or intolerances, don't suffer IBS. So why do you? What's causing YOU to suffer? The subconscious, automatic part of our mind controls every single muscle in our body and every physiological response. It regulates our organs. It's able to fight infection; to heal; to mend a broken bone. So why is it so persistent in maintaining your IBS?
Beneath all the triggers lies a single, root cause stored away in the subconscious mind. It’s something you can’t think of. Something small, easily forgotten, easily overlooked. It’s like that bit of grit in your eye. Once you find it, it can be hard to believe that something so small could have caused so much trouble.
It can take years for our problems, conditions and symptoms to get a good hold over us. Something that starts out as a minor irritation gets worse and worse until it causes us so much suffering that we eventually seek help to put it right.
How can you cure IBS?
Curative hypnotherapy is distinguished from all other forms of hypnotherapy primarily by its use of logic. The therapist approaches each person without theories or preconceptions – except for one – that the answer to your IBS lies only within your subconscious mind. With curative hypnotherapy there is no need to suppress or manage your symptoms. By resolving and correcting the true cause, your IBS symptoms will automatically clear up and fade away, until eventually your problem is nothing but a vague and distant memory.
With curative hypnotherapy you will not be required to relive any traumatic or upsetting situation. All you will feel is pleasantly relaxed.
Next step…
If you would like to explore further about how curative hypnotherapy can help with IBS, then please contact us to book an initial consultation.
At the City Hypnotherapy Centre, Susannah provides a safe and relaxing environment in which to explore your issues openly without judgment, and free from reliving unwanted emotions. Everything is treated in the strictest of confidence.