Aim to Treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

IBS is characterized by symptoms of belly discomfort, gas, bloating, pain and inconsistent bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation. IBS is an umbrella term for symptoms that often have different and sometimes unknown sources. People suffering from IBS usually try many different ways of managing symptoms and many express frustration at the lack of effective treatments and consistent information (Henningsen et al., 2018). Not surprisingly, IBS has been known to cause major disruptions in people lives, as symptoms can impact mood, motivation, confidence in engaging in everyday activities like school and work (Webmd 2018)

Although it is estimated that 10-15 % of the population suffers from IBS, the cause is still not clear (Medlineplus, 2018). Some people experience IBS as a chronic condition, while others have bouts of it at different times in their lives. Triggers for IBS vary, including bacterial infections, gut sensitivity, stress, anxiety and low mood (Medlineplus, 2018). 

The Gut-Brain Connection- Can therapy help?

We know that the brain, the stomach and intestines are intimately connected through a network of nerves and hormones (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018). Our brain has a direct influence on our stomach and intestines and vis-versa. This relationship is a two-way street, with gut issues affecting our mental health and our mental health affecting our gut health (Harvard Health Publication, 2018).

All this to say that IBS is not simply in your head, but rather that mental and emotional strain actually affects the movement and contraction of the gastro-intestinal tract. There is evidence to support what many IBS sufferers have long observed, which is that emotional difficulties can worsen inflammation and increase stomach and intestinal discomfort (Harvard Health Publication, 2018). According to the Harvard Medical School website, a review of 13 studies on IBS has shown that patients symptoms improved greatly when they received psychological based treatments compared to patients who only received conventional medical treatment (Harvard Health Publication, 2018).

Put simply, we have evidence to safely say that there is a connection between our emotional health and our mental health and that addressing emotions is an important part of IBS treatment. 

How can Hypnotherapy help?

Good News! There is substantial scientific support for the use of Hypnotherapy in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

Studies comparing Hypnotherapy to other IBS treatments show strong evidence for the use of multidisciplinary therapies that include hypnotherapy compared to treatments that do not include hypnotherapy (Henningsen et al., 2018) (Webb et al., 2008). In fact, these improvements are not only seen immediately after treatment but they have shown to have long term benefits after treatment (Gonsalkorale et al., 2003).

There can be several different reasons for the benefits of Hypnotherapy in relation to IBS symptoms, including relaxation of muscles in the intestines, reduction of unstimulated as well as betazole stimulated acid secretion, a decrease in gastric motility as well as the effects in has on the central nervous system and regions in the body and brain that process pain (as cited in Webb et al., 2008). In addition to changes to the physical sensations in the gut through relaxation training, the experience of trance can help people learn ways of focusing on parts of the body while dissociating from other parts. Over time they may grow more confident in their ability to manage their physical symptoms and emotional states.

AIM’S IBS TREATMENT APPROACH

At Aim Hypnotherapy & Counselling our approach to treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is based on scientific research and practical experience.

We model our treatment plan on studies showing long lasting effective results for the reduction and elimination of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (Lindfors, Unge, Arvidsson, Nyhlin, Björnsson, Abrahamsson, & Simrén, 2012). Our treatment of IBS uses cognitive-behavioural therapy and gut directed hypnotherapy, to help manage pain and irritation. Gut directed Hypnotherapy helps clients increase their confidence and connection to their bodies and teaches them how to reduce inflammation through physical relaxation (Lindfors et al., 2012). The sensation of hypnosis and reduction of IBS symptoms can be a transformational experience, as it allows people to experience their body and mind in new and life changing ways.

At Aim we support clients by taking the time to understand the underlying causes of anxiety and stress throughout their lives and the daily habits and coping strategies that are helping or hindering their IBS wellness goals. By creating safety and understanding through compassionate one-on-one counselling we can explore your life experience to better understand contributing factors and stressors in your life and how they affect your symptoms of IBS. Understanding your unique experiences helps to tailor an approach that is personalized and effective.

An important aspect to the Aim approach involves providing safe and empowering gut directed hypnosis sessions. Similar to the experience of daydreaming, clients often describe hypnosis as a 'highly relaxed and focused state of calm'. Hypnotherapy sessions can help increase resilience and lower physical and emotional reactions to stress. Through the practice of hypnosis, clients can learn how to regulate their emotional reactions and their body can learn to reduce inflammatory reactions to stress. Hypnotic suggestions can also be incorporated to make beneficial behaviour changes related to diet and exercise.

At Aim Hypnotherapy & Counselling, our goal is deliverinf positive and lasting change for anyone suffering from symptoms of IBS. If you are ready to see how this approach can help you or have any questions please contact us for more information. 

References

- Gonsalkorale, W. M., Miller, V., Afzal, A., & Whorwell, P. J. (2003). Long term benefits of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. Gut, 52(11). DOI:10.1136/gut.52.11.1623

- Harvard Health Pulishing. Harvard Medical School. Retrieved August 26 2018 from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

- Lindfors, P., Unge, P., Arvidsson, P., Nyhlin, H., Björnsson, E., Abrahamsson, H., & Simrén, M. (2012). Effects of gut-directed hypnotherapy on IBS in different clinical settings-results from two randomized, controlled trials. The American Journal Of Gastroenterology, 107(2), 276-285. DOI:10.1038/ajg.2011.340

- MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine (US). Retrived August 27 2018 from Medline https://medlineplus.gov/irritablebowelsyndrome.html#cat_95  

- Webb, A. N., Kukuruzovic, R. H., Catto-Smith, A. G., & Sawyer, S. M. (10/17/2007). Hypnotherapy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome Update Software. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13145

- WebMD. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Retrieved August 26. 2018 from https://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/digestive-diseases-irritable-bowel-syndrome#1