What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common condition affecting around 20% of the population.  Although not everyone seeks medical advice or treatment for the condition it is estimated that 1 in 10 people will seek help from their GP at some point during their life for IBS symptoms.  It is most common in females, but still very common in males.

IBS is not a life threatening condition and is not known to cause other physiological conditions of the colon such as ulcerative colitis or Chron's disease, nor is it linked to colon cancer.  It is not fully understood what the mechanism that causes IBS is.

For some, IBS is a chronic condition that significantly impairs quality of life.  It can increase absenteeism from work and school, impact upon activities of daily living, and occasionally result in early retirement from work due to extreme discomfort.

Symptoms of IBS

Symptoms of IBS include:

Diarrhoea
Constipation
(The above two, alternating)
Abdominal Pains and Cramps
Wind or Bloating
Harder Stool
Looser Stool
Distended Abdomen

Causes of IBS

The answer is, nobody really knows.  Some believe that the muscles in the bowel do not move as efficiently as in people without IBS, others think the bowel may be hypersensitive.  There may also be a brain-body connection that is dysfunctioning.  One thing is certain, stress does have an impact.  It may be linked to the fight or flight mechanism in stress and anxiety.  When the body is preparing to fly the bowels can empty, sometimes explosively, to lighten your load and help you to run to safety much faster. 

Some foods may exacerbate the symptoms of IBS, such as salad/healthy foods.  For someone with IBS, starchy foods are less likely to cause stomach pains than high fibre foods that are often recommended for a healthy lifestyle.

How I Treat IBS

I use an evidence-based programme of gut-focused hypnotherapy.  This method is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and has been shown to be very effective in reducing IBS symptoms.  The programme consists of 7 sessions, once per fortnight, and a take-home CD/MP3 track to listen to as homework.  The first session generally lasts approximately 50 minutes with proceeding sessions of 30 minutes.  This programme is delivered either individually, in the privacy of one-to-one sessions.  

Typical Outcome

Typically clients report symptom severity improving following just one session.  After the entire programme IBS symptoms are generally significantly reduced and pharmaceutical management is no longer required, or at least much less frequently.  It is expected that quality of life will improve due to a reduction in the fear of what may happen if you go out.  See the testimonials of previous clients to read about their experience with IBS treatment - here.

FAQ

There's often only one question - can I be hypnotised?  Or a belief that you cannot be hypnotised.  

Hypnosis, especially gut-focused hypnotherapy, is nothing like stage hypnosis.  It is a relaxing experience where you are comfortable and in total control at all times.  Pretty much everyone can be hypnotised.  You cannot be made to do anything you do not want to do.  This treatment programme is extraordinarily relaxing, and very effective.  You will be surprised at how relaxed you can actually become.  Many clients tell me that they've never felt so relaxed - they did not even realise they could relax that much!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I am happy to discuss treatment options with you.