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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the gut. It often comes with either constipation or diarrhea and sometimes alternates between the two. Sufferers experience abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort and a change in bowel habit without an obvious cause. IBS is called a syndrome because it involves different signs and symptoms which are all interrelated.
IBS is one of the most common digestive disorders. Nevertheless, this painful and often distressing condition can seriously impact the sufferer's quality of life.
IBS can start at any time, but frequently begins in early adulthood and ebbs and flows over the course of many years. It is thought that women are twice as likely as men to suffer and it is generally more common in emotional and stressed people. It is estimated that somewhere between 10 and 20 per cent of the population suffers with IBS. The true incidence may be higher than this, because it is thought that many people with IBS symptoms do not seek medical advice.
Research suggests that people with IBS seem to have a colon that is generally more sensitive and is susceptible to a variety of foods and to stress. Some evidence indicates that the immune system, which fights infection, is also involved and is reduced in its ability to cope. The lining of the colon, which is affected by the immune and nervous systems, regulates the passage of fluids in and out of the colon. In IBS, the colon appears to work properly. However, a more rapid movement of the colon’s contents can overcome the colon’s capacity resulting in too much fluid in the stool. In other patients the colon’s movement is too slow, too much fluid is absorbed, and constipation develops.
On a positive note, there is no proven link between IBS and bowel damage or bowel cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, medication and a well structured stress management programme.
Hypnosis treatment for IBS
Years of clinical research and active clinical application show that 80 – 90% of clients obtained relief by using gut directed hypnosis. Most of these results showed improvements over and above conventional IBS methods of treatment. Of course, as with all treatment methods, hypnosis is not a panacea, and people and their conditions vary.
In one recent study, Dr. Olafur S. Palsson and colleagues at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia provided 24 IBS patients (15 women and 9 men) with
seven sessions of hypnosis treatment. In addition, the patients used hypnosis audiotapes at home.
Researches reported that at the end of the 14-week study period, 21 of the 24 patients rated themselves improved in all major IBS symptoms after treatment. Significant improvement was found in abdominal pain, bloating, stool consistency and the frequency of bowel movement.
Palsson's group also measured the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the digestive system and other involuntary body activities. After the course of hypnotherapy, the autonomic nervous system was less easily stimulated.
The researchers concluded that this calming effect "may plausibly contribute to the symptom improvement”. (Palsson O, Turner M, Johnson D. Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: symptom improvement and autonomic nervous system effects. Program and abstracts of Digestive Disease Week 2000; May 21-24, 2000; San Diego, California. Abstract 997).
