Hypnosis helps irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a number of clinical studies. The treatment is generally comfortable and also can be effective when people are treated with regular sessions. Research has found that hypnotherapy can help improve the primary symptoms of IBS.

At Positive Changes Hypnosis in Hamilton many patients with irritable bowel syndrome have found that hypnotherapy helps them cope with their symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, altered bowel habits and other symptoms. A great deal of patients suffer from IBS worldwide, across age groups and cultures,” says Carla Flik of the University Medical Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

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IBS Worldwide Statistics

Worldwide, the estimated prevalence of IBS is 11 percent, ranging from 14 percent to 24 percent for women and 5 percent to 19 percent for men. Some medications are helpful, but there’s no cure for irritable bowel syndrome. Flik and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial in 11 hospitals in the Netherlands. Altogether they enrolled 342 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and randomly assigned them into three groups. For 12 weeks, 142 patients received individual hypnotherapy, 146 did group hypnotherapy and 54 got educational supportive therapy instead of hypnotherapy. Flik based the treatment on a protocol developed at the University Hospital of South Manchester in the UK in the 1980s. It’s a “gut-directed” therapy for irritable bowel syndrome that includes progressive relaxation, soothing imagery and a focus on easing the individual’s abdominal symptoms.

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Gut Directed Hypnosis Therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

At Positive Changes Hypnosis gut directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) comprises a weekly 1 hr sessions along with take home listening sessions. Each one on one personal session at Positive Changes Hypnosis consists of induction of the hypnotic state by an experienced Hypnotherapist with deepening procedures, followed by “ego strengthening” suggestions relevant to the individual. These are accompanied by further suggestions and interventions such as visualization on inducing warmth in the abdomen along with imagery, directed towards controlling and normalising gut function. To learn more contact Positive Changes Hypnosis in Hamilton Ontario at 905-383-3500 or contact us.