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IBS

Hypnotherapy for symptom management of IBS

IBS affects 15-20% of the population at some point in their lives.

The symptoms that can be felt are constipation, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, urgency, feeling of incomplete evacuation, nausea, acid reflux, fatigue, excess mucus, anxiety and depression.

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The cause is relatively unknown but there is some evidence to suggest that stress and viral or infective gastroenteritis may be triggers alongside childhood trauma, stress, post pregnancy, post infection or post surgery.

It is important to note that IBS sufferers tend to be more sensitive to pain and digestive movement.

IBS is thought of as incurable BUT we can control the symptoms.

The Gut Brain Connection

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The connection between the gut and brain works to maintain homeostasis (balanced function).

In IBS this connection becomes disrupted causing the wrong message to be sent. The first sign is called visceral hypersensitivity.

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This means that the nerves inside the intestinal tract are too sensitive, they have become hyper alert signalling pain when they may not need to.

Secondly the miscommunication causes irregular bowel movements which increases pressure causing further pain.

This loop of miscommunication continues to increase symptoms over time causing stress and anxiety which further exacerbate the problem.

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As an alternative to managing symptoms through medication and diet, hypnotherapy can help to retrain the signal from the brain to the gut.

How Hypnotherapy can help you

How Hypnotherapy and CBT can help.

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The American Gastroenterological Association validate the use of Gut Directed Hypnotherapy for patients with moderate to severe IBS, and on average can reduce symptoms by over 70%.

Gut directed hypnotherapy works with the nervous system by using suggestions that target the gut whilst the client is in a relaxed state.

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Hypnotherapy has been  shown to affect the speed at which waste moves through

the colon and has been shown to improve rectal sensitivity, and normalise central processing patterns of pain signals. 

Alongside relieving physical symptoms hypnotherapy can help with the management of anxiety and stress caused by the daily symptoms, allowing you to trust your body and regain confidence.

 

 

Both gut directed hypnotherapy and CBT are well validated and evidence based treatments

 

6 sessions are recommended but your individual needs will be assessed and the required number of sessions discussed.

If you would like a 30 min free consultation you can contact me below.

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