Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be very unpleasant. Sometimes symptoms are debilitating including abdominal 
pain, abdominal bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. Not only are the symptoms unpleasant but sufferers often worry about access to toilet facilities. It is not unusual for sufferers to make mental mind maps of where toilet facilities are. Or limit their range of activities in case they need the toilet.
What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
No one really knows the cause of IBS. But according to the IBS Centre UK between 20-25% of people in the UK report symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome at some point during their life. And it seems to effect more women then men. http://www.ibscentre.co.uk
Although the exact cause is unknown, experts from the NHS website believe this increased sensitivity is according to:
- a change in your body’s ability to move food through your digestive system
- becoming more sensitive to pain from your gut
- psychological factors
- an episode of food poisoning
Advice?
I would always advise that you visit your GP to seek advise to ensure there are no other underlining issues before starting a course of hypnotherapy.
The NHS go on to say: “There is a fair amount of evidence to suggest psychological factors play an important role in IBS. However, this does not mean that IBS is “all in the mind”, because symptoms are very real. Intense emotional states such as stress and anxiety can trigger chemical changes that interfere with the normal workings of the digestive system.
This does not just happen in people with IBS. Many people who have never had IBS before can have a sudden change in bowel habits when faced with a stressful situation, such as an important exam or job interview.
It has also been discovered that many people with IBS have experienced a traumatic event. Usually during their childhood, such as abuse, neglect, a serious childhood illness or bereavement.
It is possible that these types of difficult experiences in your past may make you more sensitive to stress and the symptoms of pain and discomfort.”
Here are some interesting articles about using hypnotherapy to help the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8572818.stm
http://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/memberarticle_122.html
http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/press/medicine/ibs
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