Hypnotherapy to help IBS is quickly growing in popularity and there’s good reason for it! Hypnotherapy can be used not only to control IBS gut symptoms, but also the anxiety that often goes hand in hand.
But what is it and how exactly does it work? How can your mind change what happens inside of your gut?
Well keep reading as I’m going to explain everything!
(To explore more videos on IBS and digestive health, head on over to The Calm and Happy Gut YouTube channel)
Hypnotherapy to help IBS is not new
I’ve been working with clients online from all around the world using gut directed hypnotherapy and CBT since 2018. And often when clients reach out to me, they feel desperate and hypnotherapy is the last resort for them.
They may have heard about hypnosis to help manage IBS from their gastroenterologist or doctor. Or they’ve been online and found the myriad of research and clinical studies supporting it’s use. Gut-directed hypnotherapy, used for almost 40 years, was relatively unknown until recently.
But what is hypnotherapy to help treat IBS?
Before explaining gut-directed hypnotherapy’s effectiveness for IBS, let’s first understand hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and what is called heightened suggestibility. It’s a completely natural state and one where your mind is more responsive to suggestion. This means you are able to accept suggestions given to you more easily or more deeply than normal. And a suggestion is an invitation to experience the world differently.
And with IBS, suggestions may include imagining your gastrointestinal tract as a smooth flowing river with no obstacles or delays.
So hypnotherapy involves using the state of hypnosis in a therapeutic way. And gut directed hypnotherapy is specifically designed to treat functional gut disorders like IBS. During a session, the suggestions given target the functioning of your gut, and work to restore smooth and coordinated digestion.
How does hypnotherapy work to treat IBS symptoms?
Scientists don’t actually fully understand how it works! But according to researchers, it’s believed that by entering into the state of hypnosis, your brain becomes open to suggestions on how to better communicate with your gut to improve symptoms.
It does this by directly influencing your nervous system. It also leverages the brain’s ability to bring under voluntary control processes in the body which seem to be outside of your control such as changes within your digestive system.
This approach targets the miscommunication between the brain and gut which seems to play a large role in several gastrointestinal issues, including IBS. You can read more about the brain gut connection in IBS in this post: Is a Faulty Gut Brain Connection Causing Your IBS?
Hypnotherapy can also help to regulate the HPA-axis and relieve stress, which is one of the major triggers of IBS. Often with IBS you worry about having a flare-up, or are anxious about the symptoms of a flare-up. This stress in itself can make symptoms worse. So by reducing internal stress levels using hypnosis, you are helping to break this stress-symptom cycle.
So whilst we don’t understand the science of how hypnosis works for IBS, we can see the evidence!
And this includes reducing IBS gut symptoms in two main ways. Firstly by improving motility, which is the speed of food as it moves down through your digestive tract. And secondly it can reduce sensitivity inside your gut.
It can also help to reduce levels of stress inside of the body, decrease anxiety & depression and improve your quality of life.
But what does the research say?
Well the research is pretty incredible! In 2019 nearly 30 studies on gut-directed hypnotherapy over the last 30 years were reviewed. On average a symptom reduction of over 70-80% was seen, along with improvements to quality of life, and a decrease in anxiety and depression. It’s also been shown to be as effective as the low fodmap diet, which is pretty exciting. This means you can reduce your IBS symptoms without having to follow restrictive and stressful diets. What’s more, the improvements achieved by undertaking a program of gut directed hypnotherapy have been found to be last. The longest current study shows improvements lasting for 5 years.
In fact inside of my own online program I frequently see symptom improvement above this level. I also work with my clients to rebuild trust and confidence in their bodies, feel good about meal times and reintroduce different foods. I help them get back living their lives – whether this is going on holiday, eating out with friends or being able to travel on public transport again.
And one final point on its effectiveness. The American Gastroenterological Association actually recommends the use of gut directed hypnotherapy for patients early in the course of managing symptoms, and not saved as a as a ‘last ditch’ treatment option.
So now you know what gut directed hypnotherapy is, what happens inside of a session?
Inside a session of gut directed hypnotherapy
Inside of The Calm Gut IBS Program I see clients over 6 sessions, and each session is a combination of hypnosis, cognitive behavoural therapy and coaching. During the hypnotherapy part of the session I use suggestions which are tailored to your specific symptoms and concerns.
For example, if you have problems with gut motility (whether that’s showing up as constipation and/or diarrohea) suggestions will be given that focus on the rhythm and flow of your digestion. And if pain is a dominating symptom for you, then suggestions will be given that focus on soothing the inside of your bowel.
Suggestions are also given that reinforce your ability to gain control over how your bowel functions. These suggestions could include continuing to get better and better hour by hour, day by day and remaining free from any discomfort, irritation or sensations that bother you.
How long until hypnotherapy reduces your IBS symptoms?
Many of the research studies followed a program of hypnotherapy which lasted between 6 to 10 sessions. Inside of The Calm Gut IBS program I see clients over 6 sessions and whilst everyone responds differently, many of my clients do experience a noticeable improvement after just 3-4 sessions.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different and will respond in their own way. Occasionally some clients may require extra sessions to achieve symptom reduction. Research also shows that not everyone will respond to gut directed hypnotherapy. This is just one of the reasons why I integrate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) into my program.
I hope this post was helpful. And I hope it’s answered many of the questions you had! But if you do have further questions about hypnotherapy for IBS and The Calm Gut Program then you can get in touch here.
And if you are interested in learning more CBT for managing IBS symptoms, then you might like to read: Can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for IBS reduce symptoms?
Here’s how I can help you with your IBS:
1. The Calm Gut Program
Work with me 1:1 online and finally take back control of your IBS using gut directed hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Working together over 6 sessions I’ll help you restore regular gut function, relieve pain and discomfort, and you enjoy life again. With a personalised, supportive and caring approach, The Calm Gut Program is evidence based and backed by science. Learn more here.
2. The Calm Gut App
Get instant access to an evidence-based audio ‘toolkit’ to help reduce the symptoms of IBS. Fix the miscommunication between your brain and your gut. Access gut directed hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques & breathing exercises at your fingertips. Try 7 days for FREE here.
3. Download Your Free Ultimate Guide to IBS Guide
Discover what’s really causing your IBS flare ups, and how to calm your gut naturally. (Chances are that not even your doctor has told you about these). Get your FREE copy here.
