The Devon Clinic

Tag: IBS

  • Is Hypnotherapy The New IBS Treatment?

    Is Hypnotherapy The New IBS Treatment?

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome

     

    MedUni Vienna states that hypnotherapy is still one of the most effective treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

     

    Those suffering stress-related IBS have a distinctive microbial signature in their gut. Studies in MedUni, Austria, has found holistic therapy, typically hypnotherapy is significantly more effective in treating IBS than symptomatic or probiotic treatment alone.

     

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

    The condition manifests as a range of digestive problems including bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, inflammation and general unease. It is estimated that the Western population is affected by 10-20%.

    Upon diagnosis, often a diet of probiotics is prescribed, but gut-directed hypnotherapy also alleviates symptoms. There continues to be a lot of research into gastrointestinal flora to track the cause of this condition.

     

    Psychologically distressed IBS Sufferers

    Using stress questionnaires and stool samples have shown a direct correlation between gut bacteria and psychological distress. This has validated the importance of the gut-brain axis which is the relationship between the gut microbiome and the mine.

    It is for this reason that many approaches focus on restoring gut flora by means of probiotic diets. However, Moser’s Study Group (MedUni), a holistic, psychosomatic approach works better-hypnotherapy.

    Clients who have undergone hypnotherapy showed significant alleviation of symptoms. This did not alter the composition of their gut bacteria. Further studies need to be conducted to discover whether something has changed on another level such as bacterial metabolism as the original gut flora has remained the same throughout the process.

     

    Hypnotherapy Up To 70% More Successful

    Up to 70% of those treated with hypnotherapy responded positively. The percentage for purely symptomatic and/or probiotic nutritional therapies is much lower.

    The holistic approach to treating IBS with hypnotherapy will continue to offer the best results in the immediate future.

     

    “The influence of the gut microbiome on the mind and nervous system is an exciting field of research. However, purely biological approaches are insufficient for the treatment of IBS, which also requires psychosocial approaches, which are currently much more successful for patients. People with severe IBS are often suffering from trauma or are under enormous stress and require integrated psychosomatic treatment.”

    Moser

     

  • IBS in Devon – How it is caused and symptoms

    IBS

    IBS

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Devon is a common, LONG term condition of the digestion system.

    It can cause all sorts of problems such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation. The symptom isn’t the same for everyone. It varies and changes. It can affect people more severely than others.

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome tends to come and go in periods lasting a few days to a few months at a time. Most occur during times of stress or after eating certain foods.

    Some symptoms can be found to improve after going to the toilet.

    IBS often develops when a person is between 20 to 30 years of age. Around twice as many women are affected as men.

    The condition is often life-long, although it may improve over several years.

    Symptoms

    The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal stomach pain and cramping, which may be relieved by going to the toilet.

    A change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation or sometimes both

    Bloating and swelling of your stomach

    Excessive wind (flatulence)

    Occasionally experiencing an urgent need to go to the toilet

    A feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet

    Passing mucus from your bottom

    IBS can be helped by altering your diet and lifestyle.

     

    For example, it may help to:

    • Identify and possibly avoid foods or drinks that trigger your symptoms
    • Alter the amount of fibre in your diet
    • Exercise regularly
    • Reduce your stress levels

     

    Living with IBS

    Living with IBS can be somewhat difficult. You can go for months with no symptoms then have a sudden flare-up. The condition can be quite painful and have a negative impact on your quality of life and emotional state

    Treatments for IBS

    Hypnotherapy – Hypnotherapy, relaxation training, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have all been shown to help alleviate symptoms of IBS.

    Allergy Testing – Allergy testing can help with symptoms of IBS by figuring out which foods, substances, and drinks make the IBS symptoms flare up.

    Acupuncture – Acupuncture is a popular alternative therapy for IBS and other conditions. It’s proven effective for treating chronic pain