What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a term commonly used to describe a collection of symptoms that affect the digestive system. 

The symptoms of IBS can be quite erratic, so they can come and go but also last for weeks, days and months. Although IBS is considered a functional bowel disorder, the symptoms can range from mild to completely debilitating. IBS can therefore can seriously affect your overall quality of life, due to the level of disruption and inconvenience caused by it’s symptoms.

IBS: The most common symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort and/or pain
• Bloating 
• Excessive wind A change in bowel habits
• Constipation, diarrhoea or alternating periods of either of these. 
• Nausea
• Indigestion 

Other common IBS symptoms:

Do you experience abdominal cramping, spasms?

Does your abdominal pain worsen after eating or when you are under stress?

Are you often bloated and constantly worried about it?

Are you often in a rush to get to the bathroom in time?

Do you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope?

Do worry about not being able to have a bowel movement?

Do you experience fatigue or brain fog after eating?

Do you plan all your social engagements around your digestive issues?

Are your digestive issues affecting your confidence?

Are your digestive problems affecting your work and concentration?

Are you having trouble sleeping?

So why use online hypnotherapy for IBS?

Scientific research shows the effectiveness of Skype or online hypnotherapy as a treatment option for IBS. 

A number of studies by Gonsalkorale et al (2003), found a consistency in the beneficial and long lasting effects of hypnotherapy in the treatment of IBS.

A study by Hasan et al, (2019) at the Neuro – Gastroenterology Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester found Skype or online hypnotherapy to provide a significant improvement of the symptoms in IBS subjects. In this (2019) study led by Professor Whorwell from Manchester University, patients received a total of 12 hypnotherapy sessions. The first hypnotherapy session was delivered face-face and the remaining 11 were delivered by Skype/online.

The results indicated that all patients had experienced significant improvements in their IBS symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating and bowel function. There were also improvements in other common IBS symptoms such as, bladder problems, chest pain, lethargy, lower backache, heartburn, headaches and nausea. Patients also experienced an improvement in their depression and anxiety levels, along with an overall improvement in their quality of life.