Does Hypnotherapy Help With IBS?
For people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), there are hardly any treatments that have been proven to be effective. Hypnotherapy is one such proven effective treatment. But what exactly is hypnotherapy for IBS?
Our gut is one of the most complex mechanisms of the human body. A lot of research is being done on it worldwide, but at the same time scientists admit that much is still unknown. That is one of the reasons why patients with IBS are still waiting for the medicine that makes their condition a bit more tolerable. It is also questionable whether such a drug will ever be made available. The symptoms of IBS are very diverse. And as far as the treatments are concerned, what works for one person sometimes doesn’t work at all for another.
What is Hypnotherapy for IBS?
Hypnotherapy at PDS is a form of medical hypnosis: hypnosis aimed at improving symptoms. With hypnotherapy at PDS you are put under hypnosis. To this end, the therapist brings you into deep relaxation. While in that state of deep relaxation, listen to an exercise. For example, in the exercise, the therapist asks you to focus on your abdomen, imagining your abdomen as a very soft, warm, and comfortable place. Because you are under hypnosis, such an exercise has a particularly strong effect on the intestines. You can compare it a bit with thinking about your favorite food. The moment you think about it, your mouth is already watering. So just thinking about your favorite food affects your salivary glands. Hypnotherapy for IBS actually works on the same principle. And because you are under hypnosis, the effect is many times stronger. During this form of hypnosis you always maintain control over yourself.
Relax with hypnotherapy at PDS
With hypnotherapy at PDS you learn different breathing and relaxation exercises aimed at the abdominal area. You also get exercises to relax the whole body. This is important, because IBS often also has to do with too many stress stimuli that go from the brain to the gut. If the overall stress decreases, the intestinal tract also has to endure fewer stimuli. As a result, many patients experience cramping and abdominal pain less often.
What complaints do you treat with hypnotherapy for IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome causes various complaints. The stool pattern is unpredictable and varies from constipation to diarrhoea. Most patients also suffer from complaints such as abdominal distention, abdominal cramps, nagging abdominal pain, flatulence, heartburn and fatigue. Hypnotherapy for IBS focuses on the physical recovery of these types of complaints. In addition, we work on stress resistance and self-confidence.
Does hypnotherapy for IBS really work?
Hypnotherapy is a scientifically proven treatment method for IBS. Studies show that 1 in 3 patients benefits from hypnotherapy. For one, the complaints already decrease after 1 or 2 sessions, the other needs a little more time. In general, the results are permanent. Scientific research also shows that positive improvements continue, even after the treatment has been completed. However, it is possible that you regularly have to do self-hypnosis exercises yourself. Finally, research at the UMC Utrecht It has been shown that hypnotherapy for IBS in individual treatment works just as well as in groups.
Is hypnotherapy for IBS also suitable for children?
About 5 to 10 percent of children suffer from abdominal pain. If no abnormalities in the intestines are found by the pediatrician, they are diagnosed with functional abdominal pain or IBS. Hypnotherapy can then be a solution. There are IBS therapists with a pediatric specialist who have already helped many children successfully.
Where can I go for hypnotherapy at PDS?
More and more hospitals are offering hypnotherapy as a treatment for IBS. In addition, there are many psychologists who offer the treatment. Consult with your GP or MLD doctor about the best place to go. Hypnotherapy for IBS is in many cases fully or partially reimbursed. Ask your health insurance about this in advance. More information can be found at www.medischehypnose.nl and www.pds-therapeuten.nl.
Podcast Irritable Bowel Syndrome
You can hear more about irritable bowel syndrome in our podcast with Ben Witteman. He is a gastroenterologist and a specialist in irritable bowel syndrome. He tells in the podcast below what you can do yourself about an irritable bowel, for example by eating differently.
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