Holistic Hypnosis

According the the National Institute of Health: "Hypnotherapy (hypnosis), which involves the power of suggestion by a trained hypnotist or hypnotherapist during a deep state of relaxation, is the most widely used mind-body intervention for IBS. Gut-directed hypnotherapy—a specialized form of hypnosis that uses hypnotic induction with progressive relaxation and other techniques, followed by imagery directed toward the gut—is also popular. According to multiple systematic reviews of the research literature, hypnotherapy may be a helpful treatment for managing IBS symptoms. Several studies of hypnotherapy for IBS have shown substantial long-term improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms as well as anxiety, depression, disability, and quality of life."

Go to http://nccam.nih.gov/health/digestive/IrritableBowelSyndrome.htm for the full article.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) also known as spastic colon, is a bowel disorder that causes chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration in bowel habits.  These symptoms occur in the absence of  structural or organic problems.  It is estimated that 14% of adults in the US suffer from IBS at some stage in their lives.

While IBS does not lead to more serious illness in most people, it is a source of pain, fatigue and discomfort.  It is regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of a sufferers life.

While the cause of IBS is not known, it has been demonstrated that hypnosis can have a direct impact on the symptoms of IBS.

Complementary medical hypnosis for IBS generally requires a referral from your medical provider.  Obtaining referrals is a simple process.  Please contact us if you would like assistance.

Complementary and alternative medicine for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review the evidence supporting selected complementary and alternative medicine approaches used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

QUALITY OF EVIDENCE:

MEDLINE (from January 1966), EMBASE (from January 1980), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched until March 2008, combining the terms irritable bowel syndrome or irritable colon with complementary therapies, alternative medicine, acupuncture, fiber, peppermint oil, herbal, traditional, yoga, massage, meditation, mind, relaxation, probiotic, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, or behavior therapy. Results were screened to include only clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Level I evidence was available for most interventions.

MAIN MESSAGE:

Soluble fibre improves constipation and global IBS symptoms. Peppermint oil alleviates IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain. Probiotic trials show overall benefit for IBS but there is little evidence supporting the use of any specific strain. Hypnotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy are also effective therapeutic options for appropriate patients. Certain herbal formulas are supported by limited evidence, but safety is a potential concern. All interventions are supported by systematic reviews or meta-analyses.

CONCLUSION:

Several complementary and alternative therapies can be recommended as part of an evidence-based approach to the treatment of IBS; these might provide patients with satisfactory relief and improve the therapeutic alliance.