IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (sometimes referred to as spastic colon)

Symptoms of IBS

As a medical condition IBS is characterised by mild to severe abdominal pain, and may include bloating and/or changes in bowel habits, for example diarrhoea or constipation, sometimes alternating between the two. Other symptoms can include feeling sick, poor appetite, burping, headache, backache, tiredness, muscle pain, feeling ’full up’ soon after eating, heartburn, and bladder symptoms (an associated 'irritable bladder').The symptoms alone are most distressing, but the way we think about IBS should also be given the credibility it deserves.

Thought Processes around IBS

The thought process associated with the symptoms of IBS are very important, because we navigate the day around avoiding situations where we believe the IBS will be triggered. This is not only exhausting in so far as an overwhelming need to know where the toilets are, and how quickly, or even if we are going to be able to get to them, but also having the discomfort and exhaustion of the complaint itself. Wondering if we should call into work sick because an attack may be looming; wondering what will happen if we get caught in traffic going to or from work. Sometimes, when at work, being expected to stay at our desk for long periods, and feeling deeply anxious that the IBS will not permit us to do so?

If all this isn’t enough what about a social life? I can hear you saying, ‘What social life?. Alcohol may upset our already dodgy digestive system. Having a girl/boy friend - how to explain a constant need to be close to a toilet at all times. What will they think of you?  When these thoughts crowd in they only  serve to increase the stress, and anxiety already felt by being unable to live a full and happy life without these symptoms.

A common theory, is that IBS is a disorder of the interaction between the brain (which is the centre of the nervous system) and the gastrointestinal tract. Other writings state the exact cause of IBS is unknown, but that there are sometimes genetics at work, indicating there is inherent gene which predispose some people to IBS. There is other evidence that support the theory that IBS is triggered by, or follows an infection or post infection or a stressful life event.

How Hypnoanalysis can help with IBS

Pure Hypnoanalysis aims to resolve the cause of anxiety fuelling the symptoms of IBS. To clarify, there are two kinds of anxiety:

1. Real time anxiety 
2. Anticipatory anxiety

Real time anxiety is when we feel nervous about starting a new job, or making a presentation. Perfectly normal and natural giving us a bit of edge and raising levels of awareness so we don‘t forget anything.

Anticipatory anxiety is when intrusive thoughts play over and over in our minds. They cause us to think about the worse case scenarios e.g. What if I need to use the toilet before the end of the presentation? What if I can’t get away in time? And so it goes on - the fear of what may happen has already been running in the background long before the reality.

It makes sense that if anxiety levels are lowered with Pure Hypnoanalysis the IBS symptoms will also decrease. Those intrusive thoughts fuelling the anxiety aggravate the symptoms, so when we address the cause of the anxiety the symptoms fade away.

Call TODAY for your free consultation
Call Hampshire hypnotherapist Erica Walsh 07810 640685 or use the online contact form to book your FREE consultation. There is no obligation to proceed it is simply a chance to ask any questions and discuss your symptoms in complete confidence.