There may be hope for patients suffering from irritable bowl syndrome in the form of hypnosis. A new study out of the Netherlands has shown hypnosis as an effective tool in combating IBS when performed by a licensed professional. This was the largest trial of its kind.

Irritable bowel syndrome, referred to by its initials, IBS or spastic colon, is a disorder in the intestinal system which can cause diarrhea, pain in the lower abdomen, gas and constipation. The cause of this illness is not completely understood and there is no cure for this condition, though treatments exist. IBS effects 11 percent world-wide, split between 14 percent to 24 percent for women and 5 percent to 19 percent for men. It is a chronic condition and can last years or for the rest of a person’s life.

Hypnosis uses the proven mind-gut link to ease symptoms of IBS.

Hypnosis is a process in which a professional puts a person into a trance-like state of heightened awareness and concentration in which the patient is susceptible to suggestion. Despite what movies and books portray, a hypnosis patient is in control and very aware of their surroundings; they do not become mindless zombies. Treatment is typically made as comfortable as possible and it is even possible for groups of people to be treated through this method.

Hypnosis is used in medicine to help treat many conditions including pain due to burns, cancer and the treatment side effects, childbirth pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, pain from dental procedures and headaches. In addition, it can be used to treat hot flashes, insomnia, bed-wetting, smoking, overeating, anxiety, phobias and post-traumatic stress.

This is not the first study, either as hypnosis has been examined as a treatment for IBS previously as far back as the 1980’s. Other studies have shown 70-95% success rate with treatment lasting for at least two years. The results include a major reduction in  abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Additionally, patient’s  mental well-being can be improved and health care costs can be reduced.

Experts report the use of psychological treatment has resulted in a high success rate in improving quality of life of IBS patients. They say if other medical treatments are not working, hypnosis may be a viable alternative. They stress, however, hypnosis must be preformed by a licensed professional.

For this study, 342 patients in 11 hospitals were studied for 12 weeks. 142 of those patients patients received individual hypnotherapy. 146 of the patients did group hypnotherapy. 54 of the patients received educational supportive therapy only and no hypnotherapy. As hypnotherapy has been in use for some time, many of these protocols were based on established procedures which dated back to the 1980’s. The therapy was described as “gut-directed” and included progressive relaxation, soothing imagery and a focus on easing the symptoms of the illness.

 The results during the follow-up showed:

• 41 percent of patients in the individual hypnotherapy group reported adequate relief.
• 50 percent who got group hypnotherapy reported adequate relief from their symptoms
• Only 23 percent in the educational group reported relief
• Patients reported improvement in their condition both in the immediate 12 weeks after the therapy and continued improvement nine months later.

Should a person suffering from IBS decide to seek the help of a hypnotist, it is critical to ask the following questions:

• Is this person licensed? Only state-licensed doctors, psychologists, nurses and clinical social workers should treat IBS.
• Does this person have formal training and significant experience in clinical hypnosis? Licensed professionals typically have at least 50 hours of workshops and training.
• Does the individual understand and know how to implement the treatment protocols for IBS?

For more information about how hypnosis can help you deal with IBS symptoms be sure to check out my website.