Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that is accompanied by symptoms of abdominal pain and distension, and which changes bowel movement patterns resulting in diarrhea and/or constipation. It is not a disease but a number of intestinal symptoms, and it is one of the most commonly diagnosed intestinal conditions. The relationship between hypnotherapy and irritable bowel syndrome has been addressed recently, as psychological stresses may be a primary cause.

IBS is a functional bowel disease, as it is considered as an abnormality in the way the bowels work. The true cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown.

The disorder is not infectious or cancerous, although several factors have been identified that increase the risk of having IBS, including being under thirty-five years old and having family members who have the condition.

One significant theory that has been tested with results, however, was that psychological trauma or abuse may play a role in the development of the condition. People who have experienced some form of mental illness, have a history of sexual abuse, or have been witness to traumatic incidents were known to be more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome.

Hypnotherapy, among other things, then aims to focus on this particular area and how it can alleviate and reduce the symptoms to a more manageable level or perhaps completely. Hypnotherapy uses similar methods to hypnosis, but it is focused on more scientific proven processes to help the IBS sufferer. Patients are not mentally altered during the process, and they can at any time stop the therapy.

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Hypnotherapy has been shown to be very safe and comfortable for patients, and also surprisingly inexpensive. The treatment does not aim to cure irritable bowel syndrome, but to help patients gain more control over the symptoms to reduce feelings of pain and complete bowel elimination. More than one person can be treated in a single hypnotherapy session.

Aside from the usual treatment options available for irritable bowel syndrome, hypnosis provides a relatively new approach to patients. Instead of altering diet and physical activity and taking antispasmodic and pain-relieving agents, mental relaxation and stimulation are used, to provide patients a firmer grasp of the condition and to equip them to deal with symptoms as they arise.

These are the same symptoms that hinder patients from functioning properly, being able to do normal activities of daily living and most importantly, thinking that they do not have full control of their own bodies.

Some study results showed that sufferer's who underwent hypnotherapy for IBS had reduced symptoms and irritable bowel syndrome relapses did not occur for the entire duration of the three-month study. Colonic motility and gastric acid secretion were slowed down, which greatly improved their elimination patterns. Besides having continuing feelings of relief and comfort, patients also reported that hypnotherapy is free of adverse side effects.

Hypnotherapy and irritable bowel syndrome patients must have a mutual ground that aims to recover and minimize the symptoms of the condition. Hypnotherapists strongly suggest that their patients trust them, in order to fully benefit from the treatment.