According to the Mayo Clinic, 50% of all Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers are under the age of 35. Women are more than twice as likely to suffer from IBS. This syndrome can be very frustrating because it may appear to have no known cause. Gastrointerologist Dr. Christopher Romberg of Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles stated, “Many healthy people suffer from gastro-intestinal issues without illness or medical reason.” If you are a long time or recent sufferer, a response such as this from your doctor may cause a feeling of despair.

Being put on drugs to diminish pain for a medically healthy person may seem like a prison sentence to some. But what other alternatives are there to be had? According to the Mayo Clinic, hypnosis, acupuncture, herbs, probiotics, regular exercise, yoga, massage or meditation can help diminish the pain and bloating associated with IBS. It is important to remember that different therapies work for different people.

How can hypnosis help? Many studies have found that stress is a major component to a person suffering from IBS. Hypnosis can help lower an individual’s reaction to stressful triggers. Through hypnosis he or she can learn how to manage and turn down the pain. If the pain is caused by stress, through hypnosis the source can be determined and the client and hypnotherapist can work toward releasing the pain. In a study by Gonsalkorale, Miller, Afzal and Whorwell, released in 2003, upon initial treatment 71% of 204 participants improved using hypnosis to manage IBS. Years later when reassessed, 81% were still experiencing the positive results achieved through hypnosis treatment. Those who received hypnotherapy for IBS reported less medication, fewer doctor visits and improved quality of life. The aforementioned study indicates that the benefits from hypnosis last at least 5 years, making hypnosis a viable alternative for those suffering from IBS.

It is important as the client or patient to first have the condition assessed by a medical doctor to determine what the source of gastro-intestinal distress may possibly be. To develop the most efficient path to wellness, even if the sufferer does have a medical illness causing IBS, hypnosis can still be an effective tool in pain and symptom reduction.