Among the common symptoms are recurring abdominal pain or spasms, chronic diarrhoea or chronic constipation - or a combination of both. These can continue for years. (See box to the right for list of commons symptoms)
Just as there are many symptoms so too there are numerous causes. For IBS is not a disease but a functional disorder resulting from the bowel failing to function as it should, even though the gut itself is perfectly normal.
In essence however it is the result of problems in the way a patient's digestive system, brain and autonomic nervous system work or interact together. Factors such as stress, emotion, thought patterns and, very importantly, expectations, can be involved.
Which is why hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective in helping a high proportion of IBS sufferers deal with this condition.
Though IBS is not regarded as life-threatening and sometimes the problems are relatively mild, (prompting some patients to insist they "don't want to bother the doctor,") it is important anyone experiencing such symptoms should consults their doctor, not least because other more serious ailments can produce similar indications.
Patients diagnosed as suffering from IBS are usually advised to change their eating habits and sometimes a different diet, particularly cutting out spicy foods, can prove to be the solution. But often it is not. More is needed … and that does not necessarily mean trying out a range of over-the-counter remedies.
For more than 20 years a series of studies conducted in several countries, have shown that gut directed hypnotherapy can offer significant and sustained improvements for IBS patients. Success rates are reported as high as 80 to 95 per cent. (More information on our extended IBS information page: see below.)
The Internet Therapy Partnership has the training, experience and expertise required to provide gut directed hypnotherapy techniques to reduce stress and the sensitivity of the abdominal organs.
Such techniques help calm patients' internal and emotional responses while developing an enhanced sense of personal control, with patients being taught self-hypnosis techniques.
There is a good chance you are reading this webpage because you among those million who suffer from IBS – or you know someone else who does.
