Hey Friends…
I just wrapped up my semester last week…and it was a BUSY one! I am slowly catching my breath, easing into the gorgeous spring weather we are having in New England…and getting my mojo back to work a bit too!
Today, while I was perusing Twitter, there were two posts about GI hypnotherapy for treatment of gut disorders. There is good scientific evidence that gut directed hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for IBS. Since the gut and mind are very much connected, it makes sense that a mind-body therapy could benefit individuals with gut disorders. Did you know the gut is often referred to as the second brain? Have you ever been super stressed and had to suddenly bolt to the loo? This is one way the gut and brain show us they are highly connected!
Anyway, here are two new articles on the topic that you may be interested in>>>
Here is the article in The Wall Street Journal about gut directed hypnotherapy published yesterday and another published last Friday in Tonic, Vice here.
Anyone try gut directed hypnotherapy? If so, please share your experience!
Update: here is a list of US practitioners that offer hypnosis for IBS.
Debby Ladiges
I have tried two areas of gut directed hypnotherapy and they were for CIC constipation and pelvic floor breathing for IBS D, C.
The results over time increase in effectiveness and I learned very useful information about causes for each area. Each session begins with useful information about the subject and then goes into the hypnotherapy.
I recommend this method. My doctor was also very encouraging about continuing this direction.
Peg
Debby, would you be willing to share more about causes for each area, how you found a reliable hypnotherapist? Thank you in advance for any information you may share.
Carolyn
Since this is a non-invasive therapy I wonder why it’s being used (according to the Vox article) as a kind of last resort. Is it because it’s new and ‘less proven’? Or is it so much more expensive?
katescarlata
It should not be a last resort…I think the biggest obstacle is that some providers and some patients are mystified by hypnosis–but from my experience, patients are very open to the idea–and it is helpful!
Carolyn
Thanks Kate! That gives me more encouragement to talk with my GI doc about it.
Ellen S.
I was not able to afford to regularly see a hypnotherapist, so instead I ordered the CD audio program of gut hypnotherapy from Heather Van Vorous’ website, Help for IBS.com. It is excellent, I’ve been using it for 4 years and it has really helped my IBS and gastroparesis, as well as my anxiety disorder. Very calming and relaxing to listen to. Thanks for addressing this topic.
katescarlata
Thanks for sharing your experience!