Can hypnotherapy help IBS?

What is IBS?

It has been estimated that approximately 15% of the population will suffer from the condition and that only 25% of those will seek professional help. That’s a lot of people suffering in silence, may be because they are too embarrassed or they don’t realise that help is available.

The symptoms can include abdominal pain and distress, cramps, pain, irregular bowel movements, urgency, bloating, gas and even nausea.

What is the gut-brain axis?

Why do you feel butterflies in your tummy when you are excited? And why does bad news make you feel sick to your stomach?

These experiences are signs of the very real communication between your gut and your brain, known as the gut-brain axis. And this is why some people find that changing their diet is not enough to cure their irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.

The two way communication in the gut-brain axis allows messages to go back and forth in very helpful ways, for instance about feeling full. It happens automatically, controlled by the autonomic nervous system which which means you don’t normally have to think about it, in the same way as breathing or your heart rate. Some of this communication happens along the vagus nerve, but there are other pathways too, through the bloodstream, immune system and hormonal system.

By its nature IBS can lead to anxiety and depression. However, anxiety and depression will also exacerbate the symptoms of IBS. Sometimes people with IBS have a higher degree of perception of the symptoms, known as visceral hypersensitivity, and the nerves in the gut are overly sensitive making everything feel more painful. This creates a vicious circle of stress and symptoms.

Can hypnotherapy help IBS?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy are evidence based, designed to help support how the gut and digestive system communicate. They reduce visceral sensitivity, improve regulation of the nervous system and break the stress-symptom loop. Importantly, they can also tackle the underlying causes of the stress and anxiety which may be driving the IBS.

Hypnotherapy is also effective at reducing and managing pain and visualising a healthy pain-free digestive system. Learning self-hypnosis techniques promotes relaxation and reinforces the gut-brain hypnotherapy.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy works very well alongside other approaches such as dietary changes and medication, as it provides the deeper regulation while the symptoms are being managed.

What does NICE say about hypnotherapy for IBS?

This is the part that surprises people, including some GPs who have not looked at the guidelines for a while.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline CG61, “Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management” recommends:

“Referral for psychological interventions (cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT], hypnotherapy or psychological therapy) should be considered for people with IBS who do not respond to pharmacological treatments after 12 months and who develop a continuing symptom profile (described as refractory IBS).”

The British Society of Gastroenterology also recommends IBS-specific CBT or gut-directed hypnotherapy for global IBS symptoms, and recommends that referral can be considered earlier than 12 months depending on local availability and what the person prefers.

Does the NHS recommend hypnotherapy for IBS?

In national guidance, yes, for people whose symptoms have not responded well enough to usual treatment. In practice, NHS hypnotherapy for IBS is still patchy. The NHS hypnotherapy page itself says hypnotherapy is not usually available on the NHS, while also noting that it may be offered for IBS when other treatment has not worked. That gap is why many people look privately.

How many hypnotherapy sessions does IBS usually take?

The research shows that gut-directed hypnotherapy can involve six or more sessions. Gut-directed hypnotherapy works gradually, building change over time rather than aiming for immediate symptom removal. Think of gut therapy like training a muscle. Change doesn’t happen overnight, it comes from consistent practice over time. That said, many people notice some swift positive effects from hypnotherapy, such as feeling relaxed and more confident. In your first consultation we would discuss your treatment and you remain in control throughout. Learning self-hypnosis techniques would enable you build the benefits on a daily basis.

Find out more

I am a CNHC-registered hypnotherapist and a member of the General Hypnotherapy Register, which is the standard the NHS points people towards when they look privately.

Please contact me to find out how hypnotherapy might be able to help your IBS.