IBS Pain Can Be Difficult to Treat—But There Is Hope
Seventeen years ago, I received a call from a man desperate to help his wife. She was suffering from excruciating abdominal pain every day due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Her pain was so severe that she could no longer work and often found herself bedridden. Over the years, she had undergone every test and investigation imaginable, tried numerous medications, followed countless diets, and consulted the best gastroenterologists, but nothing had provided relief.
Finally, a consultant recommended trying hypnotherapy, suggesting it might be the only remaining option. At the time, I wasn’t yet specialising in IBS, but I knew that hypnotherapy could be beneficial for treating the condition. I decided to take the case and spent time researching the best methods to use with her. That’s when I discovered the groundbreaking work of Professor Peter Whorwell, a pioneer in the field of gut-directed hypnotherapy.
I was astounded by the research and results I uncovered;
The Breakthrough Study in Hypnotherapy for IBS
In 1984, Professor Whorwell, a gastroenterologist, conducted one of the earliest formal studies on hypnotherapy for IBS. His study focused on patients who had severe, refractory IBS—that is, patients who had not responded to any form of diet or medication. These patients were taken through a course of hypnotherapy designed to influence gut function, which led to the term “gut-directed” or “gut-focused” hypnotherapy.
The results were phenomenal.
All of Professor Whorwell’s patients experienced significant improvements in their symptoms. They reported decreased pain, reduced bloating, and normalising of bowel function. It was one of the most thorough, placebo-controlled studies of hypnosis treatment for IBS and demonstrated that hypnotherapy produced far greater improvement than placebo treatments.
In 1987, Professor Whorwell expanded his study to include a larger group of patients.The results were consistent: 95% of these patients with Classic IBS symptoms experienced improvements.
This pioneering study laid the groundwork for the next 40 years of research on gut-directed hypnotherapy, showing that it is an effective, evidence-based treatment for IBS symptoms.
But even after decades of successful research and clinical use, my question remains: Why doesn’t everyone know about gut-directed hypnotherapy as a highly effective treatment for IBS?
How Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Works
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a specialised form of therapy that uses hypnosis techniques specifically aimed at altering gut function. Unlike traditional hypnotherapy, which may focus on stress reduction or general relaxation, gut-directed hypnotherapy targets the communication between the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis or gut brain connection.
This axis plays a crucial role in how the brain and digestive system interact. In individuals with IBS, the gut-brain communication is often misaligned, leading to increased gut sensitivity, pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. Gut-directed hypnotherapy works by:
Restoring the gut-brain connection: Hypnosis techniques help reduce gut sensitivity by calming the communication pathways between the gut and the brain.
Reducing gut pain: Through deep relaxation and visualisation techniques, gut-directed hypnotherapy can significantly decrease abdominal pain.
Improving bowel function: By targeting the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can help regulate bowel movements and restore normal gut function.
My Client’s Journey to Relief
So, what happened to my client who initially reached out to me?
Using the methods I had researched, we were able to significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of her IBS episodes. When she did experience discomfort, she could use the techniques I had taught her to find relief within a short space of time. It wasn’t a cure, but it gave her back her life—her pain was manageable, her symptoms had lessened, and she no longer felt trapped by her condition.
Hypnotherapy for IBS may sound like an unusual approach, but the results speak for themselves. For my client and for countless others, it has been a game-changer.
Why Hypnotherapy Should Be Considered for IBS Pain
The pain associated with IBS can be incredibly difficult to treat, particularly when traditional approaches such as medication and diet adjustments fail. This is where gut-directed hypnotherapy shines. With almost 40 years of research behind it, this treatment has proven time and again to be highly effective in providing relief for patients who otherwise had no options left.
Gut directed hypnotherapy offers a real, evidence-based solution for IBS pain. Unlike many treatments, which only focus on one aspect of the condition, gut-directed hypnotherapy takes a more holistic approach—targeting the root cause of symptoms by realigning the gut-brain connection.
Hope for IBS Sufferers
If you’ve been suffering from IBS pain and feel like you’ve exhausted all your options, I want you to know that there is hope. You don’t have to live with the pain and discomfort that has become part of your daily life.
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is an effective treatment that has helped many people reduce or even eliminate their IBS symptoms. It’s about addressing the mind-body connection, calming the gut-brain axis, and finding relief in ways you may never have considered before.
How Can You Get Started?
If you’re ready to explore gut-directed hypnotherapy and discover how it can help you manage your IBS pain, the Gut-Brain Connection Method® is an evidence-based program designed to offer lasting relief. This 12-week program integrates hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques, movement and breath work taking a comprehensive approach to IBS treatment that goes beyond the ordinary.