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 As someone who has had IBS for 17 years I noticed, whilst studying for my Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis, a rapid and long-term improvement in the behaviour of my gut to the extent that there are only a couple of foods that now trigger an attack – my problem for liking hot curries and chilli. I therefore developed a special interest in the treatment of IBS through hypnotherapy. The most common theory is that IBS is frequently a disorder of the interaction between the brain and the gut.  Usually 3 weekly sessions with a couple of monthly follow up sessions  can bring very significant help for / relief from the symptoms of IBS.

IBS is distressing and life restricting for the estimated 10.5% in 2004 (8.2% in 2003) of the British adult population that are diagnosed sufferers and almost twice as many of those are women in comparison to men. Allowing for unreported cases, it is estimated to affect 15-20% of the general population at any one time (Hypnotherapy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a Large-Scale Audit of a Clinical Service With Examination of Factors Influencing Responsiveness – W.M Gonsalkorale PhD, L.A. Houghton PhD., and Peter Whorwell MD FRCP – The American Journal of Gastroenterology Vol 97 No 4 2002). IBS is an anathema too as it is usually confirmed by the absence of any other condition.

Hypnotherapy is included in the 2008 NICE [National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence] clinical guidelines, under psychological interventions, as a third option (with the others being diet and medication) for the management of IBS and particularly for individuals that have had the syndrome for over 12 months. This is in part due to the significant clinical research of an NHS unit in Manchester in the use of hypnotherapy in the management of IBS. Professor Peter Whorwell heads up the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service at Manchester University’s School of Medicine and is the founder of what has become known as the Manchester Model; the model of treatment that I use.

In the Manchester Model, specific gut-orientated therapy is used in the suggestion of warmth, calmness and relaxation of the colon and this can have benefits that can provide up to five years being symptom free (Whorwell PJ (2006). 'Effective Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Manchester Model' (International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 54(1):21-6.). The model suggests the uses of gut directed therapy over several weeks using guided imagery, particularly that of the gut as a smoothly flowing river or, the use of a tree metaphor for strength and resilience, along with teaching self-hypnosis. The Manchester Model reports that approximately 80% of patients showed significant improvement in symptoms and overall well-being; the patient audit used a statistically important 250 case histories (Hypnotherapy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The American Journal of Gastroenterology Vol 97 No 4 2002). A previous study (Galovoski T.E., Blanchard E.B. 'The Treatment of Irritable bowel Syndrome with Hypnotherapy' Applied Psycophysiological Biofeedback 1998;23;219-32)  importantly showed that hypnotic ability (how deeply you enter hypnosis) is not a factor in the success of treatment.

 As the audit of hypnotherapy of Whorwell (et al) concludes “...it has been shown that their [drugs] beneficial effect is lost shortly after cessation of treatment…which is in sharp contrast to hypnotherapy  where the symptomatic improvement is long-lasting.”

A final thought before starting any treatment: as the hypnotherapist I (and any hypnotherapist) must ensure that the client has had IBS diagnosed by a medical practitioner, this is a must as IBS is similar to many other symptoms such as Colitis, Crohn’s disease and Coeliac disease.

 I am situated in Curbridge which is convenient for Botley and Whiteley and being at the Heart of South Hampshire less than half an hour from both Southampton and Portsmouth I also practice in Weybridge, Surrey. For an appointment please call Duncan  on 01489 787312 or email via the enquiry form.