Stress, anxiety, and the irritable bowel syndrome, better known as IBS.

IBS is also known as irritable bowel, spastic colon, and more importantly known as nervous stomach issues. This is because the symptoms often happen when you are feeling stressed, emotional or are anxious. The typical symptoms of IBS can include:

· Cramping or spasms in the lower abdomen.

· Bloating and excessive gas problems.

· Diarrhoea, and constipation, with possible episodes of both.

These symptoms do not always persist. Depending on your mental state, they can resolve, and reappear. There are people who do have ongoing regular symptoms. According to research, IBS can have a negative effect on your life, but it doesn’t increase your risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

Treatment for IBS.

There is currently no cure for IBS. Treatment is focussed on symptom relief. Possible causes include an over-sensitive colon, or a weak immune system, both of which are aggravated by high levels of anxiety and stress. Some drugs are used to control or ease IBS, such as meds to control muscle spasms, antibiotics for inflammation, antidepressants, as well as anti-constipation meds.  The meds may not work for all the symptoms, and quite often meds have side effects which might not agree with you.

However, intensive studies have shown that treating the anxiety and depression which is one of the major aggravators of IBS, will be beneficial in the creation of a new, more positive mindset to help cope with the discomfort of the irritable bowel syndrome condition. Approaching a therapist experienced in treating anxiety and depression issues for help, is highly recommended, and would be the best way to go.

These symptoms often happen together.

Studies have revealed that symptoms of IBS and anxiety often happen together. Doctors have reported that the most common mental ailment people with IBS suffer from is a generalised anxiety disorder. With some folk it is combined with a measure of depression, while others have other symptoms such trembling, muscle aches, and irritability. A therapist well-versed in hypnosis will also incorporate neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) into the treatment plan, which will help the connection between mind and body.

Although mental issues such as anxiety don’t actually cause the condition, people with IBS might be more sensitive to emotional troubles. This is why stress and anxiety may make the mind more aware and fearful of spasms in the colon.

How hypnotherapy can help.

· Hypnotherapy involves progressive relaxation, with soothing suggestions from the therapist focused on the individual’s symptoms.

· The subconscious mind is able to be accessed, and allows you to be open to hearing how to deal with anxiety or stress, and change harmful responses to IBS triggers.

Many patients have reported improvement in overall well-being, a better quality of life, relief from abdominal pain and spasms, constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating.

How NLP can help.

NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) is a part of psychology that aims to enhance your ability to make wise choices. The study of NLP teaches that you can change the way you think by the words that you use. If you think and talk negatively, your responses to problems will also be negative.

However, if you practise positive speaking with yourself and others, no problem will be too big to overcome.

You will have a new positive mindset, and come out in a much better frame of mind that you had before, ready to move on with renewed purpose.

For more information contact Matthew at www.matthewtweediehypnosis.com.au