Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterised by unpleasant symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and changes to bowel habit. It can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety – indeed the symptoms themselves lead to anxiety and a vicious circle can occur.

Relaxation and the management of stress can greatly improve symptoms.

A number of clinical studies have found hypnotherapy to be an effective treatment for IBS and as a result, hypnotherapy is recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of IBS. Suggested benefits include improved well-being and quality of life, as well as reduced constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal pain.