IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and hypnotherapy in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Dublin

Irritable bowel syndrome is a serious and unpleasant condition which has two main causes: diet and psychosomatic illness.  It should be remembered that psychosomatic means soma or symptoms created psychologically, and refers to real illness. Unfortunately the term has been misused as an insult or slight. Psychosomatic illness is very real and is simply caused psychologically.

IBS caused through diet

IBS can be caused or worsened through dietary issues.  Denise (a nutritional therapist) suggests that a careful process of elimination be used to see whether avoiding certain foods relieves or improves some of the symptoms. Wheat, gluten, dairy products, some herbs and spices, in fact almost anything can trigger IBS. It is completely individual. Just because you have IBS does not mean you should avoid all the normal trigger foods, some will effect you, others will not. There is no need to become some sort of diet puritan, find out your personal triggers. Meanwhile be very careful to see if fatty food, fried food, high fibre food or highly spiced food are triggers as general food types.

IBS caused as an inherited condition

IBS and related conditions do run in families. This is particularly the case if there are related conditions like Coeliacs disease or Colitis in the family.  Because IBS can appear very similar to other conditions, it is important to always seek medical attention and diagnosis and keep the doctor informed if there is any change in the condition. Sudden persistent attacks of loose bowel, sudden or major changes in your weight and any blood in your stools in particular should be mentioned promptly to your medical doctor.

IBS and nutritional supplements

Historically a number of supplements are used (this is not nutritional or medical advice). Peppermint, licorice, fennel can all sometimes have an anti-inflammatory effect although most will potentially loosen bowel movements if overused.

Psyllium husks taken before a meal (about 30 mins) with a tall glass of water gives bulk to motions. It is actually the seed of the plant, which when exposed to stomach acid becomes gelly like in its coating, leaving a nice gentle and soothing coating throughout the system.  Its vital to drink plenty of fluids with them, and obey the dose on the product you buy.

Aloe vera tablets or juice help some people, and make others worse so try with caution.

Generally you should consult a herbalist or good nutritional consultant and see what is suitable for you. Again this is not a substitute for medical advice.

IBS and hypnotherapy

NICE recommend hypnotherapy for IBS because of the psychological component of the condition. Hypnotherapy is an effective anxiety management therapy and is recommended by Anxiety UK. Anxiety and stress are key aspects of IBS for many sufferers. The general target of such treatment is the relief of excess stress and anxiety levels and the teaching of a more balanced way of managing daily stress. As with any anxiety issue, CBT, analysis or counselling may also be appropriate depending on the individual’s experiences and situation. Life coaching may also be appropriate, and for some sufferers gentle exercise and a less sedimentary lifestyle assists in healthy digestive transit.

Who to consult for hypnotherapy for IBS?

First –  consult your medical doctor if you have not already. Then if you are going to try hypnotherapy, look for a practitioner who deals with anxiety conditions. Stuart was trained by ASM, (externally NVQ accredited and assessed diploma course and CNHC accreditation route via SSM), an organisation specialising in stress, anxiety and psychosomatic conditions using analysis, hypnotherapy, stress counselling and health education.

Also be careful to ensure the practitioner is qualified and properly registered and insured. It is wise to consult a CNHC registered hypnotherapist, the voluntary register for complementary health set up with UK support and funding. CNHC  have an AR or accredited voluntary register. AR’s are maintained by the Professional Standards Agency for healthcare professionals not subject to statutory regulation.  Any therapist on an AR, especially the CNHC, will have met agreed strict standards of training, insurance, registration, ethics and CPD training.

Hypnotherapy for IBS in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Dublin and Glasgow

Stuart qualified in analysis, stress counselling and clinical hypnotherapy in 1996 after over 200 supervised client cases (over 1,000 hours) and 3 years training by an organisation (externally NVQ accredited and assessed diploma course and CNHC accreditation route via SSM).

In the UK we have voluntary “right touch” regulation of Hypnotherapy via the  Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register system to ensure standards for healthcare practitioners not subject to statutory regulation. Stuart (and Denise) are registered with the CNHC, who hold a PSA AR.

Keywords
Psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, counselling, hypnosis, hypnotherapy, hypnotherapist, psychoanalyst, counsellor, hypnotist, mindfulness, MCBT, CBT, CBA, IPT, NLP, mental health, listening skills, talking therapy, life coaching, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Stirling, Scotland

Contact via the contact us page HERE

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