You definitely dont emerge from your first hypnotic state IBS-free.
Hypnotherapy aims for a gut-brain reset.
IBS is officially considered a disorder of gut-brain interaction, which basically means theres a messed up communication somewhere.
If its too fast, that can equal diarrhea; too sluggish and youre stuck with constipation.
Irregular motility can also cause spasming and cramping, Dr. Tomasino notes.
Andthentheres all thestressand anxiety those unpredictable symptoms can conjure up.
Its totally understandable, Dr. Tomasino says, but it can also make matters worse.
(Should I take a stab at poop before I leave?)
And that may feed your brains tendency to overreact to gut sensations.
We think of hypnotherapy almost as resetting the gut-brain connection, Dr. Tomasino says.
What happens during hypnosis
Like we said, there are no mind-control shenanigans during clinical hypnotherapy.
Youre in complete control the entire time, Dr. Tomasino stresses.
Despite that, she emerged feeling relaxed.
I thought, Okay, this may be something that could help me.
Does hypnotherapy really help with IBS?
The short answer is, it can.
Riehl and Tomasino say.
After that, though, youre done.
Theres some research showing thebenefits can lastanywhere from one to five years.
Right after and during the session, I felt great, she tells SELF.
I was really relaxed and at ease in my mind and my gut.
King, of Melbourne, Australia, says her GI doctor actually suggested hypnotherapy early on.
To be honest, she says, I think what helped me most was the education aspect of hypnotherapy.
My psychiatrist explained how my gut worked in a way that eased a lot of my fears.
Where can I find a hypnotherapist?
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is becoming more accessible, with some providers offering it virtually.
Still, this is not the kind of thing youll find in every town.
(The site is from the nonprofitRome Foundation, which focuses specifically on problems related to gut-brain interaction.)
Apps are worth considering, Dr. Tomasino addsjust ensure you feel ready for the commitment of an app-based program.
And yes, all of this costs money.
That can be really empowering for people, to know theyre not just dependent on a pill.
