The Use of Hypnotherapy to Treat Heartburn
Heartburn also referred to as Acid Reflux, Acid Indigestion or Pyrosis describes a non-cardiac chest pain caused when acidic contents of the stomach go back up into the esophagus. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, it affects up to 15 million Americans every day with western countries estimating 20-30% of its population affected. Heartburn mostly happens after eating.
The man causes of heartburn remain unknown but it is mainly an attribute of lifestyle factors such as diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and obesity. Medical conditions such as Hernia and pregnancy are also potential causes. While occasional heartburn is normal, recurrent heartburn can be an indicator of other underlying health issues. Heartburn affects people of all ages and can cause serious health problems if not treated properly.
Symptoms of heartburn
If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, you are likely to be diagnosed with Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Warmth or burning sensation in the middle of the chest
- Rising pain in the food tract possibly reaching the jaws
- Bitter sour acid taste in the mouth
- Burning and indigestion like pain
Treatment and Control of heartburn
Heartburn can be managed in three ways:
- Change in lifestyle practice
Since lifestyle is a major cause of heartburn, making a few changes goes a long way to alleviate the problem. A few recommendations include:
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Avoid foods and drinks that spur acid reflux; those highly carbonated or acidic
- Stop smoking either actively or passively
- Use of drugs to reduce production of stomach acid
Persistent heartburn can be treated with proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers medications. These work by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced and consequently the potential damage that would have been caused. Occasional heartburn can be treated by anti-acids. These are available over the counter and provide instant relief. However, its regular use should be discussed with a medical practitioner.
- Hypnosis as a treatment for heartburn
Hypnosis is the best alternative to patients who do not respond to medication to treat their acid reflux. Esophageal hypnotherapy allows the patient to relax and focus on modulating the physiological sensations and symptoms otherwise not addressed by conventional treatment. Esophageal Hypnotherapy presents several benefits compared to other forms of treatment:
- Reduces abdominal pain
- Reduces bloating by improving bowel patterns
- Normalize rectal sensitivity thresholds
- Decrease somatization and visceral anxiety
- Cost effective compared to medical treatment
- Up to five years relief to patients
Before starting Hypnosis treatment on patients, a thorough medical examination must be done to determine the client’s medical history. This also helps rule out other possible causes of the heartburn. Previous studies indicate that 1 out of 2.5 patients report relief after 7-12 Hypnosis sessions. Not only is esophageal hypnotherapy cost effective but also the best alternative to regular medication. According to the studies carried out, esophageal hypnotherapy has proven effective in eliminating both esophageal and bowel disorders.
References
Jones, H., Cooper, P., Miller, V., Brooks, N., & Whorwell, P. J. (2006). Treatment of non‐cardiac chest pain: a controlled trial of hypnotherapy. Gut, 55(10), 1403–1408.
Riehl, M., Pandolfino, J., Palsson, O., & Keefer, L. (2017). Feasibility and acceptability of esophageal-directed hypnotherapy for functional heartburn. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis Vol. 58 , Iss. 1,2015
Melvin S. Marsh is a certified hypnotherapist serving Atlanta GA, Aiken SC, Augusta GA, Blairsville GA, and Cary NC. He performs hypnotherapy appointments both in person and worldwide virtually. He can be reached at www.afterhourshypnotherapy.com .
