Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are some of the stubborn conditions with few treatment options. A considerable number of those affected will continue to have symptoms that may bring adverse health effects and result in reduced quality of life. Gut-focused hypnotherapy has been found to be effective for individuals with severe refractory FGIDS. Various therapeutic techniques targeting ‘gut-brain interactions’, as well as those targeting behavior like gut-focused hypnotherapy, have always brought positive results to the sufferers. Research shows that gut-focused hypnotherapy can help ameliorate the symptoms even for those with severe cases of GIDS because of its ability to modulate pathophysiological processes like motility, and can as well as help individuals minimize healthcare utilization, improve their coping skills, become more resilient, and enhance their self-regulation skills.
In a study conducted by Vasant & Whorwell (2019) to review past researches on the efficacy of hypnotherapy in treating FGIDS, it was found that these past studies reported reduced abdominal pain, bowel function, and bloating after sessions of hypnotherapy. It was determined that hypnosis was more effective than the normal treatment methods using various medications. Other studies have also found that hypnosis has other social benefits including the enhancement of general well-being and reduced health care utilization. Gut-focused hypnotherapy was also found to be effective in reducing other symptoms like nausea, thigh pain, lethargy, back pain, as well as gynecological symptoms. The effects of hypnosis were found to last long and lead to reduced use of medications as well as improved quality of life.
Gut-focused hypnotherapy can as well help in treating functional upper gastrointestinal disorders. It was found that there is evidence for the efficacy of ‘esophagus-focused’ hypnotherapy in treating patients with functional esophageal disorders. The therapy was also found to be effective in reducing functional heartburn, recurring chest pain. There was improvement in the general well-being, quality of life, as patients also showed reduced global pain and use of medication. The effects of this therapy were also long-lasting. The researchers noted that there was evidence for the efficacy of hypnotherapy in treating children with centrally mediated abdominal pain, while the same was lacking for the treatment of adults.
In another study conducted by Sirigu et al. (2018) to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic approach that uses both hypnosis and echography in treating irritable bowel syndrome, the researcher found that the therapy is efficacious in reducing the symptoms of the condition. Echography was used to give a visual representation of the targeted organs, which also helped to help the patients aware of their body conditions. Significant differences in pain, abdominal dispension, bowel habits and quality of life were noted after the treatment. The researchers argue that the use of echography strengthened the treatment outcomes by enhancing the outcomes. This study was in line with previous researches that also found that hypnotherapy alone was effective in controlling IBS.
Evidently, hypnotherapy can be effectively used to treat severe cases of FGIDS. Various studies have also confirmed the efficacy of gut-directed hypnotherapy in managing IBS symptoms. These studies have shown that the therapy can attenuate several health conditions associated with the disease, including pain and bowel dysfunction. The therapy can also improve quality of life, reduce the use of medications, and lead to improved general well-being of patients.
References
Vasant, D. H., & Whorwell, P. J. (2019). Gut‐focused hypnotherapy for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Evidence‐base, practical aspects, and the Manchester Protocol. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, e13573.
Sirigu, D., Sole, N., Musio, M., Usai-Satta, P., & Oppia, F. (2018). A Combined Hypnosis-echography Therapy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 25(12), 1-10.
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 .
