The brain-gut axis plays a vital role in our overall health, linking stress and mood directly to gut function. In conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), stress can make the gut overly sensitive, misinterpreting normal digestive processes as threats and triggering pain. Chronic stress and patterns of hypervigilance can further exacerbate symptoms, causing the nervous system to remain on high alert.
Hypnotherapy is a recommended treatment for IBS by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, and studies show that 76% of individuals find relief with this approach. In my practice, I use hypnosis and Somatic Experiencing to address common patterns in IBS sufferers, such as stress responses and nervous system dysregulation. Through these methods, we can help regulate the nervous system, retrain triggers, and reduce hypervigilance, empowering your body to respond to stress in healthier, more balanced ways.
Read more about Hypnotherapy and IBS here.