The pace of life today leads more and more people to suffer from this 'functional' bowel disorder. By 'functional' what is meant is that the gastrointestinal tract is not operating well, yet no actual 'cause' can be found medically, hence the medical profession often find IBS - also called spastic colon - to diagnose. Common tests present present no significant findings and no organic disease.

Statistics indicate that 20% of the population will suffer and be suffering from IBS at any given time, the effects of such often preventing sufferers from living life to the full. IBS accounts for about half of all gastrointestinal complaints at medical centers and 50 percent of referrals to gastrointestinal specialists. So, as can be seen, IBS is a fairly common condition, yet a tough one for the medical profession to treat.

A person with IBS usually has vague abdominal symptoms such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, heartburn, belching, flatulence, tenderness of the abdomen, full bladder and/or bowel feeling, mucous stools, bowel/bladder incontinence and fatigue to name a few. Women with IBS often also suffer painful menstrual periods and research continues as to the hormonal connection as women are three times more likely than men to develop IBS.

It is important to understand that these symptoms are not 'only' IBS related therefore if you believe you have this disorder pleasure ensure you seek medical advice with a thorough consultation with your GP if you have not already done so, as riskier diseases such as diverticulitis, relational enteritis, colitis, ulcers, cancers and gall stones often begin with symptoms similar and through appropriate testing these can be ruled out.

It is worth noting that dietary changes and choice botanicals and or natural remedies can also bring relief whilst conventional medicine offers little beyond reassurances that the disorder is not life-threatening and medical is prescribed such as fibrous bulking agents, antispasmodic and antidepressants and is certainly not a sure fire treatment for the medium to long term. For some IBS sufferers the latter remedy also carries the stigma that the pain is all of their own making, that they are overly sensitive.

Hypnosis is one of the most scientifically researched complementary therapies as it has been proven to provide one of the highest success rates in providing relief to this disorder in the medium to long term. Hypnosis is a safe, gentle and natural way to manage this disorder, empowering many individuals to move forward and enjoy life the way that matters most for them. My clients also discover that many other areas of their lives benefit from the increase in confidence, self-esteem and general feelings of well-being they grow to experience.

Having undertaken specialist training in this area I am a member of the UK Register for IBS Therapists. Please feel free in contacting me if you would like to discuss further how you too can benefit from using hypnosis for IBS.