What is Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is not a cure for any disease and condition but it can be an effective approach in addressing stress, anxiety and pain control relating to the symptoms of certain health conditions such as IBS and SIBO.
Before hypnotherapy can be done on an individual having IBS, SIBO or any other gut related issues, the condition must be prior diagnosed by a medical professional because the presenting symptoms of IBS and SIBO may also be indicative of a potentially serious bowel condition which may need to be treated with medical intervention.
The symptoms of IBS and SIBO include ; abdominal pain, bloating , overproduction of gas, nausea, belching, diarrhoea, constipation etc. and can be triggered and worsened by various stress responses such as anxiety, fear, lifestyle and various other daily life stressors.
The aim of Gut Directed Hypnotherapy is to control these symptoms by:
Focusing on fixing the miscommunication between the brain and gut by enhancing brain-gut connection by accessing the subconscious mind to gain control over gut function by inducing the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the hypersensitive nerves around the gut area, and improve normal gut motility.
Enhancing the body's innate healing ability through positive visualisations of healing and renewed health.
Manage pain symptoms by altering the pain perceptions in the brain area associated with the pain to a more comfortable and manageable level.
Inducing deep relaxation, bypassing the conscious mind to alleviate fear, stress and anxiety relating to the symptoms.
Building confidence, sense of security and self-esteem that the client may have lost while experiencing debilitating IBS symptoms.
Hypnotherapy techniques provide a holistic approach in gut healing and health by enhancing mind-body connection, deep relaxation, vagus nerve stimulation and positive psychology approaches through:
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Guided imagery
- Direct suggestions for a normalised gut movement and control.
- Positive visualisation
- Ego strengthening
- Healing metaphors .
- Brain-gut directed communication and control
- Amygdala depotentiation - Havening technique ( psychosensory therapy)
- Psychoeducation ; diet, lifestyle, mindfulness techniques
- Self hypnosis techniques for clients to practice at home
All these techniques are applied by a trained and qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist to the client based on a thorough case history and presentation of the symptoms.
The therapy approaches are then tailor made to suit each client's specific needs and goals.
Gut Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS may take from 6-12 sessions depending on the progress of the client.
The distinction between clinical hypnotherapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy lies primarily in their focus and targeted outcomes:
Clinical Hypnotherapy
- Focus: Clinical hypnotherapy encompasses a broad range of applications beyond specific medical conditions. It aims to address various psychological and emotional issues, habits, phobias, and behavioral patterns.
- Targeted Outcomes: The goals of clinical hypnotherapy may include stress reduction, smoking cessation, weight management, pain management, confidence building, and overcoming fears or anxieties, among others.
- Approach: Clinical hypnotherapy employs techniques such as relaxation induction, suggestion therapy, visualization, and cognitive restructuring to facilitate positive change in clients' lives.
- Scope: It can be utilized across different age groups and for a wide array of mental health and wellness concerns.
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
- Focus: Gut-directed hypnotherapy is specifically tailored to address gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, particularly conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia.
- Targeted Outcomes: The primary aim of gut-directed hypnotherapy is to alleviate GI symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, and to improve overall GI function and quality of life.
- Approach: This therapy involves guiding individuals into a hypnotic state and delivering suggestions aimed at regulating and normalizing GI function. Techniques may include metaphorical imagery related to GI health and relaxation exercises specific to gut-related issues.
- Scope: While gut-directed hypnotherapy primarily targets GI conditions, its benefits may extend to improving psychological well- being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression associated with these disorders.
In summary, while clinical hypnotherapy addresses a wide range of psychological and emotional issues, gut-directed hypnotherapy is a specialized form focused solely on treating gastrointestinal disorders, offering tailored interventions to manage GI symptoms and enhance overall well-being.