Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GBH) can offer a unique path to helping Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms and overall well-being. This blog explains how it works, the benefits of GBH and some science behind it being as effective as other forms of treatment including special diets like low FODMAPs (fermentable carbohydrates). At the conclusion there is a special offer of a free 7 day trial and discount code for my clients to use this effective, science backed app that can be used in the comfort of your home.

 

Our gut is not just important to digest food but also has its own nervous system that can control digestion, communicate directly with your brain, and influence your emotions and immune system. It’s no coincidence that the gut is referred to as the second brain. Over 50% of people aren’t satisfied with their current IBS approach, including people taking natural remedies, probiotics, fiber supplements, and medications. Gut-directed hypnotherapy not only can help reduce any gut symptoms and your medication dependency but also reduce your stress and anxiety.

What Is Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy?

This kind of hypnotherapy uses the power of the mind and is designed to help people who have gut-related problems. In a world where stress is a very common experience, using gut-directed hypnotherapy is a very useful skill to have as the mind calms the bowel and improves its functionality. This becomes possible when you enter a very relaxed state through guidance, a bit like daydreaming, at the point where your mind can connect directly to your intestines.

Around 40% of adults suffer from a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which involves a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Besides medications, the most common remedies used today are dietary modifications, probiotics, herbal medications, behavioral therapies, and gut-directed hypnotherapy.

The latter, in particular not only is it a drug-free option, but it also has positive clinical outcomes that have contributed to its credibility.

What Is It Used For?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy addresses symptoms of chronic disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, including:

1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS can help reduce the symptoms of the condition, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

2. Functional and non-ulcer dyspepsia: It can help alleviate the pain, bloating, and discomfort associated with this disorder by calming the nerves that control digestion.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD): It can help manage the symptoms of GERD by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which can in turn minimize the occurrence of acid reflux and heartburn.

4. Stress-related gut issues: Many gut issues are stress-related. Gut-directed hypnotherapy can address stress and anxiety, which in turn can improve overall gut health.

5. Functional abdominal pain syndrome, bloating and gas: This practice can help manage pain perception, decrease discomfort and help gas and bloating

How Does Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Work?

During a gut-directed hypnotherapy session, your mind calms down your gut and improve its functionality. This is possible due to the direct connection between the gut and the brain, known as the “gut-brain axis.” It acts as a bridge between the central nervous system (which includes the brain) and the enteric nervous system (which controls the digestive tract).

The two communicate back and forth along a superhighway of nerve fibers called the vagus nerve. The messages are responsible for sensations like feeling queasy when anxious or having “butterflies” in your stomach when you’re excited. However, in many cases, the wrong messages are being sent, or the right messages are being sent but are being misinterpreted as bad.

This is what gut-directed hypnotherapy is trying to solve—it trains parts of the brain you don’t control consciously. By entering a deeply relaxed state, the brain becomes receptive to suggestions on how to better communicate with the gut, improving those unpleasant symptoms.

Main Benefits

While the outcomes can vary from person to person, the main potential benefits of gut-directed hypnotherapy usually include:

1. Reduced gut symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

2. Reducing stress and anxiety which are known triggers for many gut-related issues.

3. Reduced medication dependency. You may reduce dosages or be able to come off some medications.

4. Enhanced mind-body connection. This increased awareness can help you better manage your symptoms and provide an improved sense of control over your gut health.

What Does a Session Look Like?

A Nerva  app gut-directed therapy session is about 15 minutes long, with a 5 minute educational reading section. A typical session happens in stages:

1. Relaxation induction. The session begins with a relaxation induction, through which you are guided into a state of deep relaxation. This happens through techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization.

2. Guided imagery and visualization. Once you are in a relaxed state, the app uses guided imagery and visualization techniques with references to your digestive system working smoothly and without its current problems.

3. Positive suggestions. During the relaxed state, the voice on the app introduces positive suggestions related to gut health. These suggestions might include statements about feeling calm and comfortable in the digestive system, having regular and pain-free bowel movements, and reducing any discomfort or symptoms.

4. End of session and suggestions. Towards the end of the session, you will be gently put back into a fully alert state.

How long until you start seeing results?

Several factors come into play, such as the severity of your symptoms, how receptive you are to hypnotherapy techniques, and your level of commitment to regular sessions. Many people start to see improvements within the first weeks of app. use. It is suggested to complete a 6 week course to gain full benefits. There is ongoing access to sessions for the year for top up sessions to stay on track. You may notice:

  • Initial improvement: You may begin to notice subtle improvements in your symptoms after 1-4 weeks. These improvements can include reduced discomfort, better digestion, or a decreased frequency of gut-related issues.
  • Noticeable changes: After 6 weeks, you may experience more noticeable changes in gut symptoms. These can include decreased pain, less bloating, and improved bowel regularity.
  • Long-term progress: If you have ‘flares’ of symptoms due to life circumstances like stressful events, you are welcome to come back to regular sessions, or continue the sessions as needed. Long term improvement is more likely when GBH is practiced consistently over time.

Some Positive Stories (from the Nerva website)

“I love the simplicity of the layout and also the weekly readings – I’m learning so much more about my IBS and how the brain affects the gut. Can’t wait to finish the program and be able to live my life again!” Todd S. (Australia)

Special Offer:

You can trial Nerva app for 7 days for free. If you decide to continue, you receive 25% off the yearly $199 access using this code:https://connect.mindsethealth.com/patient/c1643ee2a2

Doreen Schwegler is a Medical Scientist and Naturopath with over 34 years of experience helping her clients optimise their health and happiness, specialising in Fertility, IVF and miscarriage support, preconception health, digestive issues and weight loss.  She has a special interest and experience supporting mood disorders including anxiety, depression and the challenges experienced by the neurodiverse.

If you would like to be emailed an adult assessment questionnaire or have a complimentary chat with Doreen to discuss your concerns  book online: https://holistic-health-pty-ltd.au1.cliniko.com/bookings