In the past 15 years, with the significant amount of research supporting the effectiveness of hypnosis, hypnotherapy has been found to be one of the most effective therapeutic approaches to help with gut issues.

Some of the most commonly known gut issues that were studied with hypnosis are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, GERD, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and colitis. The list goes on and on. The results of these studies are similar: Hypnosis can offer positive results for gut problems, sometimes even better than medicine and other therapies!

Although when treating gut issues, hypnotherapy will be the most effective and helpful when it’s done with an experienced and trained hypnotherapist, there are still some self-hypnosis techniques you can practice at home to stimulate a healthy gut.

Self-hypnosis is a simple hypnosis technique that is designed to be practiced at home, just like meditation. If you are not familiar with what it is, and if you’d like to join one of my self-hypnosis classes to learn more, check out the class schedule here!

 Here are some self hypnosis techniques that can help heal and repair your gut!

Scale technique

The scale technique is very simple and has a few variations. It is also known as the control room technique, or numbers technique. All of them are equally great and effective.

After you take yourself into a state of hypnosis, imagine a scale of 1 to 10 that represents the discomfort you feel. Use your senses and imagination and make sure to bring up all the details about this imagery scale.

Later, see what number the scale is set at the moment based on your physical feelings. Let’s say that the scale is on number 7 when you first start. In your imagination, try to move the scale up and down and see how your physical feelings are changing.

For example, first decrease it slightly to number 6.5 and feel the slight change. Then you should also increase it slightly to see how this scale works. After you get comfortable with the scale, bring it to a reasonable and comfortable level for you. In this case, bringing it down to number 6 or 5.5 could be reasonable and comfortable.

Try to resist the urge to bring the number down to 0 right away. Bringing the number down to 0 will not only fail but also it will be unrealistic. Be patient with yourself and remember that slow and steady progress is better than a quick nothing.

Healthy gut imagining technique

Our imagination is one of the most powerful strengths we have as humans. Self hypnosis is the perfect way to benefit from it!  

During self hypnosis, imagine your organs, tissues, and every possible area that affects your gut to be healthy and relaxed. You may not be very familiar with what that may look like. It doesn’t really matter because this is all taking place in your imagination anyway! 

Feel free to make up images in your mind or think of what you may have seen in school growing up. Focus on stimulating a comfortable and positive feeling. During hypnotic states, the mind doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality. With repetition, this could work brilliantly!

Direct affirmations technique

The affirmations technique is a commonly used self hypnosis technique, perhaps because it works well and it’s extremely easy to practice! Before starting your self hypnosis practice, think about positive affirmations you’d like to implant subconsciously.

These affirmations should focus on how you’d like to feel physically in the gut area. They should also be positive, without any negative words or connotations. For example, a statement such as “I don’t want to hurt anymore” is still a negative affirmation given that it’s focusing on what you don’t want.

Once you are in the hypnotic state, start going over these affirmations in your mind. Repeat it as much as you need. Remember to repeat enough to stimulate emotions.

Peaceful relaxation technique

When we are in a relaxed state, naturally, all the muscles feel more comfortable. On the contrary, when we are stressed, muscles tend to be tensed up as well. Organs in the gut also get affected by the tensions and fears we carry within.

Stimulating inner peace and relaxation can help with comfort in the affected area and it’s actually quite simple! 

During self hypnosis, imagine yourself in your favorite natural setting. Allow your senses to heighten and let yourself go with the imagination of this place. Whether it’s the beachside or the wonderful forest, make sure to get in touch with as many peaceful details as you can.

This will stimulate inner comfort and calmness. The more you practice, the more your body can get into the habit of this amazing feeling!

Final words

Dealing with gut issues can be tricky. Visiting your medical doctor and going through all the necessary tests before you do anything else is the best start for everyone. After you get better insight from your doctor, hypnotherapy can be a valuable option to look into.

Remember, hypnotherapy will always be a more effective approach in comparison to self hypnosis. However, these small practices, with repetition can ease your day-to-day life tremendously.