Have you ever heard someone saying “I felt it in my gut” or “I can’t stomach that”? These are very common expressions of feelings. When we look closely, we can see a clear connection between the gut and emotions.

Our digestive system is very sensitive, so much so that emotions and tensions tend to throw off our digestive tract balance at times.

Have you ever felt a loss of appetite or stomach ache before an event that made you anxious? Or did you realize that your stomach is more sensitive at certain times in your life?

This is actually very common and digestive tract health can be a direct reflection of our mental state. Especially complex conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), or other gastrointestinal sensitivities usually involve stress and tensions that the person may have experienced in the past or recently.

The hypnotherapy itself is a very powerful technique to balance the body and relieve stress. Gut-directed hypnotherapy goes a step further and takes a specific approach to regulating bowel movements using hypnosis and relaxation.

How Does It Work?

Consider IBS. It is caused by miscommunication between the gut-brain axis. In other words in a case of an IBS patient, the brain sends wrong signals of contraction, irregular movements, or digestion to the bowels.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy focuses specifically on normalizing the bowel movements while releasing stress and tensions that may be held within.  

During a gut-directed hypnotherapy session, you will first get a chance to explain your symptoms and talk about any stressors that may have contributed to developing sensitive bowels. Your session will then continue with hypnotic induction which is a process that allows transition into hypnosis. During hypnosis your hypnotherapist can give you calming suggestions in addition to the imagery that suggests normalized gut functions.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy can take about 3-12 sessions on average, depending on the person. As you work through the sessions you may find your gut movements slowly normalizing while the emotional cause is also addressed.

There are different clinical gut-directed hypnotherapy programs as well. You may hear about these programs from your doctor or hospital. These programs usually take about 3 months and involve hypnosis recordings that focus on body relaxation and suggestive imagery for smooth and calm intestines, bowels, and stomach.

Research and Results About Gut Directed Hypnotherapy

As nationwide many hospitals and clinics start to recommend gut-directed hypnotherapy, there have been many research studies conducted specifically on this topic. Overall, the results are very promising and they suggest that gut-directed hypnotherapy is a candidate to be the most effective treatment for IBS.

In one notable study that was published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics journal, out of 74 IBS patients, 25 received hypnotherapy, 24 received a specific diet, and 25 received a combination of both diet and hypnotherapy. Results showed that the group that received hypnotherapy improved just as much as the group that received diet, plus they reported significant improvements in lifestyle and anxiety levels. 

In another study from The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal, about 40% of IBS patients who received either individual or group hypnotherapy sessions reported relief from their IBS symptoms after 12 months in comparison to the control group with 23%.

Who Can Do Gut Directed Hypnotherapy?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy started with a professor of gastroenterology; Prof. Peter Whorwell in the 1980s. These days, gut-directed hypnotherapy is performed by psychologists, doctors, and hypnotherapists as well.

It’s important to note that hypnotherapy is a bit different than just general relaxation. Therefore, working with a professional who is proficient in hypnosis and hypnotherapy can increase the likelihood of positive results.

Why Should You Try Gut Directed Hypnotherapy?

Many people who deal with IBS or gut sensitivities tend to feel cornered and often alone. Between doctor visits with no improvements or sudden significant changes to the lifestyle, you may find yourself lonely, anxious, and maybe even depressed. 

Gut-directed hypnotherapy offers mental relief in addition to reviving the mind-body connection. Remember, if you are dealing with stress and anxiety along with a sensitive gut, this will increase your chances of experiencing flare-ups. 

Prof. Whorwell’s initial research results suggest that about 70% of IBS patients who received gut-directed hypnotherapy reported improvements in their IBS symptoms. This means mental relief, improved gut-brain connection, and better management of emotions.

Especially when emotional distress is involved, medical interventions may fall short. After consulting with your doctor, changing your diet, or following your doctor’s orders, if you find that you are not gaining much traction, gut-directed hypnotherapy can be the solution you are looking for!