Hypnosis for IBS

Hypnosis has been tested as a treatment for IBS in numerous studies over several years. For most people, hypnosis is likely a relatively unknown concept that they do not have direct experience with. Therefore, we are now taking a deep dive into the subject and how it could be a part of the treatment for patients with IBS.

Several factors influence

We know from experience that IBS is influenced by several different factors. Diet is one, and lifestyle is another. Since the FODMAP diet treatment is so effective, we always start with that. This way, stress directly related to symptoms is reduced, and people become less aware of their stomach issues. After that, it’s time to address what remains. This is not a “one size fits all” approach; each individual needs to find a way to manage their stress. It could be mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or hypnosis. What all these techniques have in common is that they promote relaxation. The choice of which one to use is less important.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis often brings to mind entertainment programs where someone snaps their fingers and makes participants fall asleep immediately. However, this is not how hypnosis is used in healthcare. Here, hypnosis is described as imaginative and focusing treatment methods during deep relaxation that influence our subconscious. Some refer to hypnosis as ‘trance,’ which is a state of consciousness receptive to creative solutions that deepens the patient’s connection with their inner self to understand it on a deeper level. The treatment is always performed by licensed healthcare professionals, usually a psychotherapist or nurse.

Hypnosis for IBS

The hypnosis commonly used for IBS is called indirect hypnosis. This approach involves the therapist being more receptive rather than commanding, and it utilizes affirmations, metaphors, and visualization. For example, the patient might be guided to imagine their intestines as a smoothly flowing river, free of obstacles. The effect on symptoms is believed to stem from the brain learning to respond differently to signals from the gut, making it easier to manage digestive discomfort, and pain is perceived as less severe. Additionally, the hypnosis itself likely has a calming effect on the stomach. Typically, a treatment course consists of 8-10 sessions, after which patients continue independently at home. Some may receive a recording to listen to, which helps them maintain progress on their own.

What does the research say about hypnosis for IBS?

The studies conducted on hypnosis for IBS generally show positive results, with effects that persist over time to some extent. In the first study conducted in Sweden in 2012, approximately 40% of participants reported reduced symptoms. Since then, a number of studies have emerged, including those from Monash University, where as many as 72% reported decreased symptoms. This is comparable to the FODMAP diet treatment.

In summary, the research conducted on treatments aimed at influencing the mental aspects of individuals with IBS shows relatively good results across the board, but no treatment demonstrates a significantly better effect than others. This highlights the complexity of human beings and the need for individualized treatment approaches. For some, yoga works, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or hypnosis may be more effective for others. Expectations, previous experiences, and personal beliefs also play a significant role.

In Sweden, Ersta Hospital, led by Martha Sjöberg, has long worked with hypnosis treatment. Martha is now retired, and currently, hypnosis treatment is offered only at a few clinics. We need more practitioners to be trained in order to provide this treatment more widely.