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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Problem, Myths, and How Clinical Hypnosis Can Offer Relief

Updated: Oct 6, 2023

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition that affects people all around the world. The condition has no cure but there are some ways to bring relief to those who suffer from it. There are many causes for IBS, but one of the most common causes is thought to be stress. Clinical Hypnosis can tackle the symptoms directly by helping you deal with the stress and sleep disorders that can be at the root of managing the symptoms of IBS, such as stomach pain and gas, without any side effects.




IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder of the large intestine which causes abdominal pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel movement schedules. People who have IBS will often experience episodes of constipation followed by diarrhea. IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. It was first discovered in the late 19th century but is still poorly understood. People often believe that diet changes will solve their problems, but this isn't always the case. Dieting is often the first thing people turn to when they need a solution to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. But diet changes alone won't solve the problem.


Many people have been seeking help for IBS symptoms, and unfortunately many have not received the relief needed. The medical profession had labeled many of the diagnoses as "idiopathic", which is their way of saying "unknown cause". Subsequent treatments were bound to fail without a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.


Fortunately, many people have discovered relief from these symptoms using Clinical Hypnosis. Clinical Hypnosis has been proven to help with managing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms by going after two of the sources: Stress and a lack of Good Quality Sleep.

A lack of sleep and stress can both result in a worsening of symptoms of IBS, depending on the manner it occurs. Among other things, stress has been found to result in an increase in stomach acid production, which is not good for someone who already suffers from IBS. Additionally, chronic stress reduces blood flow to the intestines, causing damage to the tissues from a lack of oxygen and nutrients that are normally contained within the intestines and also leading to more inflammation and pain.


We all know that sleep is important for our health, but it also has a big impact on our mental health. People with IBS are more likely to be sleep-deprived than healthy people. It can cause sleep problems and that in turn can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The link between IBS and lack of sleep is pretty clear. When we get less than the recommended 6 hours of sleep per night, the body - including the digestive system - enters into a "fight or flight" mode which leads to disrupted bowel movements and extra-abdominal pressure, both common symptoms of IBS.





Hypnosis is the act of inducing a state of consciousness in which a person has heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction.


A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada found that Clinical Hypnosis was associated with significant improvements in IBS symptom severity and quality of life among patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers also found that there were no adverse effects on the participants' health, suggesting that it may be helpful for some people suffering from IBS symptoms.


Hypnosis sessions for IBS are not just about relaxation or just about focusing on the present. It is a complex process that can be influenced by many factors. One of the techniques Joseph uses is his special Dolphin breathing technique. Dolphin breathing is a form of deep breathing that forces air into the lungs more effectively than shallow breaths. The human body has two halves - the right side and the left side. The right side is considered to be more emotional than the left half, which is more logical. The right side of the brain processes information through emotions, while the left-side processes information logically.


Clinical Hypnosis can help with breathing practice because it calms down our nervous system and relaxes us.


Hypnosis has also been shown in clinical trials to be far more effective than a placebo when used to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).


Clinical Hypnosis is a great tool for not just pain relief but also for improving the quality of life. The subconscious mind responds well to hypnosis because it can bypass a lot of the natural defense mechanisms that would otherwise prevent a person from moving or feeling better.



What’s your next step for Irritable Bowel Syndrome relief?



Clinical Hypnosis may be a great addition to your IBS treatment plan. As a Certified Hypnotist, I specialize in helping people with these types of issues, as well as many other conditions.


Call us anytime at 925-215-4017 for a Free Phone Consultation.




Joseph R. Giove Clinical Hypnosis  |  San Francisco Bay Area








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