What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a mental state similar to meditation where a person tunes out their surroundings and can be more likely to accept suggestions. We don’t know exactly how it works, but experts say hypnosis puts the body in a deep state of relaxation.

It has been recognized by the American Medical Association as a valid medical treatment since 1958, however people have been practicing hypnotherapy for centuries. Because hypnosis reaches the subconscious level, it can be used to change the way a person understands their health problems and can encourage new behaviors to deal with them.

IBS is greatly affected by levels of stress. Your state of mind directly affects your body, and if you are already under stress caused by living with IBS, further stress can trigger serious reactions. Long term stress can cause depression, anxiety and weaken the immune system.

Hypnosis relaxes you so deeply and can reduce stress through this relaxation and by promoting positive thoughts and IBS coping strategies. And, since IBS is a syndrome, not a disease, hypnosis is an especially attractive option, since, once you relieve the IBS symptoms, you have effectively resolved your IBS. You may still have flare ups, but the more you can keep the symptoms under control, the less your IBS will affect you.

The Unconscious

It is thought that hypnosis reaches the unconscious and can therefore affect the body’s control over responses normally out of our conscious reach. Hypnosis allows us to reach those controls. And as there are no side effects to hypnosis, it can be used for people of all ages. It doesn’t work for everyone. Some people simply cannot be hypnotized, others can hypnotize themselves.

What if Hypnosis Doesn’t Work For Me?

Hypnosis doesn’t work for everyone. Some people cannot be hypnotized. If hypnosis doesn’t work for you, consider other treatments for your IBS like stress reduction therapy, regular exercise and a balanced diet. If your IBS is stress related, you’ll need to work to reduce levels of stress and find healthy ways of dealing with stress.

How Do I Find a Hypnotherapist?

There is no license in the U.S. that regulates hypnotherapists. When seeking one, find a professional with experience and training in alternative therapies and ask for recommendations. Psychologists, therapists, counselors and doctors can be experienced in hypnotherapy. You can also hypnotize yourself by preparing a script, recording your voice while you ring it then playing it back to yourself. Do this by yourself when you’re in a safe, comfortable location.

Find additional ways to alleviate your symptoms of IBS here.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/tc/hypnosis-topic-overview