IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder of the intestines that leads to cramp-like pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Because doctors have been unable to find a specific organic cause, IBS often had been thought to be stress related. While stress may worsen IBS symptoms, researchers have found that the colon muscle of a person with IBS begins to spasm after only mild stimulation.

Persons with IBS seem to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual, so it responds strongly to stimuli that would not bother most people. The most likely culprits seem to be diet and emotional conflict. Ordinary events such as eating can cause the colon to overreact in the person with IBS. The colon is controlled partly by the nervous system. Stress reduction training or counseling has proven helpful in relieving IBS. Studies have shown that between 80-95 percent of patients treated with hypnosis has dramatic relief of symptoms.