Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed gut disorders in the world, yet its exact cause remains a mystery. Unbeknownst to many, the impact that IBS has on our health can be just as detrimental mentally as it can physically. While the most common side effects of IBS are related to our bowel movements, symptoms can often surface in the form of depression, anxiety and a general lower quality of life.
This unlikely impact prompted Dr Simon Peters, (a world-leading gut-directed hypnotherapy and gastroenterologist researcher) to change the way in which we view and treat IBS. How? By retraining the connection between our gut and brain via the digital hypnotherapy app, Nerva.
Though gut-directed hypnotherapy is a relatively new avenue for alleviating IBS symptoms, hypnotherapy has long been known as a successful practice for managing cigarette cravings, anxiety, chronic pain and even menopausal symptoms.
What are the most common symptoms of IBS?
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Flatulence
How does Nerva compare to traditional methods of managing IBS?
Unlike traditional IBS treatments, Nerva is neither drug nor diet-led. According to Dr. Peters, “historically, the most common ways of managing IBS symptoms have been over-the-counter and prescription medications.” However, in more recent years, elimination diets such as low FODMAPs have become a primary method of symptom management.
While a low FODMAP diet still remains an effective management tool, it can often fall short as a result of being too restrictive and difficult to sustain. For those who aren’t well-suited to harsh dietary restrictions, Nerva offers an easy-to-use app that’s been scientifically-proven to deliver a 72 per cent benefit in symptoms via 20-minute daily hypnotherapy sessions.
How does it all work?
To begin, gut-directed hypnotherapy submits the brain into a deeply relaxed state. From there, the brain becomes open to communication with the gut, leading to a reduction in symptoms for up to five years.
What results can an IBS sufferer expect to see after using Nerva?
Consistent users of the app can expect significant improvements in their ability to manage physical symptoms of abdominal pain, as well as changes in their stool consistency, bloating and wind.
“Rates of improvements are comparable to face-to-face therapy,” explained Dr. Peters, “many users will also report improvements in their overall quality of life, levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.”
Other benefits from gut-directed hypnotherapy include: regulated breathing, focussed attention, greater mindfulness, and better sleep.
How long will it take to see results?
The hypnotherapy program includes daily sessions which takes an average of six weeks to complete. Upon completion of the program, users will start seeing relief in their IBS symptoms.
Does this sound like something you’d be interested in? Start your journey with a 7-day free trial and enjoy 30 per cent off your subscription, here.
Have you ever experienced IBS? Would you like to give hypnotherapy a go?
Hypnotherapy would definitely be worth a go if you were suffering IBS.
Hmm, not sure how I feel. I’m always skeptical about these things
I know some friends who had IBS and changed their diets. One friend went plant based and her symptoms went away
I’ve heard this too about going low FODMAP plant based!
Same happened with my cousin overseas. Now she is back to eat standard diet, back to animal produce. Symptoms came back.
IBS must be awful and I think one would try anything to get relieve
The Fodmap diet is really good and having used it when I’ve had a bout of ibs really works for me. With me I have times when I have symptoms under control. A really unpredictable condition.
Monash and Dr Sue Shepard did well in developing the diet and the app!
Monash and Sue Shepard did well in developing the FODMAP eating plan and the app!
I don’t think this would work. That’s just my opinion.
Hmmm will have to ask my cousin who is a leading gastroenterologist in Melbourne if there is any scientific evidence backing up these claims!
I dare say the answer will be a no.
What absolutely tosh.
Hello Lucy!
I’d love to hear what she thinks of it. It would be great if it works
good info for those that do have this
What an absolute load of(I)BS!!
And yes I can say this because I suffer from IBS.
I hear you, and feel for you, see my other comments. Good luck.
I imagine IBS would be debilitating & would lead to depression. My sympathy for anyone dealing with this.
I found the anxiety was worse than depression. I am cured now, see my other comments.
I have a family member who suffers from IBS. It causes so much pain.
No IBS here, grateful for it.
Me either thank goodness
Worth a try, can be difficult to track the cause of IBS but lowering stress is a good thing to do anyway.
Not something I would want to try but I am sympathetic to those who are suffering.
Thankfully I don’t suffer from IBS, but I think this sounds like a good idea.
I dont either, and also like you think this sounds like a good idea .
nope. Just a change and switch to a healthy diet fixes it.
Yes, but it takes time and patience, I did it.
It would be worth a try.
I like the idea of hypnosis for a lot of things. It cannot hurt you after all.
This would be great, I’ve been low fodmap for years now, and gluten free as I get so sick. Ohhh just to eat normal again….
I did the fodmap for awhile and stayed gluten free, now I eat a very different diet from before I had IBS, but I am healthy and free of all symptoms. The worst was the anxiety and having to have a toilet nearby all the time, very stressful times, so glad I got over it. See my other comment.
It would be worth a try to try and get some measure of relief.
Hmmm, not something I would have imagined would work for IBS
I overcome IBS through, change of diet, giving up all caffeine (it ruins the stomach lining), eating more raw food, cutting out all processed foods, eating a wholefood diet, exercise, meditation, and reading what Anthony Williams the medical medium says. Drinking celery juice every morning and eating lots of raw fruit. There is no quick fix, believe me, I tried everything, but I recommend one step at a time. Don’t give up everything at once and replace it with something healthier. Read the medical medium books, watch his vids, listen to his podcasts etc. Go to your local library now and borrow his books, very helpful for all health issues.
Interesting idea but not for me, I’ll manage with diet and exercise