For many sufferers, IBS symptoms are worse after dinner. This is due to an exaggerated movement and sensation response by the gut nerves. The gut has a huge nervous system, and is often referred to as the "second brain" because it is so large and developed.

So after a meal, these nerves trigger responses blown out of proportion - bigger movement of the gut, maybe including spasms, and heightened sensitivity, including pain.

Magnus Simren and colleagues at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, researched whether hypnosiss, which works so well for IBS generally, would help with these particular after-meal symptoms.

Half of the patients were given supportive therapy. Half were given hypnotherapy. Both groups were seen for one hour a week for 12 weeks.

The results showed that hypnotherapy reduces significantly these after dinner symptoms, the pain in particular.

Many people find it extraordinary that hypnosis can deal so effectively with these gut symptoms. We don't really know how hypnosis works, but there is plenty of evidence to show how it does. The gut-brain link is very well-developed, due to the huge quantity of neurons in the gut linking up with the brain. So that is probably a key to the success of gut-directed hypnotherapy.
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Hypnotherapy was recommended by NICE in 2008 for chronic cases of irritable bowel syndrome. Click here for NICE guidelines
Dr Peter Whorwell of Manchester University Medical School is the leading expert in the treatment of IBS with hypnotherapy. Click here for more. Dr Wendy Gonalkorale is a researcher working with Dr Whorwell. Read about her research here.

Although no-one really knows the cause of irritable bowel syndrome, the methods developed by Dr Whorwell have been shown to improve the symptoms with over 70% success. Dr Whorwell explains that IBS is ideal for treatment with hypnosis. "During hypnotherapy, sufferers learn how to influence and gain control of their gut function, and then seem able to change the way the brain modulates their gut activity. We have found it to help all the symptoms, whereas some of the drugs available reduce only a few".  As you will know, IBS is called a functional disorder because it is the function of the gut which is impaired rather than the tissue itself. Often in trying to work out the cause of IBS , invasive investigations are carried out which can cause permanent structural damage. Hypnosis is a non-invasive treatment, and it has a successful track record. Here is a useful IBS factsheet
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