How Hypnosis Works Researchers in the Netherlands divided 50 children with IBS symptoms—painful cramps, bloating, and gas—into two groups. One group received hypnotherapy, where, under hypnosis, they were invited to imagine a normally working gut using metaphors, like cars running at a normal speed. Kids in the hypnosis group were also asked to place their hands on their bellies and imagine positive changes. The other group received dietary advice, extra fiber, pain medication, and supportive therapy instead of hypnosis. The results: While both groups experienced a significant drop in pain, the hypnosis group saw the biggest decrease: Their pain intensity scores plummeted from 13 to 1. Scores in the other group only dropped to 8.
But does it last? The researchers followed up with the patients five years later and found that the hypnotherapy group was still in a lot less pain. Most of them—68%—were pain-free, compared to only 20% of the other group. And for those of us with IBS who are well beyond childhood? “It also works for adults,” said the study’s lead author, Arline Vlieger, MD, PhD. “There have been several trials showing this.” Want specifics? Check out our guide to how hypnosis can beat digestive woes: . Also see: Use Your Mind To Ease The Pain, Home Remedies For IBS, Dr. Weil’s Advice For Soothing IBS Pain
