Irritable bowel syndrome affects the digestive system, particularly the large intestines. Common symptoms of IBS include, but are not limited to, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. The worst part about IBS is that the symptoms can present for days, weeks and sometimes months at a time. Furthermore, IBS is considered a chronic condition; therefore, even the best physicians can only help patients with the symptoms. For a long time, physicians have relied on pharmacological therapies, such as gastroprokinetics, to manage symptoms in IBS patients. However, emerging non-pharmacological therapies are proving to be effective alternatives in the treatment of IBS. Therefore, IBS patients should explore the alternative treatments highlighted in this post.

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy -- One of the latest IBS treatment therapies is gut-directed hypnotherapy. The unique thing about the therapy is that it combines body relaxation and mental exercises to manage IBS pain in patients. Notably, an IBS patient needs to be in a trance-like state for gut-directed hypnotherapy to be effective. Once the patient is in a hypnotic state, the hypnotist can issue suggestions to patients on how to improve their IBS symptoms through emotional control and relaxation. Ideally, you must go through multiple sessions of gut-directed hypnotherapy to realise the benefits. During this period, you master the ability to differentiate between actual pain and thoughts of abdominal pain. The best part about gut-directed hypnotherapy is that improvements in IBS can be sustained long after the treatment.

Acupuncture -- Another non-pharmacological therapy that can be effective in IBS treatment is acupuncture. It involves puncturing the skin at acupoints that communicate with visceral organs, like the digestive system. Notably, acupuncture needles stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue related to the digestive system. An acupuncturist determines the number and size of acupoints based on the severity and intensity of abdominal pain. Therefore, if you experience intense pain, you should expect more needles in one acupoint and vice-versa.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy -- Although cognitive behavioural therapy has been used to treat mental illnesses for a long time, its application in managing IBS symptoms is recent. Nonetheless, it can be an effective IBS therapy, particularly for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments over medication. Notably, CBT relies on a patient's behavioural and cognitive psychology to change dysfunctional thinking patterns, such as stress and anxiety, since they exacerbate IBS symptoms. When combined with awareness regarding IBS, CBT can significantly reduce negative thoughts about the condition, significantly improving the symptoms.

Contact a doctor to learn more about IBS treatment options.