[Review] Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment | Malaysia - SP Case

Feedback from Mr.SP after the brain mapping assessment and clinical hypnotherapy treatment by Hiro Koo:

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which rendered me no control over situation and myself most of the time. Anxiety, panic, and stomach issues were my daily ordeal, to name a few, which made going to places difficult. For the past 10 to 15 years, I had consulted one too many gastroenterologists and taken far too much medicines — all to no avail; none were improving my condition. That was when I started hypnotherapy with Hiro Koo. After just two sessions with him, I saw gradual improvement, enabling me to overcome my problems. I now had fewer issues from IBS, such as lowered impact on health, improved reaction toward stressful situation, and lowered frequency of gut problems. I am now able to go out without hesitation; I feel more relaxed and pleasant in general; and my family members can rely on me for errands. Besides from reduction in symptoms from IBS, the quality of my eating, sleep, and social life has also greatly improved. It is because of hypnotherapy that I get to enjoy such improvement. Hypnotherapy has taught me to focus on the mind: it helped me to adapt to changes, redirect energy and attention to positive things or thoughts, which in turn enabled me to avoid all sorts of negativity. My experience with Hiro has been positive. Hiro and his team were excellent: they were extremely helpful and informative.

As I progress through my hypnotherapy sessions, I came to understand that hypnotherapy — at least for my case — is definitely a better alternative than medication. It helps on health issues while trains me to not be overly dependent on medicines. Now that I am mostly relieve of my IBS symptoms, I can still apply techniques learnt through hypnotherapy to go about my daily life, such as to further explore about myself.

Remark: Our client's information will be kept strictly confidential all the time. All reviews and photos have been acknowledged and provided by past and current clients of Hiro Koo.

Review (Recover from Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms) - IBS Treatment Malaysia

Client Name: Mr G

Before this, my life was inseparable from stomachache, bloated abdominal and constipation. It affected my daily life as it not only looked bad but also caused physical discomfort. Every day, I spent more hours in the toilet than normal people yet I felt uncomfortable. 

I visited many doctors and took a lot of medications. No matter how much Western medications and Chinese traditional medication I took, there was no improvement after the half year of treatment. I felt anxious and depressed, there was only one thought in my mind, “I’m dying soon”. 

However, I get rid of all these discomforts after I followed the treatment with Hiro Koo.

I learned how to reduce my stress and some useful techniques like self-hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and positive thinking. After reducing my stress, I felt more comfortable when going to the toilet. I become more positive and happy because I knew that this was not chronic and life-threatening disease, is just that there was some problem with my mental health and is curable. 

I was amazed by the treatment provided, it is very effective and very efficient that can reduce my physical discomfort within a very short period of time. In addition, the therapist is very well-experienced and patient, he explained to me clearly and help me by using his profession. I felt thankful and appreciated his hard works for giving me a new life. 

Source of picture: http://marcianolegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-Colon-Cancer-Infographic.png

Remark: Our client's information will be kept strictly confidential all the time. All reviews and photos have been acknowledged and provided by past and current clients of Hypnosis Integrative Hub (Clinical Hypnotherapist Hiro Koo). Clients names have been changed to protect their identity.

Functional GI Disorders: Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHT) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHT) in individual sessions is highly effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to assess the long-term effect of GHT in group sessions for refractory IBS.

METHODS:

A total of 164 patients with IBS (Rome-III-criteria) were screened, and 100 refractory to usual treatment were randomized 1:1 either to supportive talks with medical treatment (SMT) or to SMT with GHT (10 weekly sessions within 12 weeks). The primary end point was a clinically important improvement on several dimensions of daily life (assessed by IBS impact scale) after treatment and 12-month follow-up. The secondary end point was improvement in general quality of life (QOL; Medical Outcome Study Short-Form-36), psychological status (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale) and reduction of single IBS symptoms. Analysis was by intention to treat.

RESULTS:

A total of 90 patients received allocated intervention. After treatment, 28 (60.8%) out of 46 GHT patients and 18 (40.9%) out of 44 SMTs improved (absolute difference 20.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0–40.2%; P=0.046); over 15 months, 54.3% of GHT patients and 25.0% of controls improved (absolute difference 29.4%; 95% CI 10.1–48.6%; P=0.004). GHT with SMT improved physical and psychological well being significantly more than SMT alone (P<0.001). Gender, age, disease duration and IBS type did not have an influence on the long-term success of GHT.

CONCLUSIONS:

GHT improves IBS-related QOL, is superior to SMT alone, and shows a long-term effect even in refractory IBS.

WORD FROM HIRO KOO:

We offer gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS in Hypnosis Specialist Centre (Hypnosis Integrative Hub) @ Life Care Diagnostic Medical Centre (Bangsar South, Malaysia). Feel free to whatsapp us for more info (+60167154419).

Source:

http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v108/n4/full/ajg201319a.html

https://draxe.com/

Hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome (IBS)

Whorwell PJ; Prior A; Faragher EB. Controlled trial of hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome.The Lancet 1984, 2: 1232-4. 

This was the earliest formal study of hypnosis treatment for IBS and remains to date one of the best studies in this research area, as it was thoroughly placebo-controlled and showed dramatically greater improvement from hypnosis treatment above the placebo. 

Thirty patients with severe symptoms that had been unresponsive to other treatment were randomly chosen to receive either 7 sessions of hypnotherapy (15 patients) or 7 sessions of psychotherapy plus placebo pills (15 patients). 

The psychotherapy group showed a small but significant improvement in abdominal pain and distension, and in general well-being but not bowel activity pattern. The hypnotherapy patients showed a dramatic improvement in all IBS symptoms. The hypnotherapy group showed no relapses during the 3-month follow-up period. 

Figure adapted from the above paper by Whorwell and colleagues, showing the changes in the hypnosis group and the comparison treatment group in well-being (upper left-hand graph) and IBS symptoms during the 2-week baseline and 12-week treatment period.

How to Select a Hypnotherapist in Malaysia?
Get answers to the following three questions:
1) Is this person a licensed health professional? Be aware that hypnosis certificates and vanity letters after the person’s name such as C. Ht. ("certified hypnotherapist") mean nothing in terms of clinical qualifications. In Malaysia, A licensed clinical hypnotherapist should be registered with the professional body in Malaysia: The Association of Hypnotherapy Practitioners, Malaysia (AHPM)

2) Does this person have formal training and significant experience in clinical hypnosis and psychology field? Using hypnosis with good success requires considerable skill and knowledge. In general, 50 hours or more of certified workshop training in hypnosis would be good, although less is sometimes adequate.

3) Does this person know the details of successful hypnosis treatment protocols for IBS? Hypnosis in itself is probably not sufficient to treat IBS effectively. Specific gut-directed hypnotherapy method need to be included.

Source: http://www.ibshypnosis.com/IBSresearch.html

Treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases in Malaysia

The role of hypnotherapy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic disorders of unknown aetiology which are characterized by episodes of exacerbations and remissions. 

Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. You are likely to have periods of active illness followed by periods of remission.

Signs and symptoms that are common to both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis include:

• Diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common problem for people with IBD.
• Fever and fatigue. Many people with IBD experience a low-grade fever. You may also feel tired or have low energy.
• Abdominal pain and cramping. Inflammation and ulceration can affect the normal movement of contents through your digestive tract and may lead to pain and cramping. You may also experience nausea and vomiting.
• Blood in your stool. You might notice bright red blood in the toilet bowl or darker blood mixed with your stool. You can also have bleeding you don't see (occult blood).
• Reduced appetite. Abdominal pain and cramping, as well as inflammation, can affect your appetite.
• Unintended weight loss. You may lose weight and even become malnourished because you cannot properly digest and absorb food.

There is evidence that perceived distress contributes to IBD symptom flares; anxiety and depression are frequently found in patients with the active disease. 
Because there is no cure, treatment has to focus on 
1) Prevention of complications
2) induction/maintenance of remission 
3) Improvement of quality of life. 

Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHT) has been used successfully in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Few experimental studies and case reports have been published for IBD; GHT increases the health-related quality of life and reduces symptoms. 

Additionally, GHT seems to have an immune-modulating effect and is able to augment clinical remission in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis.


How newmindcentre.com able to help you?
We have a wide range of health plans for you to choose from, and we'll work with you to tailor a plan that suits your condition after your free consultation session.
1) Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHT)
2) Personalized Self Hypnosis Method
3) EEG biofeedback therapy
4) Nutritional psychology to improve your mood
5) Traditional and complementary medicine (Non-drug approach & Integrated healthcare method)

Email us for a free consultation:
[email protected]



Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24819701
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20034908

[Testimonial] Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Therapy Malaysia: mind-brain-body treatment

My major health concern is that I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) problem. I was looking for ways to solve and through online searching, I found Hiro Koo, a Clinical Hypnotherapist in SOL healthcare centre. I had been through a lot of treatments and therapies outside, both Chinese and Western but there is still no help to my problem until I found SOL.

In confidence, Hiro Koo explained to me about my current health condition in a very detailed manner and the solution to it – Neuro-hypnotherapy. He taught me the way to self-hypnosis and it really works. Now, my IBS problem has improved and finally I gain my life back. IBS has caused problems to my normal life and working performance and through neuro-hypnotherapy with Hiro Koo, I am better now.

Apart from that, combining with the nutritional consultation with the naturopath, I learn to eat healthily and nutritionally. I’m really satisfied with the result and would definitely recommend my friends and family members and those who need natural therapies to visit SOL. 

- Testimonial by Mr. Jeff Liau

What is IBS?
IBS is best understood as a long-term or recurrent disorder of gastrointestinal (GI) functioning. It usually involves the large intestine (colon) and small intestine with disturbances of intestinal/bowel (gut) motor function (motility) and sensation. These gut related activities are regulated by the brain. This may also be impaired, which is why IBS is often called a brain-gut disorder. These disturbances can produce symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating or a sense of gaseousness, and a change in bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation).

The typical features of IBS are generally recognizable by a doctor. The most important first step in treating and managing symptoms is to see your doctor for a confident diagnosis of IBS.

Symptoms Cluster in IBS 

A number of symptoms that occur together characterize irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This may confuse you at first. Plus, symptoms will likely change over time. The changes may seem random. But there is a pattern to symptoms of IBS.

►The key sign or symptom of IBS is pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The abdomen is the area below your chest and above your hips. 

►The other symptoms of IBS relate to your bowel habit. You’ll notice a change in frequency or consistency of stool (diarrhea or constipation). These changes link to the pain.

►The symptoms occur over a long term and come and go over time.

Some or all of IBS symptoms can occur at the same time. Some symptoms may be worse than others.

Abdominal pain is often described as crampy, or as a generalized ache with periods of cramps. Sharp, dull, gas-like, or modest pains are common. The IBS discomfort or pain usually feels better after a bowel movement.

Symptom Patterns Add Up To IBS

Certain signs and symptoms occur with IBS. Symptom-based criteria for IBS emphasize a positive diagnosis rather than extensive tests to rule out all other diseases. No tests confirm the diagnosis of IBS.

A detailed history, physical examination, and limited diagnostic tests help confirm the IBS diagnosis. More extensive testing is reserved for specific situations.

Other Symptoms May Accompany IBS

Persons treated for IBS commonly report upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. About 25% to 50% report...

• Heartburn
• Early feeling of fullness (satiety)
• Nausea
• Abdominal fullness
• Bloating

Other GI symptoms also reported include...

• Intermittent upper abdominal discomfort or pain (dyspepsia)
• Feelings of urgency (the need to find a restroom fast)
• Feeling of "incomplete" bowel emptying

Non-GI symptoms also occur. Sometimes, but not always, this may be due to an overlap of IBS with another condition. These symptoms include...

• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Sexual dysfunction

Other symptoms tend to occur with more severe IBS such as...

• Low back pain
• Headache

Symptoms sometimes seem contradictory, such as alternating diarrhea and constipation. It may help to keep a Symptom Diary so your doctor can see how your symptoms change over time and in relation to diet, stress, and other factors. 

Abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel produce the symptoms of IBS. A "dysregulation" between the brain, the gut, and the central nervous system causes the bowel to become "irritated," or overly sensitive to stimuli. Symptoms may occur even in response to normal events.

Mind: Hypnosis and The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
Hypnosis works by bypassing the critical filter of our mind to help the conscious mind directly access and suggest to the subconscious mind. Research has found that hypnotherapy may help improve the primary symptoms of IBS. It may also help relieve other symptoms suffered by many people with IBS such as nausea, fatigue, backache, and urinary problems. Hypnotherapy appears to offer symptomatic, psychological, and physiological benefit. Hypnotherapy is considered as a promising intervention for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015203/) provides clearer evidence that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment in improving gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with IBS.
* We use the Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy to deal with IBS symptoms in Malaysia.

Brain: EEG biofeedback to deal with underlying issues 
The causes of anxiety and stress-related disorders such as IBS seem to be a complex interplay of predisposing heredity factors, childhood circumstances, hormonal imbalances and life-events. These disorders often involve an over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Because these disorders involve the activation of our most basic survival responses, often called "fight or flight" response it will always remain difficult to dampen that response. EEG biofeedback works to decrease psychophysiological reactivity and to improve recovery (by teaching the patient to activate the opposing parasympathetic system).

Body: Nutritional therapy for irritable bowel syndrome.

If you have IBS, you will know that a single meal choice can completely ruin your day by inducing painful abdominal pains or inconvenient bowel problems. A nutrition professional understands this relationship between food and mood. They can keep the symptoms of IBS at bay by applying their expert knowledge to your dietary habits. A nutrition professional can carry out a full nutrition assessment to establish possible dietary and lifestyle causes. This assessment will be used to devise an appropriate therapeutic diet and will be monitored to ensure that it is effective.
* Our nutritional therapist is the President of Naturopathic Medical Association Malaysia which is recognized by the Ministry of Health in Malaysia.


Source:
http://www.aboutibs.org/site/treatment/complementary-or-alternative-treatments/hypnosis
http://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/articles/irritable-bowel-syndrome.html

[马来西亚自律神经失调与治疗]查不出病因？那你可能面对-自律神经失调症状

可否听说过自律神經失調？
通常有自律神經失調症状的人，在經過各種儀器檢查出來都很正常并查不出病因的。
面对自律神经失调的人，严重者甚至会有“逛医院或诊所（即不停的找寻病源但查不出病源）”的问题。
自律神經失調並不是一種病，而是一系列的症狀，也就是症候群，病因可能有許多種，也有許多種疾病會出現這些症狀，例如抑郁症depression、恐慌症panic attack or anxiety disorder等等。因為針對的器官不同，可能出現以下某些症狀：
1)倦怠、
2)口乾、
3)心悸、
4)頭暈頭痛、
5)焦慮恐慌、
6)心律不整等、
7)姿態性低血壓、
8)呼吸急促、
9)胃痛、
10)头疼、
11)腹脹、腹鳴、腹瀉、泻肚子或便秘等不止。
12)失眠
基本上，幾乎全身都有自律神經分布，所以症狀也相當多樣。

這裡將自律神經失調分成2種，快快了解成因，改善自律神經失調，告別沒有朝氣的自己！
                                                                                 
交感神經讓你活動：
當身體需要活動、抗壓時，就是交感神經活躍的時候。這時心臟、肺的作用力大幅提升，體溫與血壓也跟著上升，調整身體狀態，使你精神飽滿，又能燃燒體脂肪！此時消化與排泄作用則會進入休息狀態。

交感神經活躍時的狀態：
★大腦活動旺盛 - 快速處理接收的情報，掌管心臟與肺臟。

★不易有睡意 - 腎上腺素分泌抗壓荷爾蒙，提高大腦與身體的活動量，不易有睡意。

★心跳加快，血壓上升 - 加速心臟跳動，將身體活動所需的充足血液，送到身體各器官。

★消耗熱量 - 交感神經運作，消耗熱量，燃燒體脂肪！

★支氣管擴張 - 支氣管擴張，呼吸次數增加，將大量空氣送入肺中，提供新鮮酵素。

★子宮收縮 - 交感神經活躍時，子宮會收縮，例如生產時收縮子宮，將小Baby順利產出。

★抑制胃酸分泌 - 心與肺活動時，腸胃不須有太大活動，所以會抑制胃酸分泌，以利能量釋放。

★腸胃蠕動變慢 - 使排便暫緩、腸胃蠕動變慢，持續強烈緊張而便秘時，就是交感神經過度興奮。

★不易排尿 - 身體活動時，必須讓環境穩定，抑制排尿則可以變得更有效率。



副交感神經讓你放鬆：
副交感神經會舒緩緊張，放鬆身體，受到交感神經的刺激，減緩心臟與肺的活動力，使胃腸活動旺盛，促進消化吸收，將不需要的物質以尿液或汗排出。
尤其在睡眠時，活動力更是旺盛！

副交感神經活躍時的狀態：
★大腦呈休息狀態 - 大腦進入休息狀態，使全身放鬆。

★心臟跳動減緩，血壓下降 - 休息時不需要太多血液，所以心跳減緩，血壓下降。

★支氣管收縮 - 在休息狀態中，身體不需做劇烈活動，所以也不須要太多空氣。

★腸胃蠕動旺盛 - 腸胃蠕動旺盛，就能將老廢物質排出體外，在放鬆狀態容易想要排便，就是這個緣故呢！

★刺激生長激素 - 副交感神經活躍，刺激肌膚等的新陳代謝，使生長激素分泌旺盛。

★舒緩子宮緊張 - 使肌肉休息，舒緩子宮緊張，例如抑制子宮收縮，讓小Baby可以在子宮中長大。

★分泌胃酸 - 副交感神經活躍，是為了儲存能量，於是胃的活動大增，胃酸分泌增多。

★容易排尿 - 副交感神經活躍，膀胱收縮，刺激排尿作用，將老廢物質排出體外。


交感神經與副交感神經，為使每天的必要性活動能執行，不斷地做轉換，使身體保持最佳狀態！
不過，壓力過大，交感神經會持續過度興奮狀態；過度疲勞，副交感神經同樣也會有過度興奮情形產生，当2種神經無法順利轉換，平衡失調。失調的情況持續下去，副交感與交感神經都會因為活動過盛，而感到疲倦，到最後一點幹勁也沒有，身心俱疲，便會產生抑郁depressed狀態。



自律神經失調三階段：

一、失調前兆…前自律神經失調期。此時期分為2大型態：

A過度緊張型︰精神壓力引起交感神經過度興奮…

交感神經為了對抗精神壓力，加速心與肺的跳動，體溫上升全面進入備戰狀態！
適度的壓力，對於引發動力、幹勁，多多少少有些幫助，但是長期處於壓力狀態，交感神經混亂，形成過度活躍的狀態，容易導致失眠，種下肥胖的禍根！

B過度放鬆型：肉體疲勞引起副交感神經過度興奮…

長時間的工作與睡眠不足，會累積疲勞，使副交感神經活動過剩，讓身體提早進入休息狀態；長達半天以上處於放鬆的狀態，也會使副交感神經的活動時間延長。
這樣的結果，會使身體處於過度放鬆的狀態，即使白天仍無法抵擋睡意，胃酸過多而發生胃痛！


二、自律神經失調期第：交感、副交感神經過度興奮。

自律神經中的交感神經，與副交感神經關係密切，彼此相互牽制，當有1方持續過度興奮時，另1方也會受到影響，轉變成過度興奮的狀態，而後2方都相繼失去控制！
因此，明明頭昏腦脹，手腳卻冰冷；明明疲倦發痠，卻會突然心悸得很厲害，明明吃得很少，體重卻不見減輕，身體各器官的運作，都變得奇怪而不相稱！


三、憂鬱期：交感、副交感神經機能大幅下降。

當交感神經與副交感神經都呈現過度興奮狀態時，身體的能量Power也會跟著降低。
如果2種神經都過度興奮，沒辦法好好完成各自的工作與任務，你就會變得懶洋洋，什麼事也提不起勁，進入睡也睡不好，連吃也吃不好的「抑郁状态」！
當你已進入此狀態時，別再勉強自己，快快修身養息做适当治疗，讓過度疲勞的自律神經充分休息吧！



在Newmindcentre，
我们提供自然安全的科学治疗方法：
1.脑波反馈疗法EEG biofeedback啟動副交感神經，安定身心 副交感神經的作用在于它使心跳變慢、呼吸平穩緩慢、腸胃蠕動變快、血壓下降等，使身體主要的器官系統活動力降低，達到身體休息與睡眠的狀態。

2. 提供个人化的自我催眠，从而改善自律神经失调问题
熬夜、睡眠不足也是自律神經的大敵。「不論一個人的自律神經原本多平衡，單單睡眠不足這一擊就足以讓他的自律神經失衡，」小林弘幸指出。 
長庚醫院腦神經外科教授張承能說，夜間本來是副交感神經發揮的時間，人自然想休息，硬是熬夜不睡、保持清醒，等於刺激交感神經繼續運作，副交感神經無從發揮，久而久之不但自律神經失調，其他的健康紅燈也一一亮起。「熬夜的人容易高血壓。」 


3. 催眠师透过观察你的五感反应，建议适当保健品并让您可利用五感舒緩神經 
視覺、聽覺、嗅覺、味覺、觸覺等五感，都會影響自律神經，比如某人心跳的速度大約每分鐘90～100下，若想放鬆，便可聽速度比心跳慢的音樂。他解釋，這是「帶走」現象，也就是身心會受到外在環境的影響，聽了節奏慢的音樂，心跳會隨之慢下來。
氣味也有效果。 比如薄荷、洋蔥、辣椒可刺激自律神經，如果希望自己有精神，不妨聞這些味道；反之如果想放鬆，就用薰衣草等柔和的香氣，讓副交感神經活躍一些。 

4. 治疗技术将幫助您发泄情緒，不讓起伏的心情打亂自律神經的節奏 
心情起伏過大，會打亂自律神經的節律。吳立偉說，情緒過於高亢（緊張、不安、興奮等）或過於低落（悲傷、沮喪、失望、鬱悶等），都會阻礙交感與副交感神經正常運作，引發失調。






文章大部分内容摘取自以下网站，在此感谢以下作者为患者提供宝贵的资料：
http://www.commonhealth.com.tw/article/article.action?nid=66835&page=4
http://anscare.com.tw/
http://www.raphaelmedical.com.tw/index3.php?ad=1&p=112&b=7&ly=3
http://mag.nownews.com/article.php?mag=6-49-6306#ixzz3XlnmL1zy

Natural Relief for Stomach Pain

Stomachaches—ugh! Whether you have chronic abdominal pain due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another health problem, such as Crohn’s disease or functional abdominal pain (FAP), ongoing belly discomfort can rob the joy from your life.

Popping certain pills can sometimes provide temporary relief, but since all drugs carry side effects, is there a natural way to feel better?

The use of clinical hypnotherapy has been proven to reduce pain symptoms and it has become a doctor-recommended treatment at oversea.

I use the neuro-hypnotherapy technique, whereby I can observe the brainwave going into different state such as delta, theta, alpha and beta brainwave while the suggestion is being given by the hypnotherapist during the therapy session. When your brainwaves are in  alpha state, you may notice that your breathing begins to slow down, as will your heart rate and blood pressure. This stage of hypnosis trance stage can be used to control pain. Personalized self-hypnosis method will be developed based on the brainwave observation.

Research studies:

http://sciencenordic.com/treating-stomach-pains-hypnosis

Proven to be effective

In previous studies hypnotherapy has been shown to improve not only IBS symptoms, but also symptoms outside the intestinal system, as well as quality of life and ‘psychological co-morbidity’ – the knock-on effect from IBS on other psychological conditions.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cont...24/5/e890.short

CONCLUSION: Guided imagery treatment plus medical care was superior to standard medical care only for the treatment of abdominal pain, and treatment effects were sustained over a long period.

http://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract/2009...nctional.3.aspx

Psychological and behavioral interventions were classified into the following 5 primary treatment modalities: psychoeducation, behavior therapy/contingency management, relaxation-based therapies (including biofeedback and hypnotherapy), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (including cognitive-behavioral family therapy). There was a wide variation in the quality and quantity of studies within each treatment category. Effective interventions generally involved multiple therapeutic components and included elements of both individual and family treatment. Psychological interventions that combine psychoeducation, relaxation-based therapies, and cognitive-behavioral therapy appear superior to standard care (reassurance or dietary manipulation) in the elimination of pain and reduction in functional disability.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19196096

Although effective in the management of acute pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients, the use of hypnotherapy in children with FCRAP is not a common practice. The current study highly supports the use of hypnosis as a part of the biobehavioral approach for this dilemma.

http://bottomlinehealth.com/natural-relief-for-stomach-pain/

The study, done by researchers from the Netherlands, tracked the impact of “gut-directed” hypnotherapy in girls and boys between the ages of 12 and 17 and young adults up to age 23 who had chronic abdominal pain. For this new study, the patients kept a pain diary. The results indicated that hypnosis may bring lasting relief for chronic tummy pain. About 68% of the participants who had been taught hypnosis were free or mostly free of abdominal pain five years later, compared with only 20% of those who had received standard therapy alone. Scores for headache, chronic fatigue and joint pain were markedly lower among the hypnosis group as well.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/23/us-hypnosis-idUSTRE81M22C20120223

(Reuters Health) - Hypnosis may bring lasting relief to some kids with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic stomach pain, a small study suggests.

Researchers found that of 52 children with the tummy troubles, those who had six hypnosis sessions -- plus at-home "self-hypnosis" -- were still doing well five years later. More than two-thirds were free or mostly free of abdominal pain. That compared with just 20 percent of kids who were given standard therapy alone. Researchers led by Dr. Arine M. Vlieger, of St. Antonius Hospital in the Netherlands, reported the results in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Source:

http://bottomlinehealth.com/natural-relief-for-stomach-pain/

Irritable bowel syndrome大腸激躁症

Definition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. IBS is a chronic condition that you will need to manage long term.

Only a small number of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe signs and symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. Others will need medication and counseling.


Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• A bloated feeling
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool

For most people, IBS is a chronic condition, although there will likely be times when the signs and symptoms are worse and times when they improve or even disappear completely.

Symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain that progresses or occurs at night
• Weight loss

MIND: Tailored Gut directed Hypnotherapy for IBS

Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a number of clinical studies. Hypnotherapy for IBS involves progressive relaxation, and then suggestions of soothing imagery and sensations focused on the individual’s symptoms. Improvements in overall well-being, quality of life, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating have been noted.

Contrary to many portrayals in fiction, a clinical hypnotherapist has no power over the hypnotized person. The person is typically aware of what happens both during and after the hypnosis session. The treatment is generally comfortable and also can be effective when people are treated in groups.

Research has found that hypnotherapy may help improve the primary symptoms of IBS. It may also help relieve other symptoms suffered by many people with IBS such as nausea, fatigue, backache, and urinary problems. Hypnotherapy appears to offer symptomatic, psychological, and physiological benefit.

However, hypnosis should not be regarded as a cure-all. Up to 25% of patients fail to respond. Even when people do improve, conventional approaches to treatment should not always be ignored. It is still important that lifestyle factors such as diet are also taken into account. In addition, some people may find that an occasional loperamide or laxative, depending on the bowel habit abnormality, may be required.


Do the effects of hypnotherapy last once a course of treatment has been completed? 
Research on the long-term follow up of patients who have benefited shows that after a period of between 1 and 5 years, most remain well with many requiring no further medication at all.

Hypnotherapy can be a time-consuming and costly approach in the short term. However, as a result of the sustained benefits of treatment, it has been calculated that it becomes cost effective within 2 years when compared to conventional approaches.

How to Select a Hypnotherapist?

1) Does this person have formal training and significant experience in clinical hypnosis and psychology field? Using hypnosis with good success requires considerable skill and knowledge. In general, 50 hours or more of certified workshop training in hypnosis would be good, although less is sometimes adequate.

2) Does this person know the details of successful hypnosis treatment protocols for IBS? Hypnosis in itself is probably not sufficient to treat IBS effectively. Specific gut-directed hypnotherapy method need to be included.


Summary
Hypnosis is just one of many in the treatment options for IBS. Other psychological methods, cognitive therapy in particular, are also effective options. Hypnosis may be especially suitable when severe chronic symptoms continue after standard medical management approaches have been tried. It has become clear that in such cases, hypnosis treatment can often produce major improvement that can last for years.



Research about how clinical hypnotherapy can help Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

The Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and meta-analysis
This study provides clearer evidence that hypnotherapy has beneficial short-term effects in improving gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with IBS.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015203/

Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of hypnosis in adult irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. 

This meta-analysis demonstrated that hypnosis was safe and provided long-term adequate symptom relief in 54% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome refractory to conventional therapy.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24901382

BRAIN Perspective: EEG biofeedback for IBS

Individuals who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may experience a range of symptoms, from mild annoyance to severe, debilitating distress. Symptoms can range from chronic, mild dysregulation of gut motility to episodes of diarrhea or constipation that incapacitate the patient and cause loss of time at work, withdrawal from family activities, and even hospitalization. It is estimated that about 20% of North Americans suffer from IBS, with twice as many women than men diagnosed each year.

Research in neuroscience has revealed that the intestinal tract and the brain are intimately related in terms of hormonal activity and autonomic nervous system connections. This is referred to as the "Gut-Brain Connection." Individuals with IBS frequently present with evidence of abnormal high frequency brain wave activity in the frontal lobes where emotional regulation occurs.

These unbalanced brain waves can be altered with Neurofeedback training (see box on right) to correct the abnormal activity and either partially or completely relieve the symptoms of IBS.

Neurotherapy/EEG biofeedback training begins with a brain assessment procedure to locate the sources of unbalanced brain wave activity. Following this, training begins and may last for 10 to 15 sessions. Each session may last for 30-40 minutes. We use symptom checklists, clinical history and patient reports to assess the progress of treatment.

How it works?
EEG biofeedback training for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a way of learning how to control your brain's electrical activity in order to alleviate the distress of IBS. EEG biofeedback training can significantly reduce or even eliminate IBS symptoms and painful sensations in patients who have an underlying dysregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System ("Fight/Flight/Freeze" emotional response).

The technique is simple and painless: Brainwave sensors are attached to the scalp at strategic locations and the information from the brain is processed digitally with sophisticated computer programs. Audio or visual displays give feedback to the patient about the frequency and amplitude of the brain activities that are implicated in IBS sensations. Music or video feedback allows the patient to become successful in changing the brain wave patterns and as a result, the IBS is greatly relieved or eliminated.

What is EEG biofeedback? 
EEG biofeedback training is a simple, painless learning technique that involves teaching your brain waves to become more functional and effective. The most comprehensive definition of EEG biofeedback comes to us from the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR). Go to www.ISNR.net for more information.

EEG biofeedback does not involve either surgery or medication and is neither painful nor embarassing. When provided by a licensed professional with appropriate training, generally trainees do not experience negative side-effects. Typically trainees find NFT to be an interesting experience. EEG biofeedback training operates at a brain functional level and transcends the need to classify using existing diagnostic categories. It modulates the brain activity at the level of the neuronal dynamics of excitation and inhibition which underly the characteristic effects that are reported.

Research demonstrates that EEG biofeedback is an effective intervention for ADHD and Epilepsy. Ongoing research is investigating the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback for other disorders such as Autism, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, substance abuse, TBI and other pain disorders, and is promising.

大腸激躁症

腹脹、腹鳴、腹瀉、便秘、肚子疼痛不適，大概是所有人都曾經驗過的症狀，但許多人無論怎麼吃藥、看醫師，問題就是無法改善，每天都得面臨不斷跑廁所、或「大」不出來的痛苦，這些人都是大腸激躁症（Irritable Bowel Syndrome）的受害者。大腸激躁症，或稱為大腸急躁症、腸躁症、刺激性腸症候群、急躁性腸症候群、腸躁症候群，指的都是一種腸道的功能性異常；就和其五花八門的中文譯名一樣，這種疾病的症狀也相當複雜，有人易腹瀉、有人易便秘、有人則腹瀉與便秘交錯發生。

台北新光醫院胃腸肝膽科醫師劉玉華指出，在幽門螺旋桿菌可藉藥物治療後，以往腸胃科門診最常見的消化性潰瘍已減少，取而代之的是大腸激躁症，幾乎半數病患都因這種功能性障礙來求診；據估計，一到兩成的人口有此困擾；在國外，這更是僅次於感冒、最常造成職場請假的疾病。劉玉華表示，大腸激躁症的病因至今不明，幾乎所有找不到原因的腸胃功能障礙，都可歸到其名下。

但這種病症有幾個共通特點，一是會反覆發生、屬於慢性問題；第二，不會合併血便、黑便、發燒等其他症狀；三，不影響營養吸收，體重不會減輕。值得一提的是，這種病常有在特定情況下發作的特性，例如，有些人喝了酒、吃太飽、吃了麻辣鍋、甚至吃冰後就發作；有人吹了風、睡醒後、考試期間、工作時容易發作，有人出國旅行時症狀即消失，有人則在休假時症狀反加重。

醫師分析，雖然有些病人可能是體質所致、從小就有這種腸道功能障礙，但更多人可能是壓力所引起，因此正忙於打拼事業、照顧家庭的青壯年族群，最常見發病，且以女性為多，有些患者則有易憂鬱、易焦慮、愛鑽牛角尖、追求完美等人格特質。不過，大腸激躁症的患者雖多，調查卻發現，四分之三的病人都未就醫，可能是許多人認為，大號不通暢只小問題，忍一忍就過去，未予多注意。但另一方面，也有不少病患因症狀持續，四處就醫、接受各種檢查，耗費許多醫療資源，據統計，國內每年消化不良造成的健保花費達九十億元，可見大腸激躁症不僅是惱人的毛病，也是相當花錢的疾病。

大腸激躁症的症狀是什麼？

1.        腹部絞痛

2.        腹部脹氣、鼓脹

3.        腹瀉、便秘、或腹瀉與便秘交互出現

4.        常與情緒反應有關，如工作忙碌時、重大考試前都會加重症狀

5.        雖長期受腸胃症狀困擾，通常體重並不會減輕，也不會有嚴重的併發症

       大腸激躁症如何治療？

1.        要先就醫檢查，排除其他症狀相似的疾病，如：乳糖耐受不良、大腸癌等。

2.        調適心理、適應壓力，若是可能盡量避免給自己太過的壓力。

3.        正常的作息，規律的運動。

4.        避免刺激性的飲食，如：菸、酒、咖啡、茶葉等。

5.        攝取足量的高纖維性食物。

6.        若症狀仍持續，應考慮調整神經傳導物質，以恢復自律神經之正常生理功能。

大腸激躁症是腸胃科疾病嗎？

大腸激躁症不是『器質性腸胃科疾病』，而是屬於『功能性疾病』（ functional disorder ）之一』。---所有功能性疾病皆由『自律神經失調』所引起，自律神經系統分佈至各內臟器官，管理各內臟器官的功能運作，一旦自律神經失調，則其所調控的內臟出現其相關疾病（例如：大腸激躁症 ）。所以，大腸激躁症的治療不能從腸胃科取向去做，應從自律神經取向方能治本。

如何改善症狀？僅記以下數個原則：

1.        改變飲食習慣：不談公事、輕鬆進食、細嚼慢嚥。

2.        改變食譜：不吃乳製品、油脂食物、酒精、咖啡因的飲料。食物力求低脂、少糖、少鹽、適度的蛋白質、高纖維食物。

3.        生活減壓：壓力與腸子的蠕動有密切的關係。尤其每天在壓力鍋當中打滾的人們，更是有機會罹患大腸激躁症。每天工作八小時當中，找空檔舒緩身心。勤練肌肉鬆弛術、靜坐，平衡身心靈。

4.        天天運動：運動除了強身之外，更可以放鬆心情，消除鬱悶的情緒，強化腸胃的機能。

5.        正常的作息、充足的睡眠。

6.        改變個性：完美主義的人，容易給自己壓力，也常出現焦慮、憂鬱或身心症狀。所以改變對事物的看法與態度，降低標準，隨遇而安，腸胃自然沒承受太多的壓力。

7.        尋找適當的醫療：激躁性腸症並非一般拉肚子，幾天就可以康復的 。必須有耐心的就醫，配合腸胃科與精神科藥物方能奏效。

(Clinical Hypnotherapist Hiro Koo: 催眠在临床研究上，临床催眠对IBS大腸激躁症的疗效是受承认和备受肯定的。）

Source: 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/definition/CON-20024578

http://www.cs.nthu.edu.tw/~dr824349/personal/article/IBS.html
http://norcalneurotherapy.com/neurofeedback-for-ibs.php
http://www.aboutibs.org/site/treatment/complementary-or-alternative-treatments/hypnosis