Bloating is one of the most common IBS symptoms, affecting 80% to 90% of people with the condition.

What does it feel like?

A bloated stomach feels full, tight, and sometimes painful. The feeling occurs most often in the lower, large intestine. A distended abdomen (swelling) may, or may not, accompany the feeling.

Is it painful?

The feeling can range from mildly uncomfortable to extremely uncomfortable and intensely painful.

How long does an episode of bloating last for?

It should ease within a few hours to days, but for some people, it’s a recurring problem.

Why is bloating a symptom of IBS?

Bloating is especially common in IBS sufferers prone to constipation. Researchers believe the primary reason is the erratic propulsion of contents through the bowel.

Backed-up poop in the colon causes recently digested food to stay longer in the intestines, waiting to descend. This gives more time for the bacteria in the gut to ferment the digested food, resulting in more gas and bloating. In addition, the sensation of abdominal fullness can cause the lower diaphragm to contract, which relaxes the abdominal muscles, which causes the abdomen to protrude.

Effects of bloating

Bloating can be uncomfortable, painful, and embarrassing when accompanied by swelling. It can cause a person to avoid:

• wearing certain clothing

• eating certain foods. This can cause a person to suffer from a lack of energy and reduced physical ability.

• socialising. Distension of the stomach can be embarrassing for the person. It can also limit movement.

How Does Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) help reduce bloating?

Studies confirm GDH is highly effective at reducing the symptoms of IBS.

The brain and gut are in constant communication through what’s known as the ‘gut-brain axis’, a bio-directional communication channel. IBS results from a disconnect somewhere along this gut-brain axis, and studies have found that GDH can help fix any miscommunication.

The erratic propulsion of contents through the bowel is just one impact of gut-brain miscommunication. Using guided imagery and suggestions, GDH seeks to return the flow of contents through the colon back to the correct and appropriate speed thus resolving constipation.

Additional suggestions given during a GHD session for bloating are targeted at:

•       calming the overall digestive tract.
•       fostering intestinal tract healing
•       steering the person’s focus away from their stomach and any discomfort they might be feeling.

The power of GDH is in its ability to give people the ability to take control of their digestive system and reduce or eliminate bloating.