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Holistic Therapies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Jonny Wills
Jul 25, 2016
3 min read

Holistic Therapies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Approximately 1 in 5 adults are affected by IBS and twice as many women suffer with it as men. It’s a chronic condition that affects the small or large intestine, resulting in pain or discomfort with symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea, headaches and tiredness. The syndrome can be incapacitating when evident, so it is important that we look to see what can be done to help to relieve the symptoms.

One of the most scientifically tested natural remedies for IBS is peppermint oil. A number of studies have been carried out on sufferers using peppermint oil capsules and a placebo. One key study involved over 50 subjects taking 2 tablets a day for 4 weeks. The results showed that around 75% of those that took the peppermint had a significant reduction of IBS symptoms. Another study asked people to take peppermint oil 3-4 times a day for 1 month. These participants had less abdominal distention, stool frequency and flatulence than those who took the placebo and nearly 80% of the patients who took the peppermint also had alleviation of abdominal pain. (Raja, 2012: 208-209)

Reflexology is also believed to help relieve symptoms of IBS and although there is little scientific evidence that has been carried out to support this, many patients have found that it has significantly reduced their suffering and regularly return as they have noticed a considerable improvement in their wellbeing. One observational study of children aged between 3 and 14 who suffered with constipation and involuntary bowel movements found that regular treatments of reflexology helped to increase bowel movement and reduce the incidences of soiling. (Bishop et al, 2003: 20-21) Along with the physical aspects of IBS, there are also psychological implications that cause people to feel depressed, tired and frustrated. Reflexology can also significantly improve the mental health of anyone suffering with a physical condition.

Holistically, it is also important to look at the emotional links to IBS. Through energy therapies it is believed that we can ease physical complaints by focusing on healing the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person. There appears to be a common link between people suffering with anxiety and IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can cause people to be more sensitive to emotional troubles and equally, there is a strong possibility that anxiety causes people to be more aware of the spasms in the colon. Stress can also negatively affect the immune system which can cause IBS. (Ratini, 2014) IBS is also believed to be linked to feelings of inadequacy, hidden fears and confidence when dealing with the unknown. (Shapiro, 2008) Reiki or Crystal Therapy both focus on healing the core issues that cause the physical symptoms. It is a time for the client to stop, relax and allow their higher selves to heal and balance their own body.

From research that I have carried out, it would seem that IBS is a prime example of a physical illness, which can truly be tackled focusing on the whole self. Remember, all complementary therapies look to heal you physically, emotionally and spiritually. So often, we look at the symptoms of and attempt to reduce those but by doing this, we only mask the real issue. If we can find the root cause and work to heal that, the symptoms will be relieved accordingly and the effects of therapy will last far longer.

References

Bishop, E. et al (2003) Reflexology in the Management of Encopresis and Chronic Constipation. Paediatric Nursing 15(3): 20-21

Raja, R. (2012) Medicinally Potential Plants of Labiatae (Lamiaceae) Family: An Overview: Research Journal of Medicinal Plant 6 (3): 208-209): Academic Journals Inc.

Ratini, M. (2014) Stress, Anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). [online] Available from: http://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/stress-anxiety-ibs [Accessed July 31st 2015]