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About IBS and
hypnotherapy
First it is important to understand what hypnotherapy is and how it may help
you in the alleviation of your IBS symptoms. It needs to be known that this is not a cure for
IBS (since one does not exist at the moment), but an
effective complementary therapy that can be used in isolation or conjunction with conventional
approaches, (many people find they can reduce or give up medications, although
importantly this should be done along with your prescribing physician.) Hypnotherapy has shown to be highly effective in the majority of people who use
it to treat IBS symptoms.
Important note: Please have your symptoms diagnosed by a
medical practitioner or doctor. It is important to remember that you cannot self diagnose
IBS and there are many serious conditions that mimic IBS.
What is Hypnotherapy?
It is easier to state what it is not, rather than what it is really. A trance (an altered state of consciousness) is not sleep, unconsciousness, magic, nor mind control. Much of the mystery still surrounding hypnosis is this lack of a clear definition. Hypnosis is generally experienced as restful and
relaxing; it is different than slumber. In a trance state you are aware of your surroundings,
able to hear sounds, to smell, and you are aware of your movements and in control of your actions. Consciousness is NOT lost, it becomes more selective. In a trance it is usual to be more aware of internal
processes than in the outside world’s activities and distractions. Contemporary scientific studies show trance is a natural and normal state of mind and like other states, such as alertness or pleasure, has many different and individual components.
Uses of hypnosis .... hypnosis is often thought to be therapy that only affects the mind, but as mind and body are inseparably joined, hypnosis can also help physical ailments. The popular assumption that hypnosis is only used for weight reduction and to stop smoking is very much mistaken; there are many more possibilities too numerous to mention. However,
hypnotherapy is well known to help all variations of IBS symptoms and reduce frequency of presentation.
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a therapy to deal with a wide range of problems, both physical and emotional.
Is hypnosis safe ? Yes. It is a safe, natural part of human experience. Always protected by our subconscious, trance is part of everyday life. We are already proficient in its use, we simply don’t
recognize it. Hypnotherapy is not stage hypnosis.
Who can be hypnotized? Just about everyone if they choose. However, those deeply
disturbed or handicapped require special personal attention.
What is it like to be hypnotized? In experiencing altered states it should be acknowledged that trance is slightly different for everyone. Most find it extremely pleasant, enjoyable and relaxing, saying they’ve never felt so agreeably relaxed and comfortable before.
Should I use hypnosis as an alternative to seeing my doctor? The answer is NO.
It is not an alternative to seeking proper medical care. Hypnosis is a
complementary therapy and should, where needed be used in partnership with conventional medicine. Your
G.P. or Doctor's training in diagnosis cannot be replaced by a hypnotherapist. Check out all health problems first with your doctor
if in any doubt and then you can combine both a Physician's and a professional
Hypnotherapist healing methods.
Can I be forced into trance? No. It is a state of mind that needs your co-operation. No one goes against their own unique code of behavior in hypnosis.
Am I too strong willed to be hypnotized? Strength of will plays no part in the process.
I am too intelligent to be hypnotized! No. The higher the intelligence and imagination the better.
Do hypnotized persons lose control of themselves? Quite the opposite, the client is in control of their trance, and is being guided by the
hypnotherapist, and will only do that which seems right and is helpful.
Could I get 'stuck' in trance? No. It simply doesn’t happen.
Will I be unconscious when in hypnosis? No. No loss of consciousness is involved.
Individuals will be perfectly aware of their surroundings, including sounds, movements and smells and will be hyper-sensitive to touch. Some individuals will achieve a deeper level of trance than others. However, the results remain the same. Physical contact is not needed in any part of the process.
Is my problem to trivial to be bothered with? Any problem which affects our lives is not trivial. IBS is certainly not trivial, it affects the lives of the sufferer and their families.
All tapes are currently available in
English language only
The
IBS Audio Program 100
The program contains specific hypnotherapy processes clinically
designed and developed and used for many years by Michael Mahoney, a clinical
hypnotherapist based in the UK, who has specialized in treating sufferers of
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How was it developed?
The whole process
began in 1993, when Michael
became interested in IBS, due to increased referrals from doctors and
gastroenterologists who could not
help with current treatments. At
this time, IBS was a new label, placed on an old condition.
For several years Michael wrote specific hypnotherapy processes, and
amended them, to match the needs of presenting patients.
However, it became clear that there were many common threads to IBS
symptoms, and he focused on these and continued to refine his processes.
After several years, his success in treating this condition
became better known locally, and he began receiving referrals from gastroenterologists,
doctors, and other healthcare professionals, as well as, by word of mouth
from IBS sufferers who had been helped.
One medical practice then invited Michael to take part in a
medical research project, that the practice would fund and this was conducted
over a 12 month period.
After the project was over, it showed an overall reduction
in all symptoms of approximately 80% of
the patients. This was born out by Michael’s own finding in his
practice. However, it was important
because the figures came from patients, selected by doctors whose orthodox
approach had not been found to alleviate the symptoms.
After the project Michael continued to refine his
processes, and decided to take these new processes from the clinical environment
and transfer them onto audio tape and CD for patients who could not attend his
daily practice.
To test the efficiency
and effectiveness of this audio program, Michael asked
new patients to his practice if they would consider being involved in private
research trials.
Once the program was completed the findings were logged,
and the patients were contacted for 2 years after completion of the Program to
obtain development history and progress. These findings will be published soon.
Do they work ?
Years of findings show that many individuals obtain relief by using the
program. Of course they are not a panacea, and not everyone is the same and
individual circumstances vary. However many users do obtain results not only in IBS, but other areas too, in clearer thinking, better judgment, less stress,
some report better concentration, improved sleep patterns etc..
Are there any side effects?
Any side effects are feelings of well being and calmness.
Because the processes are natural, not intrusive in anyway, no drugs or potions,
or manipulation, there is no way that negative side effects could be developed.
Do I loose consciousness?
No it simply does not happen. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis (an altered state of
consciousness) as a therapy for a wide range of problems. In this case,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Hypnotherapy
is not Stage Hypnosis, which is completely different from the Clinical
Hypnotherapy processes used in the program.
What does the IBS Audio Program 100 contain?
It contains 3 double sided audio tapes, or 3 CDs and a
small A5 booklet, which contains a progress log/symptom check list, listening
schedule and other information relevant to IBS sufferers.
The audio tapes/CDs contain a clear introduction to IBS and Hypnotherapy,
and 5 different hypnotherapy processes, each one building on the previous one.
How long do I have to listen to the program.
The program is structured
(see enclosed booklet insert) and is completed over 100 days, with rest days allocated in-between.
After the initial listening, users are encouraged to listen to the final
tape for a little while, to ensure the learned processes are imbedded into the
subconscious.
In all there are 20 ‘rest days’ where no listening of
the program is required.
What is the listening time of the tapes?
All times approximate
Tape 1 Side 1 = 25 minutes 10 seconds
Tape 1 Side 2 = 36 minutes and 15 seconds
Tape 2 Side 1 = 31 minutes 30 seconds
Tape 2 Side 2 = 28 minutes 42 seconds
Tape 3 Side 1 = 29 minutes 20 seconds
Tape 3 Side 2 = 25 minutes 10 seconds
What can I expect when using the program?
The process varies form individual to individual, however
you can expect a general feeling of calmness and deepening relaxation.
What do I have to do ?
Simply listen. Find a time that is your own when you will
not be disturbed, and listen to the program as guided.
What is the best time to listen to the tapes?
Whatever fits into your daily routine.
Some listen to them in the morning, some prefer after the day has
finished, whatever fits into your schedule.
What if I can’t do it ?
There is nothing to do, except listen and lay quietly.
Do people ever become clear of IBS.
Some people do walk away from IBS, however, we do not call
the program a cure, medically there is not an organic cause that the doctors can find
wrong, although they have
clues as to the mind-gut connection, so without a physical problem, few doctors would use the word cure.
This however does not detract from the fact that some people do become
symptom free.
What are the benefits of using the program
over seeing a
hypnotherapist in person?
First, finding a hypnotherapist
who has the background,
training and is a specialist in the
knowledge of IBS is a task in itself. Although
in
the UK there is the UK Register of IBS Therapists.
The UK is one of the leaders in using hypnotherapy for this condition,
some hospital gastroenterology departments employ hypnotherapists for this
condition.
Michael is one of the leaders in the UK in this field.
However, if you do find a therapist who specializes in IBS, and you feel
comfortable with them, that interaction may prove useful to some people.
Cost might be a constraint.
Some
therapists might charge that or more for one session.
Convenience.
No appointments to keep, or traffic to travel through.
Confidentially.
Comfort.
Developed for home use, no unfamiliar noises, odors or
surroundings, this allows you to be truly ‘at home with your program’.
Mr. Mahoney is a
leader in this field guiding you in safe, tried and tested techniques.
How do I order my program?
Please fill out our
order form to purchase The IBS Audio Program 100 securely online or
to print out an invoice to send via postal mail.
Or by telephone.
TOLL FREE Ordering Number: 1-877-517-5978
Free
telephone number within the UK: 0800-085-39-70
If our lines are busy, please leave your details on our
secure line.
How Long from receipt of order to my home?
Within the UK, you should allow 7 - 14 days.
USA: please allow 10 days for
delivery
Canada:
14 days for delivery
Australia: 14 days for delivery
Switzerland: 14
days for delivery
European Communities: 14 days for delivery
All postal times approximate barring
any unforeseen delays.
All other destinations please allow 21 days for delivery.
How are the programs sent:
Usually by International Recorded Delivery, this allows us
to apply for delayed consignments to be traced.
In the USA by
Priority Mail.
Or you can order shipping with FedEx on a collection basis.
i.e. customer pays shipping costs.
If I want further information, where can that be
obtained from?
Michael
prefers to answer as many questions as he can himself. He does this in between
seeing patients at his surgery, so some delay might be expected (allow 24 hours
for a reply.) If Michael is away
presenting to forums, then a reply may come from one of his associates.
Feedback
form
In the UK, the
IBS register has members that can be contacted for sessions on a one-to-one
basis.
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