Use Meditation as treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.IBS

Posted on January 21, 2008 
Filed Under

by Dr.Phil Hariram
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very common condition. It affects as much as 20% of the world population. No one knows the exact cause. The gut is normal and there is no cure. In addition, there is no one treatment that works for everyone.

Althoughno cause is known, stress is an important trigger. Many sufferers with Irritable Bowel Syndrome will recall a time when their IBS was severe and link it to a bout of stress. They will also recall that their Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms settled down when the stress eased. It, therefore, makes sense to control stress. Control stress and you are less likely to have severe bouts of symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers have various options available. Relaxation techniques are used by many and relaxation tapes are widely available. Many IBS sufferers use advanced planning to cope with upcoming stressful situations. Others have a short course of tranquillisers from their family doctor while others use alternative medicine.

The long term and best treatment for stress is meditation. Not a lot of people are aware of the great benefits of meditation. It is a simple and safe way to balance physical, emotional and mental states. Although it has been used for thousand years, only a small percent of Westerners, use it. Many still place a religious slant to it.

Increasingly doctors are promoting the benefits of meditation especially to control stress related illnesses. In Irritable Bowel Syndrome, stress is an important factor. Practising meditation will definitely help Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.

We all experience stress every day in one way or other but many of us are unaware we have stress in our lives. A worldwide survey showed that 50% admitted to stress. Of the fifty that said they did not have stress, 80% were found to be stressed on further testing. The unpredictability of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms mean baseline stress is likely to be high.

In life threatening situations, adrenaline level is increased. It is a natural part of our survival instinct called the “Fight or Fright reaction”. Our heart rate speeds up, our blood pressure is high. Our breathing becomes rapid. This is all in preparation for action. Sadly this reaction is also triggered in our daily lives by pressure at work, travel, home and financial problems. It can leave us in a persistently anxious state.

During persistent stress, serum adrenaline level, lactate and cortisone are high. This can cause long term harm. By practising meditation regularly, you will reduce your stress level by lowering adrenaline and lactate. Meditation also affects serotonin levels and this hormone figures closely in IBS. Higher than normal level causes diarrhoea and low levels are found in constipation predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Meditation will produce a state of deep relaxation and a great feeling of well being. It will improve your self confidence, invigorate and increase your concentration. So not only will meditation reduce stress and tension, the triggers for your Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it may even provide you with the tools to keep IBS where you want it. Under your control.

Many consider meditation difficult. It is not easy to create a thoughtless mind but, with most things, sticking with it will change that. Others say they cannot find the time. Stress is a killer. It is responsible for 90% of diseases. It is important you find the time. Through meditation not only can you control your stress, but may well sow the seeds for long term control of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Dr. Phil Hariram has treated IrritableBowel Syndrome for over 27 years. He has used Acupuncture and Hypnotherapyalongside conventional medicine for Irritable BowelSyndrome. Visit his website http://www.healingibs.comand get your free copy of How to manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Article Source: Article Junction

Next Post: What is Best: Contact Lenses or LASIK Eye Surgery?

Comments

Leave a Reply




Related Posts :



Bad Behavior has blocked 175 access attempts in the last 7 days.