How Your Mind and Gut Are Deeply Connected – And What You Can Do About It
Have you ever noticed how your stomach tightens when you’re anxious? Or how stress can lead to bloating, pain, or changes in your digestion? You’re not alone – and it’s not in your head. Many people experiencing digestive discomfort also live with stress, anxiety, or a sense that their nervous system just isn’t switching off.
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What Does the Research Say About Acupuncture for Digestive Issues?
A 2024 systematic review looking at functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) – including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and constipation – found that acupuncture may significantly improve both gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. It also noted that acupuncture helps regulate functional connectivity in the brain, offering insight into how it may restore balance along what’s known as the brain-gut axis.
What Is the Brain-Gut Axis and Why Does It Matter?
The brain-gut axis is the two-way communication system between your brain and digestive system. When you’re under stress, emotionally overwhelmed, or holding on to long-term tension, this connection can become dysregulated, contributing to digestive symptoms. Brain imaging studies have shown that in people with FGIDs, emotional centres of the brain like the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala are more active than in those without these conditions showing the deep link between emotional wellbeing and gut health.
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Is Hypnotherapy Effective for IBS and Gut Health?
Alongside acupuncture, hypnotherapy has also shown promising results. A 2019 clinical study compared hypnotherapy to supportive education in people with IBS. The results were clear: at both 3 and 12 months, those who received either individual or group hypnotherapy experienced significantly more symptom relief than those who received only education. By 12 months, nearly half of the hypnotherapy group reported adequate relief, compared to just 22.6% in the control group.
Do Gut Health Hypnosis Apps Work?
While there are some gut health hypnosis apps available and many report benefits these tend to be generic and may not address the deeper emotional patterns or unique psychological components behind each person’s symptoms.
Should You Consider Personalised Treatment for Digestive and Emotional Symptoms?
That’s where a tailored approach can make a real difference. When treatment is individualised, whether through acupuncture, hypnotherapy, or a combination of both, it can support not just symptom relief, but emotional healing and nervous system regulation at a much deeper level. We are all unique and therefore it’s important to find a treatment that can work with your unique history and symptoms.
If you’re struggling with ongoing digestive issues and suspect that stress, trauma, or emotional overwhelm could be part of the picture, you don’t have to go it alone. You deserve support that addresses the whole of you and this includes your mind, body, and gut.
If you’re curious about how hypnotherapy and acupuncture might help your unique symptoms, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to have a chat and see what support might be right for you.
HOLISTIC GUT HEALTH PACKAGE
Experience our unique 4 session acupuncture and hypnosis gut health package which includes-
- 4 X 1hr sessions of hypnosis and acupuncture for gut health
- Chinese Medicine assessment and dietary advice
- Links to gut health meditations to help support you in between sessions
- Email support in between sessions
You must book a free info chat (bottom of the booking page) to book this package.
(Clinic located at 19 Short St Southport QLD)
I look forward to assisting you on your journey to health and wellness!
Dr Janine McILwain (Bhsc Acupuncture)
Clinical hypnotherapist and EMDR therapist