Digestive Disorders

When it comes to treating syndromes, individualized step-by-step modalities that adjust as the symptoms shift can be helpful. For instance, the struggle experienced with IBS is different from person to person. Although various pharmacological treatment options are available, alternative remedies are often sought out when patients continue to struggle with managing their IBS or when they have concerns about side effects as a result of chronic use of pharmaceutical medication. A pilot study found homeopathy treatment resulted in a major improvement in IBS symptoms for 63% of the participants. Homeopathy presents a naturalist alternative for consideration.

Many people may not realize that working with a holistic, somatic therapist to develop mindfulness skills and self-awareness in relation to body processes can increase their regulation capacity and ability to reduce stress

physiology - both of which significantly help alleviate the IBS pattern. As seen, there is a strong correlation between mental health and gut health. In fact, some of the risk factors for IBS include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a history of childhood abuse (Professional, nd-b). Addressing these factors is important.

However, even people who do not have a specific mental health diagnosis can benefit from including holistic psychotherapy in their treatment plan for digestive issues. The correlation between psychological health and digestive health is being recognized and included as an important part of treatment. A review of 41 research studies has “...shown that psychotherapeutic interventions decreased symptoms immediately after treatment...” and that the reduction in the symptoms remained 12 months post-treatment. 

IBS, like many other syndromes, continues to present healthcare providers with challenges in treatment. “...to date, there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the IBS therapies...[and] patients’ responses vary from individual to individual...” (Buffone et al., 2023). Presenting alternative approaches to treat different aspects of the syndrome is worth exploring and may lead to a better outcome.

Body-based methods of treatment such as massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and so on are natural, non-invasive approaches that can be helpful in offering direct support in relieving physical pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help relieve IBS symptoms that may be exacerbated by dysfunction in the muscles of the pelvic floor, which is an important and multi-layered web of muscles that controls the functions not only of genitalia but also of the urethra and the anus, both serving important functions in eliminating toxic waste from the digestive system specifically and from the body as a whole.

In addition to addressing locations specific to the gut track, holistic physiotherapy can also bring significant relief to comorbid conditions such as migraines and fibromyalgia. When the head and neck can be supported to relax, the gut relaxes too, and vice versa. Similarly, when support can be experienced in relieving chronic pains in the joints and muscles of the body, the relief can be felt by the visceral system too.

Holistic approaches to working with digestive disorders are resoundingly needed and offer far improved quality care and relief since they understand the system’s multi-layered functioning, not only as absorbing and breaking-down food and eliminating waste but also as a reference to the quality of engagement with life as a whole and the overall levels of stress and support that exist in the context through which the digestive disorders emerged. Supporting the mind and the body to have wider scopes of resilience also supports healthy digestion.