Irritable Bowel Syndrome Essay

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a common disorder of the intestines that affects nearly one out of five people in the United States. According to the book, Irritable Bowel Syndrome & the Mind-Body-Brain-Gut Connection by William B. Salt II, IBS is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The symptoms include constipation, diarrhea or alternating bouts of both, bloating, abdominal pain and many other problems.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome usually begin during adolescence or early adulthood. Altered bowel movements occur over periods of days to weeks. Occasionally, symptoms may be continuous. In a given individual, both constipation and diarrhea can occur, or either can be the recurring

Aromatic essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs and resins (31). They are commonly found in perfumes, body lotions and candles.
Deep, slow, steady breathing relaxes and calms your mind and body. Toxic wastes are expelled and emotional balance is restored (24). Meditation goes hand in hand with breathing exercises. It enhances the clarity of consciousness by stilling the mind (25). Some people choose to repeat a specific word or phrase as they meditate, for example, “inner” as they inhale and “peace” as they exhale. Massage is one of the most beneficial therapies for relaxation because it eases the pain and tension, bringing vitality to a sluggish system and soothing and calming the overactive nervous system (28).
Acupuncture is an ancient technique in which a skilled practitioner inserts hair- thin needles into specific points on the body to prevent or treat illness. Practiced for over
2,500 years in China, where it originated, acupuncture is part of the holistic system

Lucinda Bassett, former IBS sufferer, wrote a book called From Panic to Power and details the role anxiety played in her life. “I began avoiding situations where I couldn’t come and go as I pleased, situations where I couldn’t be in control . . . it was difficult for me to sit in class. I felt anxious, panicky, and trapped. I made all kinds of excuses for my lack of social activity and my inability to travel with friends . . . my world became smaller and smaller (Bassett xv).” She also states that IBS is an anxiety-related problem common to many people with anxiety disorder and that by age fourteen, everything in her life revolved around her fear of diarrhea. She was constantly in a state of worry and felt uncomfortable in any situation where she couldn’t run if need be (Bassett