In the course of my psychotherapy work, I often consult with patients to have a combination of both psychological and medical conditions.

When we are ill in the gut, with such conditions as ulcers, reflux, constipation, or diarrhea, we suffer both physically and emotionally. There’s ample evidence that the gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders are strongly influenced by psychological and lifestyle factors. Psychological and social stress, early and later traumatic experiences as well as differences in temperament have been found to play a significant role in the course of some GI illnesses. The one, thankful, exception to date is the fairly recent discovery that a bacterium, H. pylori, accounts for most cases of peptic ulcer, which can usually be successfully treated using antibiotics.

When we say someone has “guts,” we usually mean that they are brave and have courage. In such remarks, we tend to localize these traits in the heart (cour is French for heart) or the intestines. It seems that the place where guts are is inside of ourselves. Remember also, that the “in” of intestine points to our insides, both “the where and the what” that constitutes who we are.

Psychological reactions (and also possibly co-causes) of GI disturbances include anxiety, depression, and, of course stressful life events. Some people seem to be more prone to these conditions, but usually a number of factors are present by the time the illness is recognized. Many studies find issues around control, dependency (the unmet need to be and feel adequately taken care of) and experiences of loss and separation, particularly during childhood, to be important.

Studies have shown that experimentally induced stress can cause measurable negative changes in GI functioning, such as increases or decreases in bowel motility (how fast things go through the intestines) and changes in the mucosa (which protects your organs from digestive acids) in the GI tract.

Psychological interventions, including cognitive therapy, focused on changing negative illness beliefs and increasing cooperation with medical recommendations. Relaxation strategies, including hypnosis, have been found to be a helpful adjunct to needed medical treatments. I’d like to offer the interested reader the following short exercise that patients often find helpful.

• Sit in a reclined position or lay down.

• Take several slightly longer and deeper breaths than you usually breath.

• Close your eyes, or have them only slightly open.

• Repeat, silently, “My breath is relaxed,” for as many times as you like, but typically up to ten times.

• Then repeat, “My chest is relaxed.”

• Then repeat, “My gut is relaxed.”

You can identify other body areas to send the relaxing message to and repeat the phrase accordingly.

Research shows that brain activity, such as anxious thoughts or activated painful memories can trigger GI upsets. Training your mind to relax your gut may provide a needed protective mechanism to reduce your overall tension level and buffer you from your tendency to react painfully to internal as well as external stresses.

Hopefully, the result of such practice will be an increase in intestinal fortitude.

(Please note: the content of this website is for informational use only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. DrComeau.com should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. Please consult your health care provider or your local emergency services team (911, in most instances) in the event of a health related concern or emergency.)

Copyright © 2011 Allan J. Comeau, Ph.D.