EFT Tapping for IBS: Natural Relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

EFT Tapping for IBS; Relieve IBS Symptoms with EFT Tapping

If you've been struggling with the discomfort and pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you're not alone. In this article, you’ll learn how Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping can help soothe the troubling symptoms of IBS. EFT Tapping offers relief from the abdominal pains, bloating, and other troublesome symptoms that often accompany IBS.

Are you struggling with the persistent discomfort of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Do unpredictable bowel movements and abdominal pains disrupt your daily life?

Imagine the frustration of having to constantly plan your day around bathroom breaks. Or perhaps feeling bloated or nauseous throughout your day.

The impact of IBS extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting you emotionally as well.

There is a natural way for you to ease these symptoms and regain control over your digestive health. EFT Tapping is an alternative therapeutic technique that can help you manage IBS symptoms effectively.

It is a safe and gentle technique to help you get back to your day without the constant fear of an IBS flare-up. Tapping helps you uncover the deeper root causes of your IBS symptoms and practical strategies that you can integrate into your daily routine, offering you a way toward digestive wellness.

So, you can now enjoy meals with your loved ones without worrying about bloating or go on that trip with friends or family without being stressed about nausea or cramps.

But before we learn the EFT Tapping sequence, let’s learn a bit more about the elephant in the room (or your gut!).

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These can include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation.

What sets IBS apart is its chronic nature, meaning symptoms can persist over an extended period, often fluctuating in severity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), IBS Symptoms

The tricky part about IBS is that it doesn't show up with visible structural issues in your body; instead, it's more about how your gut functions.

If you've ever experienced abdominal discomfort, bloating, or changes in bowel habits, you may relate to the challenges of IBS. It's more than just occasional tummy troubles.

The exact reasons why IBS occurs aren't entirely clear, but it's believed to involve a mix of factors. Your gut's muscle contractions, how sensitive the nerves in your gut are, inflammation, changes in your gut's bacteria, and even your genes can play a role. On top of that, external factors like stress, what you eat, hormonal changes, and infections can make the IBS symptoms worse.

The unpredictable nature of the symptoms can throw off your plans and make it hard to enjoy everyday activities. Recognising the signs of IBS is vital so you can seek help and find ways to manage it effectively.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

what is IBS, IBS flare up, EFT Tapping for IBS

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is challenging as you can find yourself grappling with unexplained abdominal discomfort, bloating, or irregular bowel habits at times. These symptoms leave you feeling frustrated and anxious.

IBS manifests differently for each person, but there are common signs to look out for:

Abdominal Discomfort

You may experience varying degrees of discomfort or pain in your abdomen, often alleviated after passing stool. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may come and go unpredictably.

Bloating

A sensation of fullness or swelling in your abdomen is common with IBS. Bloating makes one feel physically uncomfortable and self-conscious about the appearance.

Altered Bowel Habits

IBS may cause changes in your bowel movements, leading to bouts of constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both. These irregular bowel habits cause distress and disrupt your daily routine.

Excessive Gas

Experiencing excessive gas or flatulence is another common symptom of IBS. This can lead to discomfort and embarrassment, particularly in social situations.

Urgency and Incomplete Bowel Movements

The urgent need to use the bathroom is often accompanied by a feeling of incomplete evacuation after passing stool. These sensations are frustrating and can impact your daily activities.

Changes in Stool Appearance

Keep an eye out for changes in the appearance or consistency of your stools. They may become loose, watery, or hard and difficult to pass, indicating fluctuations in your digestive health.

What are the Root Causes of Common IBS?

While it is difficult to point out the exact cause of IBS, several factors contribute to its development (1):

Role of Stress and Anxiety

Emotional distress disrupts your digestive system, triggering uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. Recognising and managing stressors help alleviate IBS symptoms.

Dietary Influences

Certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine and alcohol, exacerbate IBS symptoms. Keeping a food diary and using it to identify trigger foods helps make dietary changes that support your digestive health.

Hormonal Influences

Hormonal changes, especially in women, affect bowel movements and contribute significantly to IBS symptoms.

Other Potential Factors

Factors such as genetics, gut microbiota imbalance, and gastrointestinal infections may also contribute to the development of IBS.

Symptoms and effects of IBS in Females

symptoms of IBS in females, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), EFT for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is challenging, especially for women who often experience unique symptoms and effects. If you're reading this, you may already be familiar with the discomfort, frustration, and uncertainty that IBS can bring into your life.

The effects of IBS in females might look like this (2):

Emotional Distress

Dealing with the physical symptoms of IBS can take a toll on your emotional well-being. You may experience increased anxiety, depression, or stress, especially when symptoms flare up unexpectedly. The fear of experiencing symptoms in public or social settings can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.

Impact on Quality of Life

The chronic nature of IBS significantly impacts your quality of life, affecting your ability to work, travel, and participate in social activities. You may find yourself avoiding certain foods or situations to prevent the symptoms from flaring up, resulting in feelings of frustration and limitation.

Physical Discomfort

The physical symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel irregularities, can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience in your daily life. You may find it challenging to concentrate at work or enjoy leisure activities when you're constantly battling gastrointestinal symptoms.

Interference with Relationships

IBS can strain your relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. The need to frequently excuse yourself to use the bathroom or the inability to participate in social events can lead to misunderstandings and feelings of isolation.

It's essential to communicate openly with your loved ones about your condition and seek their understanding and support.

Time to seek support and develop self-care practices to effectively manage IBS symptoms!

WHY PRACTISE Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for IBS Relief?

If you are looking for a natural and gentle way to alleviate your Irritable Bowel Syndrome or long for relief from these unpredictable flare-ups and digestive distress, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping offers a promising avenue for deeper healing.

EFT Tapping is a holistic approach that combines elements of traditional Chinese medicine with modern psychology.

This holistic approach harnesses the body's innate healing abilities to address both physical and emotional aspects of the condition (3).

By gently tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on the symptoms and associated emotions, EFT helps to release blocked energy and restore balance.

With EFT Tapping, you can experience relaxation, reduce stress levels, and overcome the discomfort of IBS symptoms. By addressing the root causes of your digestive issues and promoting overall well-being, EFT empowers you to take control of your health and live a life free from the hassle of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

How does EFT Tapping Work for IBS?

Whether you're experiencing abdominal pain, bloating, or anxiety related to your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, EFT Tapping offers a safe and natural way to find relief.

Many individuals with IBS experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, or trauma, which can heighten their symptoms.

By addressing these emotional triggers, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) helps to create a sense of calm and relaxation within.

How exactly do the Emotional Freedom Techniques work to alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

The answer lies in the intricate connection between the mind and body. EFT Tapping operates on the principle that emotional stress and negative thought patterns can manifest as physical symptoms in the body, including digestive issues like IBS.

As you tap on the energy points, you send calming signals to your brain, signalling a shift from the fight-or-flight response to a state of relaxation and ease.

Tapping also helps to reduce the intensity of physical symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea, while also promoting emotional well-being.

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EFT Tapping SEQUENCE for IBS Relief

Two common emotions are the most noticeable in IBS patients, anxiety and depression. Since you can only work on one emotion at a time with EFT, we will be taking ‘anxiety’ as an example in the tapping sequence below:

Step 1:

First, use EFT Tapping on IBS symptoms.

Start by tuning into your body and becoming aware of the physical and emotional sensations associated with your IBS symptoms. Take a moment to acknowledge your current state.

Temperature Check

Start by noticing how you're feeling both in your mind and body. Identify how your IBS symptoms are making you anxious. Think about the emotions, thoughts, and how your body feels because of this anxiety.

Ask yourself:

Which IBS symptoms make you most anxious?
What triggers this anxiety?
What would make you feel better or less anxious?

Feel the Physical Sensations

Pay attention to where in your body you feel the anxiety. Try to describe these feelings with colour, texture, size, and shape. Next, rate how intense your anxiety feels on a scale of 1 to 10.

EFT Tapping Steps for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Tapping steps for IBS

Start Tapping, beginning with the Karate Chop (Side of the Hand)

Begin tapping on the side of your hand while saying:

“Even though I feel anxious about my IBS symptoms, especially when I feel [specific symptom] in my [body part], and it’s at a level [__], feeling [describe sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

Tap on the Facial and Upper Body EFT Tapping Points

Continue tapping and address your feelings of anxiety using the following or similar phrases:

Eyebrow: This anxiety about my IBS...
Side of the Eye: I feel it in my...
Under the Eye: It’s at a level...
Under the Nose: This anxiety makes me feel...
Chin: Being anxious about my symptoms...
Collarbone: It feels overwhelming when...
Under the Arm: This feeling of anxiety...
Thumb: Because of my IBS, I feel...
Index Finger: This anxiety makes...
Middle Finger: I feel it deeply when...
Ring Finger: This sense of anxiety...
Little Finger: It feels so...

Close the Sequence by going back to the Karate Chop

Tap on the Karate Chop point again and repeat your starting phrase to reinforce self-acceptance despite the anxiety:

Breathe, Relax and Hydrate

Take a deep breath, relax, and have some water.

Test Yourself

Notice how you feel now compared to before. Ask yourself:

What number is the anxiety at now?
What feels different after tapping?
How do I feel about my IBS symptoms now?

If you’re feeling better and less anxious, you may end here. If you still feel anxious, you might want to tap a few more rounds.

Step 2:

Explore Past Experiences Related to IBS

Connect with the emotions related to your IBS and where you feel them in your body. Ask yourself:

When did you first notice your IBS symptoms?
What was happening around that time?
Have you felt similar emotions before?
What triggers your IBS symptoms to worsen?

This can help you understand and heal the emotional aspects of IBS.

Step 3:

Address Any Limiting Beliefs from the Past

Think about any negative thoughts related to your IBS and how they affect your anxiety. Transform these into positive affirmations, like:

“I’m always going to be anxious because of IBS.” to “I can manage my anxiety and live comfortably with IBS.”
“My IBS controls my life.” to “I have control over how I respond to my IBS symptoms.”

Step 4:

End with Positive Tapping

Finish your tapping session with encouraging statements:

“Even though living with IBS and feeling anxious is hard, I choose to focus on positive steps I can take to feel better. I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

This EFT Tapping sequence aims to help you manage the anxiety that comes with IBS, encouraging a kinder and more supportive approach to dealing with your symptoms.

“IBS flares are not your fault. They are the nature of the syndrome.”

Beth Rasen

CONCLUSION

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for IBS relief is a gentle step towards greater well-being and gut health. Tapping can help you manage your digestive discomfort and reclaim control over your health.

Healing is a journey, and each tapping session is a step forward on that path.

EFT Tapping for IBS; Overcoming IBS with EFT Tapping

As you continue to tap, allow yourself to let go of any remaining tension or discomfort, inviting in a sense of calm and relaxation. Trust in the process, and trust in yourself, knowing that you have the power to find relief from IBS symptoms.

Trust in your body's ability to heal!

Love,

Dr Rangana Rupavi Choudhari (PhD)

P.S. Want to discover if EFT Tapping is right for you? Book a Complimentary Discovery Call.

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In summary, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a holistic approach towards digestive wellness. With EFT, the focus is not on the symptoms but rather on the underlying emotions that are either causing the symptoms to occur or elevating their intensity. Through the simple practice of tapping on specific energy points, you can reduce or overcome deep-rooted emotions and restore balance within the body, resulting in better gut health.

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