When seeking help with digestive system symptoms it is advisable to visit a GP for diagnosis. GPs may carry out or refer for tests and guided by results a diagnosis may be reached and a treatment plan put in place this might include medical treatment, medication or advice on self-management. Many of the patients that contact me for practical help and advice find themselves stuck in the self-management stage and having undergone various procedures/tests etc the question often remains what is the cause of symptoms? Many years of professional experience has led to me to conclude that one of the most common causes of a substantial range of digestive symptoms including food intolerance is stress. For some patients this can be due to the body’s immediate response to a shock or trauma (acute), for others it may be due to an inability to recognise that they are stressed and over time the physical symptoms become tolerated and perceived as the norm (chronic) and subsequent discomfort lived with. I have also found that some patients are unaware of the mind/body connection and how strongly emotional upset may affect physical functioning of the body, others are reluctant to share often complex stressful experiences with health care professionals for fear of being assessed as unable to cope or labelled as an anxious patient. Complementary medicine is based on the holistic principle that every patient is unique and considers the wellbeing of the whole person (mind, body and emotions). As a professional complementary practitioner, I am qualified to offer a range of therapeutic interventions and experienced in the selection and adaptation of appropriate treatments in response to individual patient needs coupled with the provision of a safe and calm space, assurances of confidentiality and time to listen. Specialising in Clinical Reflexology, Counselling and Nutritional Therapy including Homoeopathic Prescribing has over many years proved to be a successful combination of therapeutic interventions that not only help and support stressed patients but bring about positive change. Stress can adversely affect the functioning of the mind by disrupting cognitive reasoning, the body by triggering nerve responses that negatively impact on system(digestive) functioning including muscle action and the emotions in such a way as to produce negative changes to mood, personality and behaviour. Clinical Reflexology helps promote physical and mental relaxation via balancing the various nervous systems of the body, promoting a sense of wellbeing and reducing the physical effects of stress including those connected to digestion. Often when relaxed during treatment patients will talk about their worries or concerns. Helping patients identify their stress triggers and introducing Counselling techniques such as EFT “Tapping” and breath control etc is an integral part of treatment. Understanding the impact of stress on the digestive system is discussed within a Nutritional Therapy consultation. When stressed the nervous system automatically alters the processes of digestion and may produce a range of associated symptoms. Each individual patient will experience symptoms of stress in ways specific to them, however some patterns of behaviour and those symptoms associated with food intolerances have become easily identifiable. Specific Homoeopathic remedies have proved to be beneficial in calming and re-balancing the digestive system especially when used in conjunction with dietary changes. If you need help or guidance to make changes and to reduce the impact of stress on your wellbeing please get in touch.
