Description of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

I am truly grateful that I have never experienced Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I know many people that suffer from the disorder and they deal with discomfort and pain on a daily basis. People that suffer from IBS face many challenges trying to find a treatment that works for them. As we know one treatment may work for one person and not another and in dealing with chronic syndromes like IBS that statement seems to ring true. Below is a definition of IBS along with a great story by one of my readers sharing his experience with IBS and the path he found to heal himself and transition into a more holistic way of living.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)is a chronic disorder characterized by motor abnormalities within the gastrointestinal tract, causing variable symptoms including cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea.

Alternative names

Nervous indigestion; Spastic colon; Intestinal neurosis; Functional colitis; Irritable colon; Mucous colitis; Laxative colitis; IBS

Definition

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a complex disorder of the lower intestinal tract. It is mainly characterized by a pattern of symptoms that is often worsened by emotional stress.

It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Irritable bowel syndrome involves a combination of abdominal pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea. There are many possible causes. For instance, there may be a problem with muscle movement in the intestine or a lower tolerance for stretching and movement of the intestine. There is no problem in the structure of the intestine.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can occur at any age, but often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more common in women. Risk factors may include a low-fiber diet, emotional stress, use of laxatives, having had infectious diarrhea, or other temporary bowel inflammation.

Irritable bowel syndrome is extremely common, but only a small number of people seek treatment.

Symptoms

• Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain
• Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
  • Following meals
  • Relieved by bowel movement
  • Intermittent
• Abdominal fullness, gas, bloating
• Abdominal distention
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Emotional distress
• Depression

Ralph's Story

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Meditation

In 1996, I began experiencing periodic bouts of nausea that would last anywhere from 2 to a 24 hours. After a series of diagnostic tests, no known cause of my illness was found and I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, for which there was no known cure. Doctors sympathetically told me to "eat more fiber."

I began exploring alternative medicine, like Reiki, Chiropractic care, and Rolfing. I changed my diet and took tons of supplements. Although I received relief from these things, nothing cured my condition...until I stumbled upon meditation...

Through formal meditation study, I was able to come to the understanding that my own thoughts, feelings and actions were the root cause of my illness. By holding on to lingering resentments, I was breeding my disorder. Through connection with a meditation teacher, and disciplined practice, I learned how to control my mind. Self-destructive thoughts of anger and resentment were replaced by a universal connectedness to all things. I slowly transformed the way I looked at my past, and this allowed me to transform my experience in the present while anticipating a future full of hope.

Within 3 months of being initiated into meditation by my meditation teacher Gurumayi, I was no longer experiencing IBS and I have not experienced the symptoms of IBS since.

Would I do It Again?:

Yes. I continue to meditate each day and teach others how to meditate at spiritual-healing-meditation.com

http://www.answers.com/topic/irritable-bowel-syndrome

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000246.htm

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