Balloons are used to distend the bowel and cause pain, while brain scans are conducted to see which part of the brain responds. In people without IBS, the part of the brain that is activated in response to the pain is that which serves to modulate or suppress pain through the use of the brain's own opiates. Scans of people with IBS indicate that this part of the brain is not activated in response to bowel pain. Instead, the part that is associated with anxiety, arousal and hypervigilance responds. One way to regain control over the disorder would be to take active steps to turn off the brain's anxiety response.
Relaxation techniques can help to calm the body by regulating breathing and reducing muscle tension.
The use of distraction, meditation or calming visual imagery can help to reduce hypervigilance. Keeping the body and mind as calm as possible in response to abdominal sensations will help to quiet down the processes that contribute to the severity of IBS symptoms. This web site provides selected information regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome. All information is solely for educational purposes and is not to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified professional about your personal medical needs and any questions you may have regarding the information provided on this site.