Health Matters This page is dedicated to the common conditions that affect many of us the aim is to offer an understanding of these conditions.

Over the years I have noticed that certain conditions present themselves time and time again. However, many of them respond very well to the different forms of massage and therapies. This page gives a brief description on a variety of conditions and their effects and will offer simple advice that may help to alleviate some of the symptoms. This page will be regularly up-dated. This months condition is..

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterised most
commonly by:

• Cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Intermittent constipation/diarrhoea

• Experiencing stress in one form or another
• Poor diet or difficulty maintaining a balanced diet
• Sedentary job or life style

There has been a lot of research done on IBS especially in the USA where findings indicate stress, poor diet and lack of exercise play major roles in the onset and continuation of IBS.


I have found, is always present with IBS regardless of the form it takes. It doesn't matter if you are "worrier", experiencing life-changing circumstances or are under a continual level of stress the effect will be the same on your systems. The Nervous & Hormonal Systems are adversely affected by stress and our Immune System is governed by these two systems. Therefore, when we are suffering the effects of stress, it depresses our Immune System and often people report regular colds, coughs and infections. Lack of energy and generally feeling low is consistent with IBS. The Immune, Nervous & Endocrine Systems are integral to a healthy working Digestive System. Taking steps to alleviate stress is a very import part of managing IBS.


It is important to improve diet, if it is a contributing factor, and I would suggest that this is done gradually to minimise the effect of change on the bowel. (You may wish to seek advice from an expert in the field of Diet & Nutrition). When discussing symptoms with clients, they often describe how they had tried to change their diet but found it difficult because the changes caused unwanted effects and they quickly gave up returning into old eating habits. The bowel will takes time to adjust to removing certain foods or adding new foods. Eating or indeed cooking the new diet will also take time to get used to. Therefore making any sudden, big changes to the diet will be too hard to manage and maintain.

An idea would be to start with just one or two items that you know upset your digestion and take a bit of time to get used to being without them. Examples of known IBS irritants are coffee/caffeine drinks, fizzy drinks, alcohol, chocolate and chewing gum. It would be a good idea before you change anything to keep a food diary for a few weeks to see what and when you actually eat and note any symptoms. See if there is a pattern. This way problem foods will be revealed and slowly you can reduce or remove these food types. Also it is important to have a good intake of water at least 4 - 8 glasses of water per day to re-hydrate the body. I know that sounds a lot but you'll be amazed how quickly you get used to drinking water and actually start to want more. Of course to begin with there will be a well-worn path to the "little boys/girls room" but this will pass.


Boosts the Immune System. Exercise increases blood flow and brings vital nutrition to the tissues of the body including to the digestive tract. Lack of movement reduces this important process. Sitting for long periods of time compresses the abdominal contents reducing its ability to function properly. Movement and exercise are very important. If your job requires sitting for long periods, take a few minutes regularly throughout the day to get up and walk about, even if it is just to go and get another glass of water. If you do not regularly exercised try to start gradually by taking regular walks. 10 - 15 minutes during lunch breaks, before or after work slowly building this up increasing some of the walks to 15 - 20 minutes. The walks don't have to be long but they will make a big difference to your overall well-being. Exercise is a great way to release stress.

I regularly come across clients suffering from IBS and find that massage can have a profound effect. Massage of the stomach and lower back helps to relieve the symptoms of constipation and encourages bowel movement. It can be very relaxing. Massage therapy is a great de-stressor and immune system booster. The functioning of the Nervous, Immune, Digestive and Hormonal/Endocrine Systems are all effected by massage and, used in combination with small but positive changes to lifestyle such as increasing exercise, improving diet and taking steps to reduce the stress/pressure of day to day life, the adverse effects of IBS can be greatly reduced.

Please remember that the only person who can diagnose a condition/disease is your GP. Please consult your GP if there is bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent severe pain. These are not normal symptoms of IBS and may indicate other problems. It is important to seek medical advice from your Doctor.