The Blog

Insights on the mind–body connection

Articles on IBS, MdDS, anxiety, stress and wellbeing — exploring how the mind and body work together, and how gentle approaches can help.

Mind & Body The brain behind the symptoms

What's happening in the brain?

A question people often ask is whether IBS or MdDS affect a particular part — or side — of the brain. The honest answer from current research is that both are better understood as patterns across networks of brain regions working together, rather than damage to one spot. Here's a simple, accurate picture of each.

IBS
The Gut–Brain Axis
A two-way conversation
Prefrontal cortexthinking, regulation Anterior cingulate Insulabody sensing Amygdalaemotion, stress two-waysignals Gut (enteric nervous system) the "second brain"
Simplified for general understanding. Regions associated with IBS in research — a whole network, not one side. Not a diagnostic or treatment claim.
MdDS
The Brain's Networks
Networks that get "stuck" in sync
Visual–vestibularmotion processing Entorhinal cortex & amygdalamore active in MdDS Prefrontal cortexregulation (reduced link) over-connected weakened link
Simplified for general understanding. A limbic focus over-connected to motion-processing areas and less regulated by the prefrontal cortex — a network pattern, not one side. Not a diagnostic or treatment claim.

This information is for general understanding only and is not medical advice. Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical care — please always speak to your doctor about your symptoms.

IBS Understanding the condition

What causes IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is rarely about just one thing. It sits at the meeting point of the gut and the brain, where stress, sensitivity and digestion all influence one another. Here's a simple look at the factors widely understood to play a part.

Healing Beyond Boundaries
What Causes IBS?
Understanding the roots of irritable bowel syndrome
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Gut–Brain Axis
Disrupted communication between brain and digestive system can cause the gut to overreact
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Nerve Sensitivity
Gut nerves can become hypersensitive, making normal digestion feel uncomfortable
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Gut Motility
Food may move too fast or too slow through the intestines
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Microbiome
An imbalance in gut bacteria can disrupt healthy digestion
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Stress & Anxiety
Chronic stress and emotional wellbeing are strongly linked via the gut–brain connection
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Food Triggers
Certain foods, such as FODMAPs or fatty foods, can provoke flare-ups
Hypnotherapy works with IBS at its root — the gut–brain connection.
healingbeyondboundaries.co.uk

This information is for general understanding only and is not medical advice. Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical care — please always speak to your doctor about digestive symptoms.