Meditation And BioFeedback
Meditation and biofeedback have been used with some success for teens with functional abdominal pain or a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). They may help reduce stress and allow the teen to better handle the chronic pain.
Gut-directed hypnotherapy can make you open to suggestion and positive affirmations. Gut-directed hypnotherapy has been shown to reduce colon contractions and help reverse negative thoughts about pain. There are not many hypnotherapists nationwide who are trained in gut-directed hypnotherapy so finding a qualified professional may be challenging. Your physician can make a referral if there is someone in your area who is trained in gut-directed hypnotherapy.
Biofeedback trains patients to control involuntary body functions like heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. A biofeedback session uses signals like beeping or flashing lights in a changing pattern with the goal of changing the way you think and feel. Studies have shown that biofeedback can lead to improved pain control and improved quality of life, but there have been few studies using biofeedback successfully for teen patients with functional abdominal pain. Your doctor can provide recommendations for certified biofeedback practitioners in your area if this is a good treatment option for you.
