Patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), marked by abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits, may find relief through yoga. A recent study by King George’s Medical University (KGMU) reveals that integrating yoga with conventional treatment significantly reduces IBS symptoms and alleviates stress and anxiety.
Published in the International Journal of Yoga (April edition), the study concludes that regular yoga practice improves both physical and mental well-being in IBS patients.
Understanding IBS and Its Mind-Gut Connection
IBS is a common condition that includes symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and fluctuating bowel movements. Unlike diseases that damage the intestines, IBS stems from disrupted coordination between the brain and the gut.
“IBS is not just a digestive issue,” explained Prof Adarsh Tripathi, co-author and Professor of Psychiatry at KGMU. “There is a strong brain-gut connection, and psychological distress greatly influences how patients perceive their symptoms.”
Study Design: Yoga as a Complement to Conventional Care
As reported by TOI, the research, titled “Exploring the Impact of Yoga Intervention on Psychological Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: A Randomised Controlled Study,” involved 165 IBS patients divided into two groups. One group received conventional treatment plus yoga, while the other received only conventional treatment.
Led by Prof Sandeep Bhattacharya, the research team included Prof Sunita Tiwari (Physiology), Prof Adarsh Tripathi (Psychiatry), and Prof Sumit Rungta (Gastroenterology).
Participants in the yoga group practised five sessions a week for three months. Each session included:
- Asanas (physical postures)
- Pranayama (breathing techniques)
- Meditation
Researchers evaluated participants using several indicators: IBS severity scores, stress and anxiety levels (via DASS-21), body weight, BMI, and cortisol levels before and after the intervention.
Key Findings: Yoga Leads to Significant Improvement
After three months, patients in the yoga group showed remarkable improvement:
- Reduced IBS severity: Patients reported less abdominal pain, improved digestion, and enhanced daily functioning.
- Lower stress and anxiety: Many participants felt calmer, slept better, and had a more positive outlook, although depression scores showed minimal change.
- Better physical health: The group also showed weight loss and reduced BMI, though cortisol levels (a key stress hormone) remained largely unchanged.
“Our aim was to reduce the stress that often worsens IBS,” said Prof Bhattacharya. “And the results confirm that yoga can play a meaningful role in that process.”
Yoga: A Supportive Ally, Not a Substitute
While emphasising yoga’s benefits, the researchers clarified that it should not replace medical treatment.
“Yoga is not a substitute for medicine, but it complements it well,” said Prof Sumit Rungta. “Our findings suggest that yoga helps manage both the physical discomfort and emotional distress associated with IBS.”
They advised patients to consult their doctors before starting yoga and adopt a routine that aligns with their health conditions.
Conclusion: Treating the Gut Means Caring for the Mind
Prof Bhattacharya summed up the study’s message aptly: “When it comes to IBS, healing the gut also means caring for the mind. Yoga offers a way to do both.”