As a colonic hydrotherapist, trainer, and board member of RICTAT, I work with people every day who feel frustrated, confused, and often exhausted by their digestion. Many have been told they have IBS, sometimes after years of tests and sometimes after very few, and are left wondering what that actually means and what they can realistically do about it.
IBS can feel like the ultimate non-answer diagnosis. You know something is not right, but you are told everything looks “normal”. Meanwhile, your bowels appear to have missed that memo entirely.
This article aims to explain what IBS is, how it may present, what can aggravate it, and how digestive balance can be supported sensibly. This includes where colonic hydrotherapy may play a supportive role for some individuals, when delivered appropriately and alongside medical care.
This information is based on both clinical experience and current evidence, and is intended to support understanding rather than replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
What Is IBS?
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the bowel does not function as it should, despite no visible structural disease being found on standard testing.
IBS is recognised by the NHS and affects an estimated one in five people in the UK, making it one of the most common digestive conditions.
IBS is typically diagnosed based on symptoms rather than test results. While this can be medically reassuring, it can feel deeply unhelpful for the person experiencing very real daily discomfort.
Common Types of IBS
IBS is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It is commonly grouped into subtypes based on bowel habits:
- IBS-C, constipation predominant
- IBS-D, diarrhoea predominant
- IBS-M, mixed bowel habits
- IBS-U, unclassified
Many people move between categories over time, which can make management feel unpredictable and frustrating.
Symptoms of IBS
IBS symptoms vary in intensity, frequency, and presentation. They often fluctuate and may worsen during periods of stress, hormonal change, illness, or dietary disruption.
Digestive Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved after a bowel movement
- Bloating and visible abdominal distension
- Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating patterns
- Excess wind
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
Associated Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Back or pelvic discomfort
- Bladder irritation
- Anxiety related to bowel urgency, particularly when leaving the house
Many people describe IBS as unpredictable, manageable one day and disruptive the next, which can significantly impact confidence, routine, and quality of life.
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. Current research suggests it is likely multifactorial, involving a combination of physiological and neurological factors, including:
- Altered gut-brain communication
- Heightened sensitivity of the bowel
- Changes in gut motility
- Imbalances in the gut microbiome
- Previous gut infections
- Food intolerances or sensitivities
- Stress and nervous system dysregulation
IBS is not “all in your head”. However, the gut-brain connection plays a very real and measurable role in symptom development and flare-ups.
How IBS Is Diagnosed
There is no single diagnostic test for IBS. Diagnosis is usually made using symptom-based criteria, such as the Rome IV criteria, alongside investigations to rule out other conditions.
Red flag symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, persistent or severe pain, or symptoms that wake you from sleep should always be investigated by a GP or gastroenterologist.
Managing IBS: Practical and Supportive Approaches
IBS management focuses on symptom reduction and improving quality of life, rather than cure. Many people find meaningful improvement through a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and nervous system support.
1. Diet and Food Awareness
Some individuals benefit from:
- Identifying and reducing trigger foods
- A short-term low-FODMAP approach under professional guidance
- Eating regular meals
- Slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and eating mindfully
Food diaries can be useful, but perfection is not required. The goal is awareness, not restriction or anxiety around food.
2. Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis
Stress is a well-recognised IBS trigger. The bowel is highly responsive to emotional and nervous system input.
Supportive practices may include:
- Gentle, regular movement
- Breathing techniques
- Prioritising sleep
- Reducing overstimulation
You do not need to overhaul your life or become a yogi. Small, consistent changes often have the greatest impact.
3. Supporting Bowel Regularity
Irregular bowel habits can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Supporting hydration, introducing fibre gradually, and establishing routine can make a noticeable difference for many people.
IBS and Constipation: A Common Overlap
In clinical settings, many people with IBS experience chronic constipation or incomplete bowel movements, even if diarrhoea also occurs at times.
Stool retention can contribute to:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pressure
- Discomfort and pain
- Increased bowel sensitivity
Addressing bowel emptying gently and appropriately is often a key part of symptom management.
Where Colonic Hydrotherapy May Support People With IBS
Colonic hydrotherapy does not treat or cure IBS, and it is important to be clear about that.
However, when delivered by a suitably trained, insured, and registered practitioner, it may offer supportive benefits for some individuals, particularly those with constipation-predominant or mixed IBS.
In clinical practice, some clients report supportive benefits such as:
- Encouraging regular bowel movements
- Reducing bloating associated with stool retention
- Improving awareness of bowel habits
- Supporting comfort during dietary or lifestyle changes
As a RICTAT-registered practitioner, suitability is always assessed through a full consultation, and colonic hydrotherapy is never recommended where contraindicated.
IBS is highly individual. What supports one person may not be appropriate for another.
When Might It Be Worth Booking In?
You may consider colonic hydrotherapy as part of a broader IBS support plan if you:
- Experience chronic constipation or incomplete evacuation
- Feel persistently bloated despite dietary changes
- Are undertaking a gut-focused lifestyle or nutrition programme
- Want professional digestive support alongside medical care
Colonic hydrotherapy should always complement, not replace, appropriate medical advice.
Living With IBS: A Realistic Perspective
IBS can be frustrating, inconvenient, and occasionally downright rude. Few things humble you quite like your own digestive system having opinions about your plans.
The encouraging news is that many people do find ways to manage symptoms effectively over time. It often requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to listen to your body, even when it is being dramatic.
Digestive health is rarely about doing everything. It is about doing the right things, consistently.
About the Practitioner
Sarah C is a RICTAT-registered colonic hydrotherapist, trainer, and educator with extensive experience supporting digestive health in a clinical setting. Her work focuses on safety, informed consent, and realistic, evidence-informed digestive support delivered alongside appropriate medical care.
References and UK-Relevant Resources
- NHS UK. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- British Society of Gastroenterology. IBS guidelines
- Ford AC et al. Irritable bowel syndrome. The Lancet, 2020
- Camilleri M. Management of IBS. Gastroenterology, 2021