Patient - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Meditation/Relaxation

Keefer L and Blanchard EB. "A one year follow-up of relaxation response meditation as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Behaviour Research & Therapy. 40(5): 541-546, 2002.
Ten of thirteen original participants of a study of IBS participated in a one year follow-up study to determine whether the effects of Relaxation Response Meditation (RRM) on IBS symptom reduction were maintained over the long-term. From pre-treatment to one-year follow-up, significant reductions were noted for the symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating. When changes from the original three month follow-up point to the one year follow-up were examined, significant additional reductions in pain and bloating were noted, which tended to be the most distressing symptoms of IBS. It appears that: (1) continued use of meditation is particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of pain and bloating and (2) Relaxation Response Meditation is a beneficial treatment for IBS in the both short- and the long-term.

Keefer L and Blanchard EB. "The effects of relaxation response meditation on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: Results of a controlled treatment study." Behaviour Research & Therapy. 39(7): 801-811, 2001.
In this study, Herbert Benson’s (1975) Relaxation Response Meditation program was tested as a possible treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Sixteen participants were randomized to either a six week meditation condition or a six week wait list symptom monitoring condition. Thirteen participants completed treatment and follow-up. Patients in the treatment condition were taught the meditation technique and asked to practice it twice a day for 15 minutes. Symptom Reduction scores were calculated for each patient from end of baseline to two weeks post-treatment (or to post wait list). Meditation was found to be superior to the symptom-monitoring control. Significant improvements were noted for flatulence and belching by post-treatment. By three month follow-up, significant improvements in flatulence, belching, bloating, and diarrhea were shown on symptom diary. Constipation approached significance. Benson’s Relaxation Response Meditation appears to be a viable treatment for IBS.