My email inbox has seen an uptick in training opportunities related to reducing abdominal pain through trauma treatment. I haven’t attended any of these, but it’s entirely possible that some forms of abdominal pain are caused, or exacerbated, by a history of trauma. When that is the case, it stands to reason trauma treatment could help alleviate symptoms.
An interesting study is taking place in The Netherlands hoping to gain insight into the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment on abdominal pain experienced with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The results could bring the possibility of additional tools to the clinical treatment of IBS. Given that there are currently few effective treatment options, these would be welcomed.
EMDR isn’t the only trauma treatment that may be effective. Attachment healing could be helpful. Somatic Experiencing could be another option. These therapies can be used in combination or succession to create individual trauma treatment plans.
Will this mean that you can forget about restricting your diet and go back to eating whatever you want? Not necessarily. But it may mean reduced physical pain and less emotional stress without a need for pharmaceuticals and their side effects. And it could mean it’s possible to reintroduce some foods without dire consequences.
More research is needed before the scientific community can make any specific determinations. And research moves slowly. In the meantime, if you have experienced trauma, you may want to explore some of these treatments for relief from any lingering effects. Even if they don’t change the way you need to eat, treatment could still be beneficial.
Another option is to participate in a scientific study. As a participant, you will contribute to moving science forward. Not all studies require you to consume medication and all require informed consent. The NIH lists several resources for finding and being matched with a study that fits your circumstances.
The more we learn, the more options we have. That’s why scientific advances are so exciting! We don’t always get the specific answer we desire, but any progress is progress. I’m thrilled by the changes in trauma treatment and the possibilities they bring for expanding the number of foods I can enjoy.
While restrictive diets may continue to play a large part in eliminating various types of abdominal pain, it’s hopeful to see research that is exploring nonpharmaceutical alternatives that could have additional benefits. If trauma treatment can decrease physical abdominal pain along with emotional stress, that’s a big win!