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Published on: January 5, 2014
Modulation of orocaecal transit time by hypnosis
L Beaugerie1, A J Burger, J F Cadranel
1Service d'Hépatogastroentérologie, Hôpital Rothschild, Paris, France.
Hypnosis can significantly delay orocaecal transit time, the passage of lactulose through the intestines. Hypnotic relaxation extended transit, while acceleration suggestions had no significant effect.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychophysiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Gastrointestinal transit time is a key physiological parameter.
- The influence of psychological states on gut motility is an area of ongoing research.
- Hypnosis is known to affect physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of hypnosis on orocaecal transit time.
- To determine if hypnotic relaxation or acceleration suggestions alter gut transit.
- To assess the modulatory capacity of hypnosis on gastrointestinal function.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy volunteers participated in a randomized controlled study.
- Orocaecal transit time was measured using the hydrogen breath test after ingesting 10g lactulose.
- Three conditions were tested: control, hypnotic relaxation, and acceleration suggestion.
Main Results:
- Mean orocaecal transit time was significantly longer during hypnotic relaxation (133 min) compared to the control period (93 min).
- The acceleration suggestion period showed a mean transit time of 105 min, not significantly different from the control.
- Individual results during acceleration suggestion were highly variable.
Conclusions:
- Hypnotic relaxation significantly delays orocaecal transit time.
- Hypnosis has the potential to modulate gastrointestinal motility.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and therapeutic applications of hypnosis in gut disorders.
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