Understanding the gut-brain connection and evidence-based treatments that bring relief.
Written by Anna Katherine Black, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
GI Psychology
What Is Visceral Hypersensitivity?
If you’ve ever felt intense stomach pain, cramping, bloating, or nausea that seems out of proportion to what’s happening in your gut, you’re not alone—and there’s a name for it: visceral hypersensitivity.
This condition refers to an increased sensitivity to sensations in the internal organs, particularly the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or other GI disorders, this heightened sensitivity can make everyday digestive processes feel unusually painful or uncomfortable—even when clinical tests show little to no inflammation.
It’s not “in your head,” and it’s not something you’re imagining. Visceral hypersensitivity is real, biologically driven, and—importantly—treatable.
Why Does Visceral Hypersensitivity Happen?
The root of visceral hypersensitivity lies in the gut-brain connection. This two-way communication network between your brain and digestive system constantly transmits signals about stress, digestion, pain, and inflammation. When this system becomes dysregulated—due to past illness, chronic stress, trauma, or ongoing GI symptoms—the brain may begin to “turn up the volume” on pain signals from the gut.
In short: your gut might be sending normal signals, but your brain is interpreting them as threats.
Studies show that individuals with IBS or IBD (even during remission) often experience disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), and visceral hypersensitivity is one of the hallmark features.
How Is Visceral Hypersensitivity Treated?
While medications may help manage inflammation or slow down the gut, they often don’t touch the root cause of hypersensitivity. That’s where evidence-based treatments come in.
1. Gut-Focused Clinical Hypnosis
Also known as gut-directed hypnotherapy, this treatment targets the overactive gut-brain communication that underlies visceral hypersensitivity.
How it works:
In a therapeutic session, a trained clinician guides you into a deeply relaxed state using imagery and focused attention. While in this state, suggestions are given to help the brain respond differently to gut sensations—calming the “overreaction” that fuels pain and discomfort.
Evidence:
RCTs show hypnosis improves pain, bloating, and quality of life in both IBS and IBD:
- Palsson et al. (2002) found 80% of patients with IBS had significant symptom reduction after hypnosis.
- Keefer & Keshavarzian (2006) demonstrated longer remission times and fewer symptoms in ulcerative colitis patients with IBS-like discomfort.
- Paulton et al. (2021) showed hypnosis reduced inflammation and improved health-related quality of life in IBD.
“Hypnosis isn’t magic—it’s a way to access your brain’s built-in healing systems and help your gut feel safe again.”
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for GI
GI-CBT is a structured, skills-based therapy that helps you change the way you respond to gut sensations.
What it targets:
- Catastrophic thinking (“This pain means I’m having a flare.”).
- Health anxiety and hypervigilance.
- Avoidance behaviors (e.g., skipping meals, avoiding travel).
- Emotional amplification of physical symptoms.
Research:
- CBT is linked to improved symptom control, mood, and quality of life for both IBD and IBS patients (Chen et al., 2021; Sweeney et al., 2021).
- Helps reduce pain catastrophizing, which is strongly tied to visceral pain intensity.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on psychological flexibility—the ability to sit with discomfort without letting it take over your choices or identity.
ACT helps you:
- Accept distressing gut symptoms without fighting them.
- Commit to actions aligned with your values (e.g., going to work, spending time with loved ones).
- Learn mindfulness and self-compassion.
For patients with chronic GI pain or persistent visceral hypersensitivity, ACT may reduce suffering even when symptoms persist, and prevent the “pain trap” of anxiety-avoidance cycles.
4. Lifestyle and Nervous System Regulation
Beyond therapy, regulating your autonomic nervous system plays a huge role in treating visceral hypersensitivity.
Options include:
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Slows the nervous system and promotes vagal tone.
- Progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery.
- Mindful movement: Yoga, tai chi, or gentle walking.
- Biofeedback: Can teach you how to consciously lower heart rate and muscle tension.
These strategies help shift your body out of “fight or flight” mode and into “rest and digest,” which can significantly reduce symptom intensity.
5. Multidisciplinary Care
Visceral hypersensitivity often benefits most from a team approach:
- Gastroenterologist to rule out structural disease and manage inflammation
- GI psychologist or gut-brain therapist for targeted psychotherapy
- Registered dietitian if food sensitivity or disordered eating is involved
Primary care or pain specialist if symptoms are widespread
Key Takeaway
Treating visceral hypersensitivity requires more than a prescription—it calls for retraining the brain-gut communication system. With the right support and tools, it’s possible to feel safer in your body, reduce symptoms, and reclaim quality of life.
Take the Next Step
Explore how GI Psychology can help you or your patients:
- Printable resources and educational support
- Schedule a consultation with our team
- Reach out directly: admin@gipsychology.com
References
Barberio, B., Zamani, M., Black, C. J., Savarino, E. V., Ford, A. C. (2021). Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 6(5), 359–370.
Chen, D., et al. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 146, 110505.
Keefer, L., & Keshavarzian, A. (2006). Feasibility and treatment response of gut-directed hypnotherapy for patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis and IBS-like symptoms. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 54(2), 204–220.
Keefer, L., & Palsson, O. (2008). Modalities of hypnotherapy for IBS and IBD: What works and how. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 50(4), 281–293.
Mawdsley, J. E., Smith, D. G., Pang, J. G., Rampton, D. S. (2008). Psychological stress in IBD: New insights into pathogenic and therapeutic implications. Gut, 57(10), 1341–1347.
Paulton, C., et al. (2021). Hypnotherapy for the management of inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 648301.
Sweeney, L., et al. (2021). The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological and physical outcomes in IBD: A meta-analysis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 19(3), 509–519.
Taft, T. H., Keefer, L., Artz, C., Bratten, J., Jones, M. P. (2011). Perceptions of illness stigma in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Quality of Life Research, 20(9), 1391–1399.