Understanding the Link Between Stress and IBS — and How Massage Can Help
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive conditions in the UK, affecting an estimated one in five people at some point in their lives. It can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, often impacting both physical wellbeing and emotional balance. While IBS has no single cause, research shows that stress plays a significant role in triggering and worsening symptoms.
At Feel Good Balham, we take a holistic approach to managing IBS, helping clients understand how body and mind work together — and how therapies such as massage can bring lasting relief.
What Is IBS?
IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive system, meaning that the gut looks normal but doesn’t always work as it should. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating and excessive wind
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two
- A feeling that the bowels have not completely emptied
The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to involve a combination of gut sensitivity, changes in the gut microbiome, and communication issues between the brain and digestive system — often referred to as the gut-brain axis.
How Stress Affects IBS
When we experience stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing us for “fight or flight.” While this response can be helpful in short bursts, chronic stress keeps these hormones elevated, which can disrupt digestion and increase gut sensitivity.
Stress can:
- Speed up or slow down the movement of the intestines
- Alter gut bacteria balance
- Heighten perception of pain or discomfort
- Increase inflammation and muscle tension
This explains why many people notice IBS symptoms flaring up during busy, anxious, or emotionally demanding periods.
Massage therapy is a gentle yet powerful way to support the body’s natural ability to relax, rebalance, and heal. For individuals with IBS, massage can help in several ways:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” state — helping to calm the mind, lower heart rate, and reduce cortisol levels. Regular sessions can help break the cycle between stress and digestive distress. - Improves Circulation and Digestive Function
Gentle abdominal massage techniques can stimulate the movement of the intestines, helping to relieve bloating, constipation, and discomfort. Enhanced blood flow also supports better oxygen and nutrient delivery to digestive organs. - Relieves Muscle Tension
Stress often manifests physically through tightness in the abdomen, back, and shoulders. Massage helps release this tension, easing pain and promoting a sense of physical and emotional lightness. - Encourages Mind-Body Awareness
Holistic massage invites you to reconnect with your body and notice how emotions affect physical sensations. This awareness can support lifestyle changes that reduce future flare-ups.
Our Holistic Approach
At Feel Good Balham, our therapists tailor treatments to each client’s unique needs. A session may include abdominal massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and reflexology to help calm the nervous system and support digestive balance.
Massage is not a cure for IBS, but it can be an effective part of a holistic management plan — helping to ease discomfort, reduce stress, and restore a sense of wellbeing from the inside out.
Discover the link between stress and IBS and how holistic massage therapy can ease symptoms, reduce tension, and restore digestive balance naturally.