Conception, gestation and birth: what is their effect on health?

Doctors and other health care providers are not trained to ask about the beginning phases of a patient's life. Yet conception, gestation and birth are where our diseases and illnesses are believed to originate. It is important for hypnotherapists to recognize that trauma can begin as early as preconception. This is especially true for all types of gastrointestinal disorders. There are many digestive disorders that can be traced back to a difficult early development such as Colitis, IBS, Diverticulitis, nausea, Diverticulosis, Hiatal Hernia, Heartburn and eating disorders. This is by no means an exhaustive list; many people who are suffering from digestive problems also have athsma, ADD, ADHD, tics, mental illness, achy or sore joints, migraines and sensitive skin. Such individuals may also be highly tactile or intuitive.

Many believe that the embryo or fetus is safe or even cloistered from being harmed by the Mother's experiences with the outside world. In reality, the fetus is more susceptible at this time than at any other time in its life. The fetus is actually able to react, store and suppress traumatic memories. At as early as two weeks of age, the embryo is able to adjust itself to changing light conditions. Any memory or trauma is directly absorbed into the body because a developing fetus has no conscious ability to cope with what is happening. Without the ability to release, integrate, process or heal the occurrence, it leaves s permanent imprint in the Enteric Nervous System. This often-overlooked part of our nervous system is the fetus' only filter for stress and trauma. It is then programmed into the fetal physiology.

The Enteric Nervous System is sometimes referred to as the Intrinsic Nervous system. It consists of a series of nerves bundled in the stomach and contains as many neurons as the spinal column. This second brain is located at the solar plexus and communicates constantly with our logical brain. This system is responsible for blood flow, absorption and secretion for the entire digestive system. It also monitors the levels of dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, nitric oxide and norephinephrine. It also contains benzodiazepines and chemicals of the family of psychoactive drugs, which includes Valium and Xanax. Without the benefit of a fully developed nervous system, the ENS neurotransmitters can be overwhelmed, causing the fetus to feel unsafe.

In women, the symptoms described above worsen with the onset of adolescence, menstruation or pregnancy. Any type of abuse a woman has experienced in her lifetime can surface during such times. When issues arise in the teen years, extremely nervous or psychotic thoughts can cause anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anxious thoughts can cause diarrhea. If the onset of symptoms occurs during pregnancy, morning sickness is often severe. This can disrupt the chance of a healthy and safe gestation, as a fetus is physically and biochemically immersed in the subconscious of its mother. When a woman is re-experiencing so much of her own trauma, her unborn baby is exposed to all the neurotransmitters and emotions created by the mother's unresolved pain. The process of conception, gestation and birthing is a team effort between mother and baby and can create rage or trauma in both partners. Interestingly enough, a mother's motivation for the pregnancy can affect the child's entire life. The society in which the mother lives also has a strong impact on the health of both mother and child. In the United States where we tend to have nuclear families, a pregnant mother is often faced with little support. She also has to contend with strangers accosting her, rubbing her protruding belly and describing a horrific birthing experience of someone they know. The medical profession and the insurance industry now classifies pregnancy as a medical condition and is no longer considered a natural part of life. Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and health care practitioners alike are increasingly adopting this paradigm.

For men the symptoms are usually quite different. Men seem to have a higher tendency to suffer from ulcers, hiatal hernias, heartburn, misogyny and food allergies. Men also have a tendency to seek out adrenaline rushes, risky behavior and addictions as a way of coping from the stress, including less frequent instances of eating disorders. In cases of circumcision, sexual dysfunction or addiction can also present themselves. This original pain can also fester in ways where men are constantly hunting for new ways to fill the void, often only seeking help when faced with deteriorating health conditions. Men appear to be affected differently by social moires then women. They bear witness to and often emulate the behavior of male role models (fathers, uncles, older brothers or world leaders), which is influenced by their own early development. In western civilization, these unhealthy and ego-centered lifestyles are often perceived as powerful. Increasingly, women are beginning to adopt similar masculine roles. As a result of unresolved congenital issues, the cycle of disease and dysfunction continues.

Hypnotherapists have a unique toolbox of skills at their disposal to assist people who are suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. Through the use of techniques such as Timeline Therapy, Regression Therapy, NLP, EFT and energy work, a hypnotherapist can get to the root of a client's suffering and alleviate their symptoms. More importantly, the cycle of trauma can be eased or completely eliminated, helping to ensure the well-being of future generations.

Angela Iozzia, [e-mail]