This article first appeared in the Frontiersman in Fall, 2006 Everyone has probably had occasional bouts of constipation and or diarrhea, but if these symptoms become frequent it may be irritable bowel syndrome. IBS, short for Irritable bowel syndrome, is a common gastro- intestinal disorder , affecting about 30 percent of world population. It affects 35 million in the US alone, usually affecting young to middle age adults.   IBS generally involves the large intestine and is characterized by cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation . IBS is a functional disorder wherein the nerves and muscles in the large intestine (bowel) become extra-sensitive. This can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after meal. Researches also show that women suffer more from IBS during their menstrual periods, creating a link between IBS and reproductive hormones. Twice as many women suffer from IBS than men. Though IBS does not really cause any damage to internal organs, it causes great deal of suffering and anxiety. Stress is one of the factors that trigger IBS symptoms.    Foods like milk products, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, food with high fat content, and insoluble fiber can also trigger symptoms.   Treatment for IBS includes: yoga and stress management; a diet that is high in soluble fibers; and medications like antidiarrheals, antispasmodics, or tricyclic antidepressants which can be helpful when symptoms are overwhelming. Why Yoga is Recommended for IBS A study done at the Mayo Clinic documented in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (February, 1998) showed that exercise, diet, and stress management reduced IBS symptoms.   "The Mayo study shows that people do better if they use active and positive coping strategies for pain," says Bruce Naliboff, PhD., a functional disorders and pain specialist at the UCLA Center for Integrative Medicine and West Los Angeles VA Health Care Center.   This is why many experts recommend stress reduction, and exercise like yoga as a more effective way to prevent recurrences.   With IBS the goal is to reduce symptoms and restore optimum health and wellbeing. With yoga, there are no undesired side effects, as can be possible with medication. Another study conducted in 2003 by Michael Lee, the founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and Michael Taylor, MD.   showed a 55% overall drop in symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome for participants with IBS who participated in an 8 week training in yoga, and stress management techniques.   Practicing yoga will initially help lessen the existing symptoms that are painful and unpredictable and, if practiced regularly, will result in less frequent and intense occurrence IBS. Another fundamental benefit of yoga is that it teaches us to breathe more slowly, and fully, which brings about a state of calmness and serenity. When we are under stress, the diaphragm becomes rigid and we develop shallow breathing. This often happens outside of our conscious awareness. Over time this abdominal tension and shallow breathing becomes chronic, stimulating the sympathetic (fight or flight response). The yogic breath stimulates the release of endorphins which elicit a desirable relaxation response to the nervous system. Two specific yoga poses that are helpful during a flare-up of IBS are simple supine twist and knee to chest pose, which may help soothe a hyperactive bowel or can stimulate a sluggish one.   This gentle twist increases blood flow to the abdominal organs, and both poses strengthen abdominal muscles, and release tightness in the back. They are also a great preparation for relaxation. In conclusion, Yoga can help you gain control over you health and well-being; however, you should always bear in mind that Yoga is not the sole treatment for any ailment. Always seek your physician's advice before you begin any exercise. Tammy Moser RYT regularly offers an 8-week Yoga Therapy/ Stress Management course. For more information please contact Tammy at 745-5248 or at tammy@yogainthevalley.com