Autogenic training is a type of relaxation training. The technique involves the use of repetitive phrases that encourage you to imagine parts of your body becoming warm and heavy. This is thought to promote a relaxing effect on your nervous system. A study, recently published in the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, suggests that autogenic training may be helpful in relieving IBS symptoms.

According to the study abstract, 21 subjects were split into two groups. One group received intense training in the autogenic technique, while the individuals in the control group discussed "meal habits and life styles". All subjects filled out a variety of symptom questionnaires. The group that received autogenic training reported significantly higher levels of "adequate relief" of IBS symptoms compared to those in the control group. The group that received the autogenic training also experienced significant improvements in the areas of "social functioning" and "bodily pain".

One cannot draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of autogenic training from a study with such a small population. However, these results are encouraging! Any form of treatment that can bring about symptom relief without a concern for negative side effects is a good one in my book. If any of you have any experience with autogenic training, I would love it if you left a comment below.

For more information, see "How to Practice Autogenic Training" by Arlin Cuncic, About.com Guide to Social Anxiety Disorder.

_Source:

_{Shinozaki M, Kanazawa M, Kano M, Endo Y, Nakaya N, Hongo M, Fukudo S. "Effect of Autogenic Training on General Improvement in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback December 8, 2009 Online First.}

My good friend, Jeffrey Roberts, president and founder of the IBS Self Help and Support Group issued the following press statement today "Disparaging IBS remarks on Senate floor by Senator John McCain furthers misunderstanding of the value of IBS research":

"During marathon sessions to debate Health Reform, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on Saturday December 12, 2009 and Sunday December 13, 2009 identified IBS as an illness unworthy of receiving funds for research. Senator McCain's December 12, 2009 comment, "$665,000 for, I'm not making this one up, for the Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles California for equipment and supplies for the institute for Irritable Bowel Syndrome research. Now, I have a lot of comments on them on that issue, but I'll just pass so not to violate the rules of the Senate.", demonstrates contempt for the real pain and suffering felt by the millions of IBS sufferers across the nation. On December 13, 2009 Senator McCain repeated, "Another one that I have been unable to describe adequately without violating the rules of the Senate. $665,000 for Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles California for equipment and supplies for the Institute for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research. The only thing I can say is that problem will not be reduced when people read this legislation, so there may be a need for it. The list goes on and on, it is crazy stuff."

I love Jeffrey's perspective: "IBS isn't an illness that deserves potshots on the Senate floor to make a point with respect to Health Reform. It just perpetuates the myth that IBS is not a serious issue for millions of people who are desperately looking towards research and drug development to ease their suffering." I couldn't agree more. Why pick on IBS? Obviously Senator McCain is ignorant about the level of suffering that IBS patients experience. I have my IBS Hall of Fame - Senator John McCain is now an inductee into my IBS Hall of Shame.

What do you think about Senator McCain's comments? What would you like him to know about what life is like when you have IBS? Please leave a comment below or on the IBS discussion forum.

The way my schedule worked this year, I found myself with less than two weeks to pull off all of the joys and jobs of the holiday season. As the deadline approaches, I can honestly say that I am definitely feeling the pressure. Luckily, a wonderful article on holiday stress just appeared in my inbox - the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Elizabeth Scott, the About.com Guide to Stress Management, shares some simple tips for managing holiday chores in such a way that you still have energy for enjoyment. Take a look:

• How Can I Find Relief From Holiday Stress?

Since you are all experts as to how stress affects your body, don't forget to give yourself a gift of some good old-fashioned stress management this season!

While you are at it, don't forget my guide to surviving the season:

• Holiday Have Tos and IBS

For those of you who are avoiding gluten, either due to a celiac disease diagnosis, or because you believe that gluten sets off your IBS, you will want to check out this list of gluten-free Hanukah recipes published by Nancy Lapid, About.com Guide to Celiac Disease:

• Gluten-Free Hanukah Recipes

Nancy includes recipes for jelly donuts and a wide variety of latkes. Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday!