Abstract
This study examined the effect of “Tokeai-desensitization” on reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its related anxiety in a female student. In “Tokeai-desensitization,” first, she imagined the maximum strength of IBS related anxious situation and evaluated its subjective unit of disturbance (SUD), then the therapist gave her “Tokeai-Dohsa method”, which was an induced comfortable mind-body experience on her shoulders. While receiving “Tokeai-dohsa method,” she observed the anxious image until it became tolerable strength, and she reevaluated the USD. This procedure was repeated three times in one therapeutic session. In addition to the usual “Tokeai-desensitization,” self-conducting “Tokeai-desensitization”, which was carried out by herself on her breast, was introduced in the second session. During two months, five therapeutic sessions were carried out. She could control IBS symptom and related anxiety, and realized her irrational beliefs behind IBS. This study suggested that “Tokeai-desensitization” could help her to accept IBS related anxiety in mindful attitude, and to find the growth-promoting meaning of the symptoms. This study was discussed in terms of mindfulness, and cognitive reorganization.
