Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sometimes referred to as "spastic colon", is characterized by cramps, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or both constipation and diarrhea alternately. The cause of IBS is unknown and it is not due to structural abnormalities. IBS may be exacerbated by stress or certain foods or beverages, such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate or dairy products.
Most individuals are surprised to learn they are not alone with symptoms of IBS. In fact, Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects approximately 15–20% of the general population. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in medical treatment of disorders of the stomach and intestines) and one of the most common disorders seen by all physicians.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not caused by structural, biochemical, or infectious abnormalities. Rather, IBS is considered a dysregulation, or abnormality of brain-bowel function. There is increased pain sensitivity and abnormal motility (increased or irregular muscular movement of the intestines). In IBS, one may alternately have diarrhea and constipation. Diarrhea comes from an increased rate of passage of stool through the colon. Constipation is the result of a decreased speed of stool passing through the colon. Spasms, which are very strong contractions, also occur in IBS — hence the name spastic colon.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who brought the Transcendental Meditation technique to the world more than 50 years ago, has revived and systematized Maharishi Vedic Vibration Technology. The word "Vedic" means pertaining to Veda, the field of Pure Knowledge or Total Knowledge of Natural Law.
For thousands of years, Veda and the Vedic Literature have been held to be the expression of the Total Knowledge of Natural Law. According to tradition, the Vedic sounds contained in Veda are the fundamental vibrations which structure the material universe, including the human body. Through a tender impulse of Vedic vibration, pain can be transformed into a feeling of pleasantness and abnormality can be transformed into normal physiological functioning.