Why can't IBurp?A free UK guide to R-CPD

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Hypnosis

By the Why Can't I Burp team. Updated 11 November 2026. 3 min read.

Burt snug in a blanket on a cushion with a mug and a sleep mask, calm and cosy

Quick summary

What happened in the hypnosis case?

In 2024, two US doctors wrote up the case of a 19-year-old lifelong R-CPD sufferer (opens in a new tab). They used hypnosis, and thereafter, the patient was able to burp small amounts of air (opens in a new tab). He was told to keep using hypnosis when he needed it.

The suggestions that helped him were to:

The authors think hypnosis and other gentle treatments should be used for R-CPD before (opens in a new tab) Botox. That's their opinion, from one case.

Why might hypnosis help?

Hypnosis is a calm, focused state where you're more open to suggestions. A 2026 review says this case suggests R-CPD can be a functional disorder amenable to behavioral therapy (opens in a new tab). That means that, for some people, the throat may be able to learn to relax. It's the same idea behind relaxing into the burp.

How could I try it?

  1. Talk to your GP first, so they know your symptoms.
  2. Find a qualified hypnotherapist. Ask about their training, and whether they've worked with gut or throat problems.
  3. Tell them about R-CPD and any fear of being sick. The NHS says you should tell your therapist if you have any medical conditions (opens in a new tab).
  4. Share the case report (Anbar and Spence 2024 (opens in a new tab)) so they can see the suggestions that were used.
  5. Give it a few sessions, and keep going with your other self-help if you like.

Can I get hypnotherapy on the NHS?

Not for R-CPD. The NHS says it may offer hypnotherapy for people with irritable bowel syndrome if treatment has not worked (opens in a new tab). It also says therapies like this are not tested in the same way as standard medicines (opens in a new tab).

What do people with R-CPD say?

What does the evidence say?

Frequently asked questions

Can hypnosis cure R-CPD?

One 2024 case report says a young man was able to burp small amounts of air (opens in a new tab) after hypnosis. It hasn't been tested on more people, so we don't know how often it works.

Is hypnotherapy available on the NHS for R-CPD?

No. The NHS may offer it for IBS if treatment has not worked (opens in a new tab), but not for R-CPD.

Is hypnosis safe?

For most people it's low risk. Tell your therapist about any medical or mental health conditions, as the NHS advises (opens in a new tab).

Sources

Other things people try

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