About 20% of people in the UK have functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. These conditions account for about 4% of GP consultations and 50% of gastroenterologists' workload. Forsome, the symptoms affect quality of life and ability to work. Drug treatment aimed at relieving symptoms is often ineffective. Other options include psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, brief psychotherapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy. Here we discuss whether hypnotherapy has a role in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia.