Nerva: Gut-Brain Therapy

Nerva: Gut-Brain Program, developed by Mindset Health, is a specialized digital therapeutic designed to address Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs). The app focuses on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Functional Dyspepsia (FD), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and chronic bloating. While conventional gastrointestinal treatments heavily emphasize elimination diets (such as the Low FODMAP diet) or pharmaceutical symptom masking, Nerva targets visceral hypersensitivity—the underlying neurological miscommunication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system.

The brain and gut communicate continuously via the brain-gut axis through bidirectional neural, endocrine, and immune signaling pathways. Following an acute trigger such as gastroenteritis, heavy antibiotic use, or chronic psychological stress, the visceral sensory nerves within the intestinal wall can become sensitized. Consequently, normal digestive processes—including normal gas production, intestinal stretching, and peristaltic contractions—are misidentified by the central nervous system as severe pain or threat signals. This leads to abdominal cramping, altered bowel motility, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation.

Nerva’s program was designed alongside Dr. Simone Peters and is grounded in a randomized controlled trial at Monash University. The trial demonstrated that gut-directed hypnotherapy achieved clinical outcomes comparable to the Low FODMAP diet, with 81% of participants achieving significant relief from gastrointestinal symptoms. The app delivers daily 15-minute audio hypnotherapy sessions that utilize subconscious suggestion, mental imagery, and deep relaxation to downregulate overactive visceral nerves. Supplemental components include flare-up toolkits for managing acute symptoms, symptom logging features, and evidence-based psychoeducation. Plus, it also offers AI coaching adjustments based on user triggers and progress.