Are you one of the many people who suffer from menstrual cramps? If so, you’re not alone. Many women experience some degree of pain and discomfort each month during their periods. However, there are some things you can do to ease your pain. Here are 10 methods that may help.
A hot bath.
A hot bath can be extremely relaxing and soothing. It helps to relieve pain by improving blood flow to the pelvic area. The heat also helps relax the muscles in your lower abdomen, which can then help alleviate some of the pressure associated with cramping.
You can also add some Epsom salts for even more relief. It’s important to remember that this is best done when the water in the tub is hot. Doing it in a lukewarm bath can worsen menstrual cramps because the temperature change will stimulate your nerves.
Of course, if hot water makes you feel nauseous, try a cold bath instead. It can be very soothing, and it also feels great on your skin. Just make sure the water isn’t too cold because this could make your cramps worse.
Apply heat to your lower abdomen.
When you’re feeling achy and sore from cramping, you may find that applying heat to your lower abdomen can feel very soothing. So, if you don’t have access to a hot bath, try using a heating pad or warm compress for some pain relief. Just make sure it isn’t too hot, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower part of your tummy will help your muscles relax and improve blood flow.
There are many kinds of heating pads available, so it’s easy to find one that meets your needs. However, be aware that if you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, you should avoid applying heat to your upper abdomen.
Drink peppermint tea or eat a gingerbread cookie.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, a natural muscle relaxer that can help relieve menstrual cramps.
You can drink peppermint tea, either hot or cold (it tastes refreshing iced on a warm day). It’s best to use fresh peppermint leaves, but you can also try a peppermint tea bag if you can’t find fresh leaves in your local store.
Eating a gingerbread cookie may also help to ease menstrual cramps. Ginger contains natural compounds known to help reduce muscle spasms, which may also relieve pain.
Another reason why ginger is good for period pain is that it can also help to relieve nausea. So, if you’re feeling sick from cramping, try having a gingerbread cookie or even some ginger tea.
Practice Yoga.
Yoga is an excellent way to relieve menstrual cramps, especially if you practice deep breathing exercises. This can help improve blood flow, and it can also help relax your muscles.
Another benefit of Yoga is that it helps you become more aware of your body and how specific movements can help relieve pain. For example, try practicing yoga poses such as the cat pose and the child pose during your period to help you feel better.
When trying to relieve menstrual cramps, deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to relieve menstrual cramps, reduce bloating and keep your blood sugar levels stable.
That’s because a healthy diet can keep your body healthy and help to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, exercise is excellent for promoting blood flow and reducing muscle tension, which can help to ease menstrual cramps.
Of course, if you have very bad period pain, it may be difficult to exercise regularly. However, even a few minutes of light exercise each day can make a big difference.
Chew some fennel seeds, fresh ginger, or licorice root.
Chewing on fresh ginger or licorice root can be very soothing for menstrual cramps.
Fennel seeds also work well, and they taste great too. However, you may need to chew on a few of these seeds to get the full therapeutic effect. So, if you’re feeling nauseous because of menstrual cramps, try having some fresh ginger or fennel seeds.
Chamomile is another herb that’s great for menstrual cramps 1, especially when made into hot tea. Chamomile contains a compound called apigenin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. So, if your cramps are causing you to experience some inflammation, then drinking hot chamomile tea may help to relieve your symptoms. A great thing about chamomile is that it’s very soothing, and it has a nice, calming effect on the body.
Cinnamon is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which may help relieve menstrual cramps. It is made from tree bark, and its medicinal properties have been known for centuries. If you suffer from cramps, then try adding some cinnamon to your meals or even drink a cup of hot cinnamon tea.
Lemon balm and lime are also natural muscle relaxers that can help to ease menstrual cramps.
Licorice is great for periods, too, because it contains phytoestrogens, which can help to reduce cramps and bloat.
Make sure you stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is excellent for your overall health, and it can also help to reduce any bloating that’s associated with your period.
Bloating can cause quite a lot of pain, especially if it occurs in your abdomen. So, it’s generally a good idea for you to drink plenty of water if you’re experiencing bad period pain.
However, drinking water may not be enough to prevent bloating. If you’re worried about bloating, then it’s a good idea for you to eat plenty of fiber too. Eat more fiber, especially if you have cramps accompanied by diarrhea or constipation.
Fiber can help to ease bloating because it’s a natural laxative 2. Whether you have diarrhea or constipation, eating more fiber can help to regulate your bowel movements and soothe your digestive system.
Eating plenty of fiber is also great for your overall health because it can help to prevent conditions such as heart disease. So, if you want to stay healthy while you’re dealing with period pain, then make sure that you eat plenty of fiber.
Another great thing about fiber is that it can help regulate your blood sugar levels, which can also help reduce menstrual cramps.
Practice mindfulness and meditation.
Meditation and mindfulness can be very helpful for menstrual cramps.
In particular, mindfulness techniques can help you stay in the moment and focus on the positive things in your life.
Meditation can also help to boost your mood, and it’s a great way of reducing stress. When you’re stressed, your body’s natural fight or flight response kicks in, and this can cause you to experience more pain.
That’s why it can be beneficial for you to meditate to promote emotional wellness and stay in the moment. Mindfulness meditation involves taking the time out of your day to practice deep breathing and focus on the present moment.
You can quickly start meditating; all you need is a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and all the time in the world to yourself.
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Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is one of the most common forms of traditional Chinese medicine, and it can be very effective at relieving menstrual cramps 3.
When you get acupuncture, the acupuncturist will insert very thin needles into specific points in your body.
The purpose of this is to stimulate your body’s natural energy flow, which is called Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Stimulating your Qi can help to release natural painkillers in your body, which can help to ease your cramps.
While Chinese medicine may not be for everyone, there’s plenty of evidence that suggests it works, so it’s worth at least trying.
Massage with essential oils.
A massage is a form of bodywork that involves the systematic and gentle manipulation of soft tissue in your body. In particular, massage can be beneficial for cramps because it can help to reduce tension and anxiety.
If you get your massage with essential oils, that’s even better because essential oils are natural anti-inflammatory agents.
When you have cramps, your body experiences inflammation, and that’s why it makes sense to fight acne with tea tree oil because tea tree oil is an anti-inflammatory agent 4.
Doing this can help relieve your menstrual cramps and make you feel a whole lot better. For example, lavender is great for reducing any pain associated with cramps.
So, next time you have cramps, try getting a massage with essential oils to help reduce any pain you’re experiencing.
Dilute acupressure is a form of massage that’s very similar to acupuncture. Still, the main difference is that instead of using needles, you will use your fingers and thumbs to stimulate your body’s natural healing energy flow.
You can easily stimulate your Qi by applying gentle pressure to the cramping area. You could also try gently massaging the cramping area with essential oils, but if you’re using organic oils, then it’s best to dilute them first.
Conclusion.
If you’re looking for some relief from your period pain, one of these methods will hopefully work for you. However, if they don’t, or if your pain is more severe, please see a doctor. Don’t suffer in silence; there are treatments available that can help make your periods more bearable.
Have you tried any of these methods to relieve your period pain? Let us know in the comments below.
Marcella Raskin is the founder & editor-in-chief. She is a passionate and articulate writer who has dedicated her life to studying human potential. She has studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Life Purpose Coaching, Group Life Coaching. She loves helping women (and men) explore themselves through writing, which allows for an exploration into one’s thoughts on entrepreneurship or personal development topics such as mindset-shaping techniques that can positively shape someone’s perspectives about themselves when they don’t think it could ever happen! She practices sports and has studied Exercise Physiology. She is married and the mother of two girls.
