Imagine this, it’s cold and you’re having hot flashes, the inconvenient feeling like the lower back is being torn from the abdomen. Menstrual cramps, we’ve all been there. Just before the period starts and few days during. This condition has a name, dysmenorrhea, and is treatable. Severe menstrual cramps can make it difficult for some women to make it work or even just to get through the day. But let’s unwind the actual process. The uterus has 3 layers and the one on the surface is being peeled off if pregnancy isn’t an option. That said we assume something else is happening down there. You’re right. Women are carriers of the divine feminine energy, the most powerful in the world so it has a complicated nature. Muscle contractions happen and as the layer goes it torn blood vessels down the road. As they rupture we bleed. We got that part covered, but what do we do against the pain? Fortunately, we have plenty of choices.
The most used one is pills against pain, but I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Firstly they are addictive and also some studies show that they increase the pain the very next month. They belong in the group of non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicines such as ketoprofen. Another bad side is that they coagulate the blood cells so they decompose quickly and eventually, it becomes anemia. Lucky a lot of studies show that natural remedies that are as good as the pills for a simple reason, they effectively cure the pain.
Taking magnesium and vitamin B6 few days before (if regular) period
Magnesium is a natural muscle contraction regulator therefore it acts as a calcium blocker and helps the muscles relax. Foods rich with magnesium are spinach, kale, avocado, bananas, nuts and seeds, broccoli, asparagus, raspberries, etc. Another way is as a food supplement, for example, magnesium direct. Vitamin B6 on the other hand is a significant central produces of serotonin and gaba neurotransmitters which have an impact on reducing stress, depression, fatigue and nausea. When taken he relaxes the whole body. Foods with vit. B6 are soya, oatmeal, fish, bread and eggs. Also can be taken as a supplement. This worked out for me.
Tea
Ginger tea can be taken fresh or dried both effective. This one has also anti-inflammatory effects. A study shows that it also controls heavy menstrual bleeding.
Raspberry leaf tea was used in traditional medicine in Europe for women’s health. Like the ginger tea they have similar specifics and also reduces spasms. Chamomile tea is known for its sedative and calming effect.
Peppermint tea helps with mood boost and decreasing pain.
Green tea is a natural diuretic so it helps with decreasing water retention also it improves blood flow in tissues.
Pour yourself a cup of tea in silence and enjoy.
Meditation and diaphragmatic breathing
Find a comfortable position. Imagine your safe spot whether that’s a beach or a mountain and stay there. Focus on breathing by putting both hands on the ribs. Feel the ribs spreading in your arms with every breath. While breathing try closing your eyes and feel the pain, locate it. Try deep breaths enough to get the feeling that fresh air is coming into the painful place. Just as you relax it is believed that the pain will start decreasing.
Daily Exercise
My very favorite is yoga. It’s peaceful and quiet with a lot of stretching. Asanas that help for menstrual cramps.
- Child’s pose for abdominal muscles
- Standing forward fold, stretching the spine and hips
- Knees to chest pose for increasing circulation
- Supine twist
- Cat/Cow
- Corpse pose or savasana is the last resting pose
While stretching breath a couple of times before changing the pose. As hurting as cramps can get it’s very important to stand up and move it. Your body will be thankful eventually. It’s okay to feel a little pain while exercising but only to our own pain meter. If you can’t make it through leave it that way and try again tomorrow. Sometimes buying a cool yoga mat, funny water bottle or yoga blocks can increase the enthusiasm for exercising.
- Plenty of rest over night
- Hot pads for the abdomen and lower back
- Massage
In a clockwise direction for improving circulation and relaxing the abdominal muscles. Even breast massages can help due to producing hormones that will eventually relax the body.
Orgasms
During sex and orgasms, the body produces endorphins which make the person happier.
Essential oils
A study shows that adding some essential oils while doing a massage can ease the pain. Some of them are lavender oil, rose oil, ylang-ylang, peppermint oil, almond oil, etc.
Plenty of water
During the painful cramps and the actual period, the body retains water which causes pain, bloating, and nausea. So make sure you drink enough water. Making your own detox water is simply but great for cleaning your body during the primary and greatest cleaning in humankind, the menstrual period. Chopped cucumber, lemons, mint and ginger in a bowl filled with water. Leave overnight and enjoy.
Summary
There are a lot of ways for easing the pain during periods. The most important of them all remedies is to find the best for your body. Every time we try something, it tells us if it’s helpful. The basics are maintaining a healthy life with variable healthy food, good night sleep, exercise and plenty of fluids. Find what is meaningful for your needs, whether that is resting for a whole day or exercising. Try to remember that even if we try natural remedies during some kind of pain it’s important to make it a lifestyle. Don’t just take care of your temple-the body only when pain is present. In a lot of western medicine literature is said that discomfort comes from something deeper than the actual pain. So, listen to your body and work in synchronicity with it. After all, it knows what’s best for us.