11 Ways To Avoid Period Cramps And Survive That Time Of The Month
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A painful period can be either a mild nuisance or a debilitating ache. Even if that makes a woman want to curl up in a corner, she just endures it silently, because women don’t talk about it. This is probably why there is a low awareness about quick ways in which women can soothe the aches and cramps. It would be a good idea to make a note of the pointers given below and share it with friends!
1. Get Yourself A Hot Water Bag Or Heat Patch
Experts say applying a heating pad or a hot water bag on your lower abdomen is as effective as taking pain killers (1). Cramps indicate that there is inadequate blood supply to that portion of the body. Application of heat up to 40 degrees Celsius on the painful area improves blood supply and inhibits pain. This not only brings relief to the woman, but also prevents damage to that tissue.
2. Slip Into A Hot Herbal Bath
A bath not only gives you the heat you need to improve circulation, it also provides a sensory distraction and relaxes you. Soak tiny sachets of herbs in your bath water for a few minutes so that water absorbs the colors, flavors, and muscle relaxants from them. Choose from a variety of herbs such as lavender, lemon balm, nettle, sage, calendula, ginger powder, eucalyptus, and chamomile. Now, you can sink into this bath and feel the toxins get washed away from your skin.
3. Massage Your Lower Abdomen And Back
According to medical experts massaging the painful tissues on your back and lower abdomen can significantly reduce pain (2). Using herbal oils for massage, also known as aromatherapy, is recognized as being very effective, especially when two or more oils such as cinnamon, lavender, and sage are combined with cream. The area around the navel, the lower abdomen, and the back should be rubbed with this mixture of oils for a few minutes. Massage helps the body as well as the mind cope with the stress caused by menstruation.
4. Herbs From The Kitchen Can Work Magic
Common herbs in the kitchen such as turmeric, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon with a dash of lemon and honey can make for a delicious herbal tea – the prefect hot concoction to soothe away the pain from your cramped muscles!
5. Lovemaking For Pain Relief
A good roll in the hay inhibits pain by releasing chemicals into the blood stream that soothe the nerves and pain receptors in them. It increases the flow of blood to your lady bits, which accelerates the healing process thereby helping you deal with your period. The contractions experienced during lovemaking also regulate the flow of blood out of the body and help in ending the period sooner.
6. Hydration For Wellness
When a woman is careless about drinking water, her body starts storing it, causing her to bloat. To prevent this, drink plenty of fluids and munch on fruits such as oranges, watermelons, and vegetables such as cucumber, broccoli, and spinach to keep yourself hydrated.
7. Vitalize With Vitamins
Vitamin and calcium supplements improve the overall wellbeing and resistance that make a period less painful. Omega-3 fatty acid capsules help too. If you do not enjoy taking tablets, you must know which foods provide these nutrients and have them, for they reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
8. Yoga Postures For Relief
Some yoga postures remove blocks in blood flow and the stress on muscles that cause cramps. Mild exercises such as skating, walking, and cycling can relax the muscles as well as the mind.
9. What Foods To Keep Away From
Caffeine intake is a trigger for anxiety and stress during periods. So is alcohol, salty and fatty foods. Additionally, carbonated drinks increase dehydration and create a toxic environment in the body. Replacing these with healthy foods can take the edge off your pain.
10. Acupressure To The Rescue
Stimulate pressure points around the navel, lower abdomen, thigh joints, and the back by pressing them. This treatment, famous over the ages and known as acupressure, relieves the pain around the pelvic and abdominal areas instantly. Surprisingly, a foot massage has the same effect on our body too.
11. Medication As The Last Resort
If the pain is severe, it is better to get NSAIDs that are sold over the counter, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Birth control pills are also effective in lowering menstrual pain for those who take them regularly.
The ways to combat period pain are many. But it is up to each woman to find out what works for her. So, give them a try and see what works for you. We wish you all the best!
