Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

8 Easy Ways To Deal With Period Pain Naturally

Sep 1, 2020

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, excessive menstrual or period pain is considered a condition of “stagnation.” Stagnation refers to a lack of energy (in this case, blood) flowing through an organ. With period cramps, stagnation is thought to lodge in the lower abdomen and become irritated or activated when the body tries to start shedding tissue.

You may wonder why you have to suffer through period cramps in the first place. The explanation lies in the fact that your uterus must shed its natural lining each month–a job that requires your uterine muscle to contract. As it contracts, blood vessels that supply blood to the uterus become constricted, which reduces blood flow and results in pain. For some women, the hormonal changes that trigger periods may be more pronounced, causing the uterus to contract overzealously–and more painfully.

But every problem has a solution, even better a natural solution. And this case, there are way too many to ease things out a bit. Let’s have a look at the 8 best and easiest ones –

Magnesium

Magnesium is a calming mineral and can assist your body throughout your cycle. It is thought to relieve cramping in many different ways, such as by helping relax muscles and increasing the absorption of calcium.

Thus, increasing your magnesium intake can help alleviate PMS symptoms such as bloating, dizziness, headaches and sugar cravings. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends supplementing about 360 milligrams, once daily, for three days. You’ll get better results, if begun one or two days before bleeding starts.

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Vitamin D3

According to an Italian study, 40 women with low D3 levels (18ng/ml)% were administered a single oral dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D3. (which is a very high dose, far exceeding the weekly limit of 50,000 IU), 5 days prior to the anticipated start of their periods. After two months, their average pain levels decreased by 41 percent.

The results are logical because vitamin D3’s anti-inflammatory functions combined with the fact that the uterine lining contains vitamin D receptors suggest vitamin D3’s potential use to treat period pains.

Note: An intake of such a high single dose is always questionable especially if your vitamin D3 levels are normal (50-80 ng/ml). So, before you try this, do check with your doctor and get your levels tested to see if it’s safe for you.

Vitamin B1

Thiamine (B1) is responsible for fighting mood swings and cramping. When hormones fluctuate in the body, vitamin B1 levels fall and women develop mood problems and experience more pain associated with cramping.

It is recommended that people get 1.4 milligrams of vitamin B1 daily. But by increasing its levels to 50 to 100 milligrams per day, these PMS symptoms can be avoided. According to a Study, women who received 100 milligrams per day of vitamin B1 experienced far lower levels of pain, a more stable mood and were able to deal with stress better.

Omega 3 Oils

Omega-3 oils, such as fish oil or flax oil, are another natural ally for battling menstrual or period pain. Some studies have shown that fish oil is effective in reducing period pain, especially when combined with vitamin B12.

However, make sure to buy a mercury-free brand of fish oil, and definitely check with your doctor in case you are already taking a blood thinner or daily aspirin, since fish oil has anticoagulant properties.

Herbal teas

Chamomile, fennel, ginger, and red raspberry leaf are delicious herbal teas that specifically support menstruation and ease period cramps. Drink three cups a day of these warming teas to help you feel better.

Here’s a link to some of them –

Ginger tea ( https://youtu.be/cQvHjlYSteo )

Chamomile( https://youtu.be/p4eJRxTDtEA)

Castor oil pack

Castor oil packs are effective for relieving all kinds of physical pain, detoxing organs and addressing fibroids, among its many uses. But it’s extremely effective when it comes to menstrual or period pain.

When you’re having your menstrual or period flow, and you’re getting cramps, just apply it over the lower abdomen and relax. But since it helps to ease obstructions in the channels, you may experience a slightly heavier flow after using it. Hence it is suggested to start using castor oil packs 1 or 2 days before your periods begins, to help address the cramps before they start.

NOTE: If you already suffer from heavy flow, castor oil packs are Not recommended as they may increase that flow.

Here’s a link on how to make one –

Acupressure

Acupressure is a breakaway method from the ancient system of acupuncture that is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In practical use, the points vary slightly for everyone, so pressing on points in this area is the main key to getting results.

With acupressure, massage is often done first before the points are stimulated just to get the blood flowing. However, this isn’t totally necessary; just pressing on the acupressure points for period pain is sufficient to get a response. When you press on the skin, hold the point for at least 30 seconds, preferably more, or until you feel the point release a little.

Here’s a link to the exact points and how to go about with it –

Exercise

This could sound like a radical idea during those terrible cramps, however brisk walking, or any type of physical activity, can help to ease your belly pain.

When you’re doing any type of aerobic exercise, your body is pumping more blood which helps to release endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins and reduce your cramps. Exercising 3-4 times a week is good for the overall health of your body, but it is especially important if you’re prone to painful mentural cramps or period pain.

Here’s some easy exercises that can be done in the very comfort of your home – https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/best-exercises-for-period-pain/

Now you might be thinking of all the other methods you’ve heard of. Well, yes, there are dozens of other ways to ease that pain and as long as you are well informed and comfortable with it, go on. Just pick your method and kick off the cramps.