Wellness

7 Effective Ways to Alleviate Menstrual Pain

When trying to ease menstrual discomfort, women often turn to various methods such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, fish oil, or Chinese tea. While hormonal therapy is the only proven method that works for almost everyone, it also has its drawbacks. Managing menstrual pain requires patience, and through trial and error, you can find what works best for you. However, what worked at 18 might not be as effective at 25. Here are several effective ways to manage menstrual pain that we recommend trying.

Exercise

Moving around actively might be the last thing you feel like doing when experiencing menstrual cramps, but cardio exercises can actually reduce menstrual pain. When your heart rate increases, your body releases endorphins, which boost your mood and alleviate pain. If you can push yourself to go to work, you can also convince yourself to do a cardio workout that can relieve spasms.

Herbal Tampons

Living in Colorado has its perks, including access to local inventions like vaginal tampons infused with marijuana oils. Marijuana has been found to alleviate spasms, making it a potential panacea for menstrual issues. While such experiments might not be accessible everywhere, those interested might consider entering the green card lottery.

Stretching

When your body is wracked with cramps, it’s tempting to curl up on the couch for hours. However, this can be counterproductive and may even increase pain. A few simple yoga poses can help ease spasms, but it’s important to balance rest and movement. Avoid headstands!

Change Your Diet

Foods high in sodium can cause water retention and bloating, exacerbating uterine discomfort. Try eliminating fish, rye bread, soy sauce, and cheese from your diet a week before your period starts.

Abdominal Massage

A study by the University of Miami found that massage therapy reduced anxiety, depression, and pain in women with severe premenstrual syndrome. Depending on your individual characteristics and how sensitive your abdomen is, you might try gentle rubbing or visit a professional masseuse.

Acupressure

This ancient Chinese physical therapy involves pressing on specific body parts to relieve pain. Physiotherapists still use these methods for menstrual pain. Here are a few points to try:

Pinch the webbing between your thumb and index finger with the thumb and index finger of your other hand.
Place your palms on your tailbone and lie down for a few minutes.
Gently massage the point a couple of fingers below your navel.

Orgasm

During orgasm, the brain releases more endorphins than during a simple workout, providing an excellent pain-relieving effect. Additionally, orgasm releases dopamine, which relaxes the body after sex. A hot shower after a good orgasm can prolong pleasure and alleviate unpleasant symptoms.