5 Life-Changing Ways To Stop Your Period Cramps
SPANISH TRANSLATION: 5 MANERAS PARA DETENER LOS CALAMBRES
Almost all women have, at one time or another, have experienced the discomfort of menstrual cycle related cramping. This cramping occurs just before and during a woman’s period as the body sheds the soft, bloody lining it has built in the uterus since a pregnancy did not occur and the lining isn’t needed. The cramping can last for a few hours to a few days and can range from mild discomfort to crippling pain. Thankfully, there are some great tips to deal with and help reduce the cramps and get back to normal life.
Exercise
While it’s probably the last thing you feel like doing when dealing with period cramps, exercise can be very helpful in reducing cramps. Why? Working out releases hormones called endorphins which help mitigate pain and it helps boost circulation, which can also make a big difference. If it is hard to exercise due to period pain, try tailoring workouts at that time of the month to working with your body. Gentle cardio routines and stretching as well as yoga has proven to be both emotionally positive and helpful in reducing pain.
RELATED ARTICLE: Top 4 Exercises You Should Do During Your Period
Self-Massage
One of the most respected and used holistic treatments is the use of aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy massage uses gentle manipulation of the body and natural, essential oils to combat aches and pains. Lying face up with a pillow under the knees, pour two millimeters of warm lavender oil on the belly. With circular motions, rub the oil over the upper pelvis and navel area. Continue the massage for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water if necessary.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio tape is a, generally, bright colored tape most often used by athletes to protect the body, help with pain, and make tough workouts easier on the body. However, Kinesio tape has also been linked to helping with period pain. It can be purchased online or at most athletic supply stores. Place a short, vertical strip between the top of the pubic hair area and the belly button. Then, place a longer strip horizontally between the hip bones for maximum effectiveness.
Ginger
If you prefer not to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, using ginger may also help. While it’s been used for centuries to help stomach aches, it can also help other types of aches and pains – including period cramp pain. In fact, in a 2015 study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, ginger was shown to be as effective as NSAIDs at reducing menstrual pain. Ginger can be brewed into a tea or taken as a pill supplement. One 250 mg tablet every six hours is the recommended dose for treating cramps.
RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Health Benefits of Ginger
Vitamin Injections
A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine suggests that intense menstrual cramps may be relieved by visiting a doctor for vitamin K1 injections. Generally, vitamin K1 is injected into an acupuncture point just above the inner ankle. While one can get vitamin K1 from food sources, the large dose provided in an injection provides the fastest and most effective source of relief. The women in the study reported that their menstrual pain was relieved for an hour or more after the injections.
If you’re suffering from pain during your period, using one or more of these methods can make a real difference. Let us Know Which one you find more effective.
