No one anticipates that time of the month. It’s the time we are mildly uncomfortable, easily irritated and at times debilitated from doing any day to day activities. You probably have the strong urge to just skip work or school and just wrap yourself in your comforter and stay there all day. Alas, life isn’t fair. You have to go to work or listen through your professor while you cringe and suffer through painful menstrual cramps. As women, we have this mutual dread, understanding and empathy towards other women going through menstrual cramps. It’s a constant throbbing pain that can be incredibly unbearable. Some women experience such painful menstrual cramps and pain that they are not able to do any activities. One out of ten women experience this type of cramps. To help you reduce the pain of your menstrual cramps and pains. We’ve combined easy remedies you can do to help reduce the pain caused by Aunt Flo.
Heat
One of the oldest and most effective remedy for menstrual cramps and pain is heat. Heat when placed near the uterus can reduce contracting. This can greatly reduce the pain and allow the muscles to relax. This will reduce the cramps and keep it numb for a few hours. There are different ways to apply heat. There are over the counter heating pads and patches. There are even electric ones that you can plug in and reuse over and over. If you don’t want to pay any money, you can take a plastic bottle, put in hot water and wrap in a thin cloth. Roll this water bottle all over your stomach to reduce the pain.
Exercise
Standing is barely an option, and to even consider exercise is completely insane. However, this is one of the most proven natural remedy for menstrual cramps and pain. Any type of physical activity is said to reduce the pain. From simple brisk walking to aerobic exercise. This can seem incredibly difficult, especially in the first few minutes of starting your workout, but after a few minutes you’ll feel the relief. Exercise can help improve the blood flow in the body reducing cramps. The pain is also reduced due to the release of endorphins in the body. The release of endorphins can help fight off the prostaglandins that causes the painful cramps. Exercising regularly before your period can help prevent it completely. Doing at least 30 minutes of exercise every 4 days can help keep your body healthy and remove painful menstrual cramps in your cycle.
Hydration and Sleep
Lack of sleep and water can worsen menstrual cramps and pains. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep can help relax the body and increase endorphins. Not drinking enough water will cause bloating that can push the uterus causing more cramps. Drink warm or hot water to relax the body. Drinking teas are a great alternative to water. Opt for raspberry tea and chamomile.
Masturbate
Seems disgusting right? But this is a proven remedy for menstrual cramps, headaches and stress. Orgasms help relieve different kinds of pain and mental stress. Masturbating is great for reducing menstrual cramps and pains by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins. Before orgasms, the uterus tends to be more relaxed. After climax the uterus will have an increase in blood flow relieving the cramps. The endorphins released after climax can also greatly reduce pain and increase the mood. This also helps relax the whole body, improving quality of sleep and reducing overall cramping. Make sure that you are sanitary during this process. You can have intercourse if your partner is open to it.
Acupuncture
Traditional Acupuncture involves sticking tiny needled on the skin at certain points. These points are said to affect different parts of the body. Acupuncture is a proven traditional medicine that is known to reduce pain and reduce symptoms of illnesses. Studies have also proven the positive effects of acupuncture in menstrual cramps. Participants that tried acupuncture stated a relief in menstrual cramps in their cycles. This treatment is said to have the same effect of placebo treatment. When planning to get acupuncture, make sure to go to a reputable and professional one.
The pain from our menstrual cycle is due to our uterus contracting. This is the time where the lining contracts and sheds. Prostaglandins are hormones that can cause inflammation and pain. This hormone is produced during our period. The inflammation triggers the uterine muscles causing pain during contractions. Women that have higher levels of prostaglandins experience more painful cramps.
