Menstrual symptoms are so bad that a mention of it can make most women cringe. While these symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, or mood swing, the most popular and evident of them all is probably period cramps. Varying from mild to intense abdominal cramping, this kind of pain is usually not a sign of severe health conditions. However, it can undoubtedly profoundly affect our quality of day-to-day life quality. As well as affecting our work or school, menstrual cramps can cause further distress by not enabling us to participate in sports and other outdoor activities.
But it doesn’t have to be like that. Read on to find out some home-care remedies to curb the pain during your Aunt Flo’s visit suggested by Duquesne University.
Help Alleviate the Symptoms With Yoga Asanas
Doing any kind of physical activity before and during your period might not sound appealing, says HuffPost.
But yoga can be beneficial as it releases endorphins that eliminate the feeling of pain and the need for medication.
Some asanas also help stretch your muscles and relax them simultaneously.
Plus, yoga is a gentle to moderate exercise, so you don’t need to be fit to practice these poses, just follow some Youtube instructions.
Do keep in mind some inverted poses are not recommended during menstruation as they can interfere with your natural flow.
Alleviate Your Cramps With Changes in Your Diet
You might be craving all kinds of fatty, sugary, and salty foods during your period, but they are not your friends.
The experts from Supplement First explain that reaching for the right kind of foods and supplements can help ease your pain, including those rich in Omega-3, calcium, and magnesium or with anti-inflammatory effects.
You should opt for cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, coldwater fish, dark leafy greens, almonds and yogurt, and any supplements that have been proven to relieve menstrual symptoms.
Chamomile and peppermint tea also has a positive calming effect.
However, you should watch out for certain foods as they can worsen your cramps, especially those that increase inflammation, such as trans-fatty acids, alcohol, and caffeine.
Boost Those Feel-Good Endorphins
The body’s natural neurotransmitters (endorphins and oxytocin) are widely known to boost your mood and have pain-relieving abilities.
These hormones are usually released during intimacy and, as strange as they may sound, have proven effective for menstrual cramps by many researchers.
Essential Oil Massage
Massage encourages blood flow in your lower abdomen area, thus, relieving menstrual cramp pain.
This massage technique involves pressing some specific points from side to back and infusing the heat from your hands to your lower stomach.
Certain essential oils contain compounds that are believed to reduce pain and soothe cramps, including clary sage, marjoram, or lavender. T
his method was also scientifically proved to be effective by The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research.
Drink More Fluids and Keep Your Body Hydrated
Consuming water or sipping herbal teas at intervals can keep your body hydrated, ensure the regular functions of your cells, and ease your cramps, says Thrive Global.
Fluids also prevent your body from retaining water and painful bloating, which reduces the risk of unnecessary mental and physical stress on your body.
Hot drinks are also beneficial as they promote blood circulation and relax tense muscles.
Take Over-The-Counter Painkillers
For some women, period cramps are so severe that no natural remedy works, in which case, a safe period pain killer might help them get rid of the pain.
These are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications.
However, just like any other medicine, you should check with your doctor to see if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are an excellent choice, especially if you have a history of other illnesses.
Take a Hot Bubble Bath
It’s true! A warm bubble bath is like super medicine! Soaking your body in warm water can soothe the pain and relax all of your tense muscles.
Add some essential oils like clary sage, marjoram, or lavender which have incredible soothing effects.
You can enjoy a good magazine or book to melt your tension away and get ready for a good sleep.
If you are not a bath person, a long hot shower may help, too.
Ladies, we can’t avoid these symptoms 100%, but some positive thoughts might help.
Never forget the powerful connection between our bodies and a positive attitude.
Our opinions and thoughts towards period symptoms can have an enormous effect on how we physically feel them.
So let’s try and end that hate-hate relationship between ourselves and our menstrual cycles and start to make friends with your period.
This fresh attitude can be a game-changer in how you experience your flow.