Many women experience period pains. These vary from a light cramping sensation to debilitating period pain, but how can we relieve period pains naturally?
During your bleed, the uterus contracts to shed and remove the lining away from the uterine wall, so that it can exit via the cervix and then the vagina.
Most women experience cramps in the lower abdomen, although many women also experience pain in the lower back, groin, or one or both upper thighs.
Pains are described as cramping, drawing, dragging or stabbing. I’ve spoken before about how it would be best to avoid taking medication such as Ibuprofen (also found in Nurofen and Advil). So what can you do naturally to relieve period pains naturally?
Find the cause and contributing factors
Pelvic congestion
If your uterus is tilted, or its position affected by other pelvic structures, the flow of blood can be compromised, meaning the uterus is working harder. Addressing your posture, both standing and sitting, some restorative yoga, fertility/womb massage can all help to ease the congestion. I discussed this with Claire Mockridge in Podcast.
Dehydration
We know how important it is to keep hydrated, and this is key in terms of period cramping too. Dehydration can affect muscle cramps and the uterus is made of muscle.
Also it is best to cut out unnecessary salt which can cause fluid retention and bloating, and caffeine which also leads to dehydration as well as it hormone disrupting abilities.
Dietry factors
It is possible that making some adjustments to diet may help relieve period pains.
Eating a diet rich in Omega 3, fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, is key.
Oestrogen Dominance
Oestrogen dominance can cause heavy, painful periods, often clots too. The oestrogen and progesterone work in a fine balance, with a gentle push back and opposition from each other. Other symptoms of oestrogen dominance are Endometriosis, PCOS and Fibroids
Causes of Oestrogen dominance:
- Chemicals in personal and beauty care, household products, (Xeno oestrogen) see podcast
- Food (some meat sources if growth hormone used) especially if milk production is being increased, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
- Gut Dybiosis e.g. Candida see podcast
- BPA and other plastics
- Excess body weight
- Chronic stress
Remedies
Whilst addressing the causative factors, what natural remedies can you usep to relieve the discomfort and address some causes at the same time.
Heat
Applying heat in the form of a hot water bottle against the abdomen can help the uterine muscles and those nearby to relax.
Essential oils
Essential oils can be used to provide relief from cramps by applying a small amount to a carrier oils and gently massaging the lower abdomen, as well as applying acupressure points relevant to the uterus.
In addition there use throughout the cycle can help support hormonal balance.
The blend I point my clients to is a preblended formula called Clary Calm, containing: Clary Sage Flower, Lavender Flower, Bergamot Peel, Roman Chamomile Flower, Ylang Ylang Flower, Cedarwood Wood, Geranium Stem/Leaf, Fennel Seed, Carrot Seed, Palmarosa Herb, and Vitex Leaf/Berry essential oils
To Purchase Clary Calm visit the shop
Accupressure Points
I work with hand acupressure points, based on Hand reflexology techniques. For more details of the hand reflexology course, visit the shop.
Alternatively if it just the menstrual cramp acupressure point, you can see this video on YouTube.
Gentle exercise
The key word here is gentle. restorative yoga canoe incredibly beneficial and may of course be addressing some areas of pelvic congestion. A study in Taiwan demonstrated an improvement in women’s menstrual symptoms after a 12 week course in yoga.
Orgasm
Yes really, An orgasm can be really effective in the relief of menstrual cramps. It works similar to exercise in that endorphins and other hormones are released. For more info see podcast episode
So ultimately, you don’t have to put up with them, its not normal, and there’s a lot you can do.