Although regular periods indicate that your body functions normally and are a sign of good health in general, they are frequently accompanied by painful menstrual cramps, which are not a welcome guest.
Indeed, every period is an individual matter, and sometimes you can feel little to no pain.
However, when a really painful period occurs, it is essential to know how to take care of yourself and ease the pain.
Fortunately, there are many home remedies to deal with menstrual pain without medications.
Below, you will find six ways to relieve pain during your period, ranging from using a heating pad, trying some yoga poses, and having an orgasm to drinking particular herbal teas, massaging with essential oils, and adding magnesium to your diet, among other things. Read on and stay strong!
Drink Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is undoubtedly the best home remedy for menstrual pain. For hundreds of years, women have been using this herb to relieve cramps, help with sleep, and ease the stress associated with menstruation.
According to some studies, chamomile may even be able to diminish the risk of developing breast cancer.
How to Prepare: Pour a cup of boiling water over one chamomile tea bag or two tablespoons of loose chamomile flowers in a mug and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy!
Have an Orgasm
It is not rare for women to avoid having sex during periods, but in fact, orgasms are great for relieving menstrual pain because they deal with many of its causes simultaneously:
- reduce the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood, which reduces cramping;
- activate oxytocin release, which naturally reduces pain
- stimulate endorphin release, which also helps with pain relief
- provide a temporary distraction from the pain by redirecting attention towards a more pleasurable activity
So, even if you are not sure about period sex, you may still want to consider masturbating using sex toys for women, as it will allow you to ease the pain without getting messy.
Use a Heating Pad
Sometimes, your body just needs a little warming up before you can relax enough to fall asleep.
Therefore, using a heating pad or is one way to relieve menstrual pain. Make sure to apply heat only to your lower abdomen, not to your lower back, and avoid using it for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time to prevent overheating.
Try Yoga Poses Right on Your Bed
Yoga poses are probably the most popular ways to relieve period pain.
They work best when practiced regularly, but you can do some classic yoga poses as soon as you start feeling the pain. The following poses will help you relax and feel better:
Cobra Position
The Cobra Pose helps reduce menstrual cramps and fatigue by stimulating the lower abdomen and improving blood circulation and digestion. To practice it, lie on your stomach with your arms stretched in front of you. Raise your upper body to make a U-shaped curve with your back.
If this is easy for you, place your hands flat underneath your chest. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds while taking deep breaths. Repeat it 3 to 4 times.
Bridge Pose
The Bridge Pose is an excellent pose for pelvic and abdominal muscles. It allows for good blood circulation, thus decreasing menstrual pain and blood flow.
To practice it, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Make sure that your knees are hip-width apart, and bring your arms close to your face or extend them straight out from the shoulders.
Now, lift your hips up and off the floor towards the ceiling while keeping your knees bent. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then return to the ground. Repeat it 3 to 4 times.
Child’s Pose
The Child’s Pose is one of the best yoga poses for period pain relief. It allows for better blood circulation, which results in less menstrual pain.
To do it, sit with your knees wide apart and your hands placed on the floor in front of you.
Next, bend forward so that your forehead touches the floor and let your arms fall by your sides. You may need to turn your head slightly sideways so that it does not touch the ground.
Stay in this position for about 30 seconds while taking deep breaths before returning to an upright position. Repeat it 3 to 4 times.
Massage With Essential Oils
Essential oils are another great source of pain relief, especially when you add them to your massage routine.
Some women find that massaging with lavender oil helps relieve menstrual cramps and improve sleep. In contrast, others prefer massaging with peppermint oil or a combination of tea tree, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils.
If you want to try essential oils, always make sure to dilute them in a carrier oil before applying them to your skin – you should never use them directly.
Add Magnesium to Your Diet
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to menstrual pain, as well as a variety of other health problems.
That’s why it is so crucial for women to consume enough magnesium-rich foods. It is recommended to eat raw cacao, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, spinach, buckwheat, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds. However, consider consulting with your doctor to take a magnesium supplement if these foods are not enough for you.
Final Note
Menstrual pain can really be a burden, especially when it is quite strong. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with it naturally and without taking any medications.
You can implement some changes in your diet or acquire some other healthy habits, such as practicing yoga or massages.
However, if your menstrual pain is particularly severe and you can’t find relief from any home remedies or treatments, be sure to see your doctor and discuss with them the possibility of taking proper medications for a short period of time.