How To Get Rid of Period Pain Fast & Naturally
If you’re facing debilitating PMS + period pain, you’re probably desperate for a quick-fix and effective, long-lasting relief. From gastrointestinal issues to severe headaches & not to mention the emotional turmoil - there’s a LOT to deal with, EVERY month. Here’s what works best for me from a physical, emotional, and spiritual level…
First off, I want to make a point of saying that the moment we shift out of “poor me” + “I hate getting my period” into treating it as a blessing to be grateful for, the following “remedies” work a heck of a lot better (& quicker!). Start by reminding yourself that you’re not alone in this, and it’s not abnormal to feel tired, sad, or otherwise ‘under the weather’ - in fact, it’s PERFECTLY, HEALTHFULLY NORMAL. Once you drop the shame, fear, and resentment of your cycle, and treat it as a system that keeps you fertile, in-balance, and at your optimal healthy rhythms of life…it’s a lot less of a burden to face. Speaking from someone who had quite a bit of hormonal issues in my young adulthood and always felt guilt around NOT having regular periods - trust me, getting your period is a blessing. Appreciate it.
Okay, now onwards & upwards for my fave soothing remedies…
Restorative Yoga
If there’s anything I’ve learned from years of research into the world of natural healing, it’s that there’s basically a yoga pose to assist with just about any problem you can muster up. Here’s my exact movement sequence for when I’m in need of relief from stomach cramps + headaches - I hold each position for 5-15 minutes, always listening to what my body craves more or less of…
Child’s Pose
Supported Bridge Pose
Supported Forward Fold
Supine Spinal Twist
Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose
Corpse Pose
Hot // Cold Therapy
This is the old mama-knows-best trick, and probably the only reason that I actually desire having a microwave. Using a heating pad on your lower abdomen is a great way to ease menstrual cramps. Heat therapy works by relaxing the muscles of the uterus, increasing blood flow and easing pain. If a build-up of blood in your pelvis is causing your cramps, you can also experiment by using an icepack to help draw the blood out of the pelvis and toward the extremities. I have a herbal bag which I can use hot (microwaved) or iced (from the freezer), so that I can play around and adjust accordingly.
Essential Oils
First and foremost I am never NOT stocked up with peppermint essential oil. People have been using peppermint as medicine for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular essential oils for treating headaches - which I often get in the days leading up to my period. The active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol — research shows that it’s effective in treating migraines when applied to the head (I use a dab of coconut oil and a few drops of peppermint EO and massage my temples with it).
Lavender EO is the other go-to that can assist in healing basically everything & anything always & forever - so might as well have it on hand! Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil helps in reducing period cramp and even menstrual bleeding. It soothes the prostaglandins that mediate pain and uterine contractions. When bleeding, our uterus shed its inner lining, it contracts and expands to push the lining out - which understandably causes swelling and inflammation in the surrounding blood vessels. Lavender essential oil is the perfect way to help relax your strained muscles as they move through this effort-full process - I like to rub it directly on my belly (diluted in coconut oil, of course).
Foods
For many women (including myself!), the fluctuation of hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause abdominal bloating and gas before and during their periods. Rising levels of estrogen in the days leading up to our period can also affect estrogen receptors in the stomach and small intestine. These higher estrogen levels can cause:
flatulence
constipation
build-up of air and gases in the intestinal tract
Estrogen and progesterone can also affect fluid retention. When estrogen levels rise and progesterone levels decline, we tend to retain more water than they typically do.
All this to say…eat foods that agree with (& do not aggravate!) your poor tummy. For myself, that means steering clear of foods that can contribute to excess gas and bloating, including:
legumes
raw fruits & veggies
whole-grain foods
dairy
caffeine
sweeteners
I instead lean on foods that are easy to digest like cooked veggies in soups, bone/veggie broths, bananas, apple sauce (or other stewed fruits), and plain white rice. Think BRAT diet - but make it your own, as it’s still important to eat the foods you naturally crave and TASTE good to you. Also, like always, be sure to still be diligent about following your hunger cues…eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re comfortable, and don’t eat if you’re not hungry! It’s as simple as that folks. No need to use food to FIX your problems, it’s a natural aid, but not a magical medicine to use without consciousness.
Herbs
Whenever I was young and had a tummy ache (even before my beloved moon cycle graced my life with it’s presence!), my Greek family would run to the kitchen and crack out the boiling pot + load it up with water and dried chamomile flowers. It would always do the trick. Turns out, studies have found that chamomile tea may ease muscle spasms and helps to fight inflammation - so I guess they were onto something!
Exercise
It might sound weird, but I’ve always loved exercising while on my cycle…even if I’m in pain! I find that the right kind of physical exercise (mixed with ample stretching and fascial release) is a really good way to relieve pain and provide almost magic “instant” relief. Turns out I’m not crazy, since physical activity can reduce bloating (extra water weight) and the pain of cramping. Aerobic exercise also helps your blood circulation and the release of “feel-good hormones” called endorphins. These can also work together to soothe headaches and improve mood. YES!
Self-Massage
I have an acupuncturist and TCM practitioner back in Toronto that I call on whenever I feel less-than-stellar…and without fail - he gives me a “point” to rub/press/massage…it sounds odd, and it works. Essentially, he’s referring me to treat myself with “acupressure”, which you can think of like acupuncture’s' ‘cousin’, which involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to help regulate any qi energy blockages or stagnation.
For period pain (& headaches), your best bet is to start with one of the most common acupressure points called Large Intestine 4 (LI4), which is located in the soft webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. While LI4 is commonly used for migraines and headaches, it can also be used for pain experienced anywhere in the body (including period cramps). Here’s what to do: find a tender spot on the webbing between the thumb and pointer (find the tender indent in the flesh and that's the spot). Press these points on each hand firmly for 60- to 90-second intervals, while breathing deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. Literally I find this helps within minutes…it’s free, simply, and you can do it anywhere (even in transit!).
MOST IMPORTANTLY…
Use this time to be gentle on yourself, take space to do the things you WANT to do, and NOT the things you DON’T want to do. This might mean watching silly shows that warm your heart, saying NO to work projects, and remembering what it’s like to live life on your own terms. Enjoy & embrace it babe - the cycles of life!