Natural Ways to Manage Period Pains

As a young woman studying Chinese Medicine, I was told for the very first time that period pains are not normal. Not everybody gets them and we don’t have to put up with them. You can imagine this was a pretty big revelation. As we grow up, women are not educated in what a healthy period should be like, when something isn’t quite right and what you can do to change it.

Acupuncture is incredible when it comes to womens health, working to regulate periods, reduce PMS and stop pain!

Whilst seeing a GP and a registered Acupuncturist is my top suggestion, there are a few things you can do at home to help period pains without using pain killers. These are all short term solutions but super handy for when those pains kick in - so here you are.

Acupressure

If you are experiencing period pains, that means there is some kind of stagnation or blockage in the body causing it. Therefore applying pressure to certain acupuncture points that help to keep things moving can reduce pain. Simply massage these points as and when you need usually about 5 minutes of massage and you will notice a difference. these point can also be tender to touch during the period and you will know you have found the right spot. The great thing about this is, you can use these anywhere, at your desk at work/school, on the train or out at the pub. Wherever you are when those pains start to creep in - get rubbing!

Spleen 10

This point is located just above the knee of the inside of your thigh. Measure the size of your knee cap with your thumb and forefinger. This is how high above your kneecap the point is. Now move inwards so you are inline with the inside edge of your knee cap.

Spleen 6

This point is on the inside lower calf, about 4 fingers up from the boney ball (medial malleolus) on the inside of your foot.

Liver 3

This point is on the top on the foot, between the bones of the first and second toe. Run your finger along the side of your foot until you reach the bone (big toe knuckle), then move over the big toe bone into a dip.

Heat

Something a lot of us will already do, using warmth to ease the pain. Hop in the shower or use a hot water bottle. Even better, Moxa! A herb you can burn to warm the area of skin, but in a super powerful way. You will need to talk to an acupuncturist about how to use this herb and where to get it. But I highly suggest you do, it is incredible.

Exercise

Exercise is probably the last thing you want to do when in pain however it can be really benficial. Movement will help combat the stasis that is causing the pain. Now I don’t mean get in the gym and work out for an hour. Even just going for a walk can really help to ease the pain, not to mention it’s a distraction.

So leave those painkillers in the cupboard - and give these tips a try! And as always, if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch!