#HealthBytes: 5 simple ways to deal with period pain
During menstruation, discomfort around the abdomen, lower-back and thighs is common. This happens because the muscles of your womb continuously contract and relax in order to help you shred the built-up lining, thereby leading to cramps, and sometimes even nausea, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea. However, for mild pains, easy home-remedies can do. Here are 5 simple ways to deal with menstrual pain and cramps.
Take good care of your diet
Certain herbal home-remedies, containing anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds, like Chamomile tea, fennel seeds, cinnamon, ginger and chilli can help reduce menstrual cramps and swelling. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid food-items that lead to bloating and water-retention. These mainly include fatty-foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine and salty foods. Cutting down on them can considerably help relieve menstrual pain and tension.
Medications and Heat treatment
Medication: Over-the-counter medications like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended for menstrual pain and heavy bleeding. These include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). Heat Treatment: A 2012 study of women aged 18-30 suggested that a heat-patch of 40°C was as effective as ibuprofen. You can use a hot water bottle, heating pad or hot-towel.
Essential-oils massage to the rescue
Massage therapy for 20-30 minutes can significantly help relieve menstrual pain. Several recent studies have proved that using essential oils for massage leads to reduction in the intensity as well as the duration of menstrual pain. Menstruation massage therapy typically involves pressing of specific points around your abdomen, side, and back.
Having an orgasm can help too
The release of feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin post vaginal orgasms can decrease pain-perception and boost your mood, thereby giving you the much-needed relief from periods-induced discomfort and pain.
