How to get rid of period cramps without medicine. The shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation triggers contractions, compressing the blood vessels that surround the uterus. These contractions cut off the supply of blood and oxygen to the uterus, resulting in the uterine tissue releasing chemicals that cause pain during menstruation. Menstrual pain can be treated without medication, using warm compresses, or the use of essential oils.
In the medical world called dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain is a common complaint that is often experienced by women during menstruation. The pain usually appears at the beginning of the menstrual period, precisely in the lower abdomen. Pain can be mild and unobtrusive, to severe and unbearable until it interferes with daily activities.
Symptoms of dysmenorrhea that often appear include cramps or lower abdominal pain, pain in the lower back, feeling of being pulled in the inner thighs, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. These symptoms will actually go away without treatment, but in some women, the symptoms that appear tend to persist and get worse if left untreated.
Is there a way to get rid of menstrual pain without medication?
Get rid of period cramps without medicine
When experiencing unbearable menstrual pain, not a few women need medication to relieve it. In addition to drugs, there are actually many other home treatments that can be done.
Here are home remedies that can get rid of cramps during menstruation without medication, namely:
1. Warm Compress
Applying heat to the abdominal area can get rid of period cramps without medicine. You can fill warm water into a bottle or heating pad to attach to the stomach. The heat delivered to the stomach can relax the muscles and relieve cramps.
In addition, the heat helps the uterine muscles and surrounding organs relax which automatically relieves cramps and discomfort. You can also place a heating pad on your lower back to relieve back pain. Alternatively, you can soak in warm water which helps relax the muscles in the stomach, back, and legs.
2. Light Exercise
If you think that exercise should be avoided during menstrual pain, then you are very wrong. In fact, exercise is recommended during pain because it can relieve pain. Strenuous exercise may not be recommended when you are in pain. However, light stretching, walking, or doing yoga will help. By exercising, you will release endorphins which are natural pain-relieving hormones.
3. Acupuncture
The results of a study published in PLOS One showed that acupuncture was able to relieve menstrual cramps. Besides being able to encourage the release of endorphins, this treatment can reduce inflammation and help women relax more.
4. Massage
Getting a gentle massage of the upper abdominal area can also relax the pelvic muscles and reduce cramping without medicine. Before massaging, you can apply massage oil, body lotion, or coconut oil to the skin to make it easier.
5. Applying essential oil
Research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information NCBI compared menstrual pain relief after receiving abdominal massages in two groups of female students.
One group got a massage using almond oil, while the other group got a massage using an essential oil blend consisting of cinnamon, cloves, lavender, and rose in an almond oil base.
The researchers found that the group that used the essential oil felt more relief from menstrual cramps than the group that used only the carrier oil. If you want to give it a try, you can add a few drops of at least one of these essential oils to a carrier oil to massage your stomach.
6. Changing diet to get rid of period cramps without medicine
How to get rid of period cramps without medicine. Making some changes to diet can reduce menstrual cramps without medication. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean protein, and whole grains helps the body stay healthy.
Don’t forget to also meet your fluid intake by drinking water, broth from soup, or herbal teas to keep your body hydrated. The reason is that dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps.
You also need to reduce your salt intake as it can cause bloating and fluid retention. In addition to salt, you should avoid drinks and foods that contain caffeine because it can increase the effects of dehydration. More information about menstrual pain can be asked to the doctor