How to relieve menstrual periods
In order to relive painful periods, we need to know what is potentially causing them. Sure you can take pain medication and have a temporary band aid effect or you can investigate why your body is causing this annoying symptom. Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramping is extremely common, affecting about 75% of women. Pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen but can also occur in the lower back and legs. Women that have cramps may also have headaches, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, changes in normal urination patterns and irritability. Dysmenorrhea can be classified as either primary (meaning no other reason seems to exist for the onset of pain) or as secondary (pain resulting from another cause such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammation or infection, etc.).
Primary dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramping is caused by low oxygen supply and lowered blood flow to the reproductive tissues. A common cause is a hormone like substance produced in the body called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a wonderful little chemical that assists with contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle. This is also the substance that helps pregnant women in labour by stimulating contraction of the uterus so that the foetus can be delivered. This is also the down-side of prostaglandin – it stimulates the uterus to contract strongly causing the lowered blood flow and oxygen to the tissues resulting in pain.
The Remedy:
Acupuncture with Electro-stimulation: One of the mechanisms behind why acupuncture is so effective for many ailments is because it encourages blood flow, in addition, Acupuncture stimulates pain mediating chemicals like Beta-Endorphins, the same feel good chemical released when you eat chocolate. The combinations of increased blood flow and feel good chemicals makes for a very effective treatment to painful periods
Lower inflammatory foods – This doesn’t always mean you have to cut certain foods out cold turkey, but, a reduction in inflammatory foods can go a long way, such common culprits are: Dairy, Wheat and Soy
Stress less – In know most people are thinking well duh!!! Easier said than done right? I think sometimes we make things more complicated than they should be. My suggestion to most of my clients is go for a walk. It really is that simple, going for a 20-30 minute walk is a great way to get circulation going and take your body from a fight and flight state into a rest and digest state, the state you want to be in most of the time.
There you have it, my tips for period pain. If you want to know more ways to help period pain or menstrual disorders, send an email or give Muscle and Bone a call
Dr Peter Mejia
TCM/Acupuncture
Muscle And Bone Clinic
8 Chatham St Prahran
www.muscle-boneclinic.com.au