Relieve Menstrual Cramps - Magical Acupressure Points

The art of massaging certain acupuncture points is called acupressure.  It promotes blood circulation and reduces pain. There are specific points, which when pressed creates change at two levels.

Physical level - it relieves muscular tension, improves blood circulation and also impacts certain other physiological parameters. Acupressure helps one to get better faster. One doesn't have to massage all points but one or two most important ones when they are free would be very effective.

Here are few important acupuncture points:

1. Point A

Location: Pelvic area – located at the centre point of the fold where one’s leg connects to the body’s trunk. 

Benefits: This is a vital location which when given acupressure, releases menstrual cramps, abdominal pains and other discomforts.

2. Point B

Location: Pelvic area – located at the centre point of the fold where one’s leg connects to the body’s trunk. 

Benefits: This is a vital location which when given acupressure, releases menstrual cramps, abdominal pains and other discomforts.

Also read - Easy home remedies for irregular, painful periods & excessive blood flow

3. Point C

Location: Below the belly button – distance equal to two fingers’ width.

Benefits: When this area is given acupressure, it alleviates the following issues:

·        PMS

·        Menstrual cramps

·        Irregular periods

·        Reproductive issues

·        Unbalanced vaginal discharges

·        Constipation

·        Menstrual pain

4. Point D

Location: Below the belly button – distance equal to four fingers’ width.

Benefits: When this area is given acupressure, it eases the following issues:

·        Menstrual cramps

·        Irregular periods

·        Reproductive issues

·        Unbalanced vaginal discharges

·        Incontinence.

5. Point E

Location: Sacrum - at the bottom of the spine straight above one’s tall bone.

Benefits: Giving acupressure here relieves one from menstrual cramps and also lower-back pain, which one commonly suffers.

The following exercise provides relaxation to your uterus and relieves menstrual cramps:

·        Lie down on your back

·        Place your hands beneath the base of your spine – your hands should be placed on tip of the each other.

·        Give steady & firm pressure on the sacral points for two minutes 

Also read - Menstrual pain & blood flow problems - best spices & kitchen remedies

 

6. Point F

Location: One to two fingers’ widths outside your sacrum and halfway connecting the top of your hipbone and the bottom of your buttocks.

Benefits: When this area is given acupressure, it provides relief from the following issues:

·        PMS

·        Pelvic tension

·        Urinary problems

·        Menstrual cramps

7. Point G

Location: Above the inner end of your ankle at about four fingers’ width, nearer to the back of your shinbone. 

Benefits: Provides relief with respect to:

·        Water retention

·        Unbalanced vaginal discharge

·        Menstrual cramps

·        Genital pain

Warning 
Pregnant Ladies should not stimulate this acupressure point during your eighth, ninth months!

8. Point H

Location: Upper arch of your foot, about a thumb’s width from the ball of your foot.

Benefits: Provides relief from:

·     PMS

·     Abdominal spasms

·     Menstrual cramps

·     Bloating

The two best acupressure points for getting relief from cramps:

1. Stomach 36

In acupuncture jargon, it is referred to as ST 36, and is one of the vital points, commonly used point in acupressure. When one wants to get relief from menstrual cramps, their ST 36 should be gently examined. During this examination, if the muscles at this region are tight, then with one’s thumb, the area should be pressed strongly. This would reduce pain & cramps. 

You should pay caution as this area might be sensitive and adding a lot of pressure could lead to bruising. If the muscles at this area are weak, then it is recommended to rub gently rather than strongly.

Benefits: Improves

·        General health

·        Improves digestion

Reduces:

·        Stomach aches

·        Fatigue

How to locate ST 36:

One inch below your knee, you can locate a bump on the bone - this is referred to as the tibial tuberosity.

ST 36 is at level with the base of your tibial tuberosity – about a thumb’s width in the direction of the outside of your leg.

2. Spleen 6

Referred to as Sp 6, spleen 6 is a vital point that aids in reducing menstrual cramps, regulating menstrual cycle, improving one’s energy and in reducing pain. This point robustly moves one’s natural energy (Qi/ chi) and blood. Not only this, it also helps to generate Qi. Stimulating Sp 6 helps to improve digestion, kindle energy and also to reduce pain. It can also prevent cramps and is also effective in treating acute cramps.

How to locate Sp 6

1. This point is located at the inside of your calf, on the center line of the leg.  

2. Keep your hand on top of your inner ankle bone, at around four fingers’ width.
3. These points aid in easing cramps and to prevent cramps.

Warning 
Pregnant Ladies should not stimulate this acupressure point during your pregnancy.

Acupoints PMS Cramps – Back of the Body

There are several acupuncture points located at the back of one’s body. These points, when pressed, relieve one from menstrual cramps.
Location: Straight over one’s sacrum & on the sides of the sacrum about three inches in diameter from the fold where the cheeks of one’s buttocks meet.

How to stimulate this point

1. You can initiate by pressing the skin close to your sacrum in a consistent manner.
2. Follow the shape of your sacrum
3. Hold to each point for at least 30 seconds or more (you can do this until you sense the point release a little) 

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FOOD & HYGIENE DURING MENSTRUAL PERIODS

1. Eat more frequently

When one ears more frequently, their metabolism increases. This will make one feel good as well as gives more energy. 

 
This rule applies to any time and not only during the week of periods. Hence it is recommended that one should try to have five small meals rather than three heavy ones. This will definitely make one feel better.

2. Change regularly

The most essential factor is that women should change their sanitary pads/ tampons/ menstrual cups on a regular basis. Tampons should be changed once every two hours while the average time for changing sanitary pads is once in six hours. This doesn’t mean that one has to stick to these timings they have to modify the schedule according to their needs. 

Some women who have a heavy flow would have to change more frequently, while few others, less frequently. In few cases one’s tampon or sanitary pad might not be fully utilized – especially on days of lesser flow; whatever may be the case, one should change at proper intervals.

3. Drink plenty of water

It might sound absurd as one will be retaining a lot of water during this period, but drinking plenty of water will make them feel better. If truth be told, one of the reasons for a person retaining water in their body might be due to dehydration. Drinking water will make them notice the difference.

4. Wash yourself regularly

Before one changes a new pad or tampon, it is imperative that they to wash their female genitals (vagina and labia) very well. If they are not able to wash before changing, they have to make sure that the areas are wiped off completely by means of tissues or toilet papers.

During menstruation, there is a tendency for the blood to get into minute gaps (e.g., the skin between labia or the layer surrounding the opening of vagina. Hence one should make it a practice to wash this blood well. This helps to eliminate bad smell emanating from the region surrounding one’s genitals.

5. Get your fill of Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Vitamin B6 helps alleviate premenstrual hunger pangs. It also relieves one from mood swings, exhaustion and water retention (thus reducing bloating). Vitamin B6 is surplus in fishes, chickens, turkeys, eggs, bananas, nuts & potatoes. The other vitamin that has similar properties is Vitamin C.  Apart from all citrus fruits, vitamin C is also present in cranberries & Brussels sprouts.

6. Pad rashes

Some women experience pad rash during heavy flow days. When one’s pad has remained wet for a long time and it rubs along their thighs causing it to get irritated and leads to rashes. One should try to stay dry during such days in order to prevent rashes. 

If a person has got rashes, they have to change pads frequently to remain dry. They should apply antiseptic cream, after taking bath and before going to bed. This helps repair the skin and avoid getting affected further. If it goes out of hands one must visit their doctor who would prescribe a medicated powder that would keep the parts dry.

7. Don’t use soaps or vaginal hygiene products

It is recommended that one uses warm water to wash regularly during this period and to avoid soaps and other harsh substances on their genitals. Female genital has its own mechanism of cleaning that works by striking good balance between good and bad bacteria. Hence, application of soap or other harmful products might destroy the good bacteria leading to infections.

8. Keep some tea tree oil on hand

Tea tree oil is an extraordinary antiseptic given by nature. It also has antibacterial properties. If one feels any blotches forming, the can apply a small amount of tea tree oil. It works similar to a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution but it is less harmful.

9. Eat foods rich in Vitamin A & D

  

Vitamins A & D are very good for one’s skin & they will keep the skin away from blemishes. Carrots & spinach contain these vitamins. Spinach can be used as a base for preparing salads. Apart from these, watermelons, dried apricots, tuna, eggs, salmon, mushrooms and other spices like paprika, red pepper, cayenne & even chili powder are rich in these two vitamins.

10. Sugary foods

Many women have cravings for sweet during this period as the hormonal changes makes blood sugar levels unstable. When high sugar foods are eaten, the blood sugar levels fluctuate which leads to mood swings and tension. Not only this, it might also lead to an imbalance in immune system and can cause fatigue. Hence as a substitute to donuts type of food, one can have a fruit salad that’s rich in fiber with low-fat yogurt as topping.

11. Proper sleep

One has to make sure to get enough sleep. Sleeping re-energizes the body and makes one ready for day to day activities and makes them feel better. It is very crucial for a healthy body and helps students perform better at school and other activities.