How To Get Rid Of Period Cramps At Night

Applying a heat wrap, heating pad or snuggling up with a hot water bottle; can work wonders to relieve your menstrual cramps. According to experts, heat increases the flow of blood to the painful area, relaxing the muscle contractions which are often the reason for period pain. In fact, heating pads can provide similar pain relief benefits as a pain killer. So, why pop a pain killer when you can relieve your pain with a heating pad?

You can buy a heating pad, patch or wrap at any nearby drug store. Generally, after applying a heat pad, you need to give it about 5-10 minutes before your pain begins to go away.

Massaging your abdomen with some oil can be helpful in relieving your menstrual cramps at night. Massaging will increase blood flow in the area and therefore release any accumulated muscle tension which could be causing the pain.

Fish oil, sesame oil and lavender oils have also been found to be extremely helpful in relieving menstrual cramps. You can also opt for a massage cream that contains essential oils like: marjoram, lavender or clary sage. These oils contain compounds that can soothe menstrual cramps and relieve pain. All you have to do is massage them into your stomach and you should feel that the pain should decrease within a few minutes.

Here are two examples of essential oil mixes you can opt for in the quest for relieving your period pains:

• Take 3-4 drops of lavender oil, mix with 1-2 tsp of coconut oil or jojoba oil and apply it on your back and lower abdomen. Lavender oil has both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties and treats period cramps and induces sleep.

• You may also mix 3-4 drops of peppermint oil with 1-2 tsp of coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply it on your back and lower abdomen and massage gently. Peppermint oil contains menthol; effective in relieving pain and anxiety. Peppermint aroma is also helpful in relieving headaches and nausea, both of which also come with menstrual cramps.

This Eastern healing method stimulates particular trigger points in your body, in aim to help with pain relief. Acupressure is found to be very effective in soothing menstrual cramps. An acupressure practitioner will be able to show you which trigger points you need to press and how you can stimulate them to achieve your desired results.

Some main acupressure points are located on your back, feet, abdomen and the part between your index finger and thumb. Since this technique is drug-free, it is safe to practice as much as you want. Since no tools are required for this therapy, you can do it whenever you feel menstrual cramp symptoms. This is why it is a great and easy remedy to use during for night menstrual cramps. For example:

• There is a pressure point in your foot that, when pressed, can give you immediate relief from menstrual pain. This point is found around the width of three fingers above the ankle bone. Gently massage this pressure point with your fingers and thumb. It will not only relieve your period cramps, but can also help in alleviating bloating, dizziness and insomnia.

Sleeping in fetal position is one of the best things you can do to relieve menstrual cramps at night. It will take pressure off your abdominal muscles and relax the skeletal muscles near your abdomen. Less strain on your abdomen means pain relief and the absence of cramps. In addition, sleeping in the fetal position will also prevent leakage at night. When your legs are pressed against each other, you are less likely to leak; even on heavy period days.

The worst position to sleep in during your periods is on your stomach. A face-down position will put extra pressure on your abdomen, causing more pain and cramps. It can also put more pressure on your blood flow and abdomen, which can result in period leakage.

If you feel menstrual pain during night, yoga has proven to be a great option in both soothing and stretching your muscles. In addition, yoga can improve your mood and help you feel more relaxed.Try out these recommended yoga poses to help get rid of period pains;

• Half camel pose: Kneel upright on the bed so that your bum is not resting on your heels. Reach back with your right hand and touch your right ankle. Make sure that your hips are pressed forward. Repeat the same process on the left side. This pose stretches the muscles near your hips and releases pain.

• Child’s pose: Keep your knees hip-width apart, let your toes touch each other and stand on your knees and hands. Keep your hands on the bed, with your arms outstretched. Move your butt back towards the heels and lower down your body to the bed.

• Seated forward fold: Sit on the bed with your legs out in front of your torso. Bend them forward as far as you are comfortable. This will create a deep fold that will massage your organs stretch out your back muscles, which are become tense during period pains.

Prevention is better than cure. With this in mind, here are a few tips on how you can prevent menstrual cramps at night;

• Drinking 6-8 glasses of water everyday will ease bloating and prevent menstrual cramps.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee and tobacco which cause dehydration.
• Reduce salt intake that causes bloating and fluid retention.
• Avoid fatty, salty and sugary foods.
• Eat anti-inflammatory foods like squash, bell peppers, blueberries, tomatoes, cherries.
• Each more calcium rich foods like dark leafy greens, almonds and beans.
• Practice some light exercise during your periods, such as short walks, mild yoga or tai-chi. Physical activity will pump more blood through your body, and release endorphins that fight prostaglandins and relieve period cramps.
• Chamomile tea has pain relieving properties that can alleviate period pains. It contains a hippurate which is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This will reduce the production of prostaglanding and relieve cramps.
• Increase your vitamin D intake by getting some sun.
• Have an orgasm. Orgasms are helpful in relieving all types of pain, including period pain. Before orgasm, your uterus is relaxed. Towards the climax, your flow of blood increases and relieves cramps. Orgasms also release endorphins that help in pain relief, making you feel better instantly.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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