Pain is built into the experience of being a woman. Over 80% of women experience pain during their period consistently throughout their young adult and adult lives. Since painful periods are so common, women have been told to grin and bear it or to just push through the pain. But suffering through pain should not be the only option for menstruators. Women’s health has been historically underresearched and underfunded, resulting in few options for pain relief that don’t involve drugs. While painkillers are an excellent option for many women and can temporarily help ease cramps and back pain due to menstruation, they have the possibility of side effects interfering with other aspects of your overall health. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs should not be the one and only way to get rid of menstrual pain. Here are six drug-free period pain relief methods that we love.
Circe TENS Device
The Circe TENS device is made to lessen period pain. It is entirely natural, easy to use, and has been found 95% effective for women in a clinical study. The device works by sending electrical pulses through electrodes and into the skin, which block pain signals from being sent to your brain. Additionally, it relaxes the muscles in the area where it is applied and helps your body produce endorphins, which are a natural painkiller.
Eating Anti-Inflammatory Food and Drinks
Food and drinks with anti-inflammatory properties help reduce bloating and muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping in the lower abdomen and back. It helps improve blood flow and relax muscles. Below is a list of anti-inflammatory foods and beverages to ease your period pain
- Herbal teas such as chamomile, raspberry leaf, and thyme
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Leafy Greens
- Spices such as garlic, turmeric, and ginger
- Leafy greens
- Salmon and other fatty fish
Conversely, avoiding foods and beverages that cause bloating and inflammation will help with pain related to cramping. Foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt should be avoided during menstruating. Below is a list of foods to avoid.
- Red meats
- High fructose corn syrup
- Highly processed foods
Avoiding Caffeine
One of caffeine’s side effects is narrowing the blood vessels, slowing blood circulation. It also increases inflammation and bloating, which add to period pain and cramps. Avoiding caffeine won’t just help with cramps; it will make your period easier overall. Drinking coffee during your period has been linked to more extended, heavier periods along with other irregularities.
Drinking More Water
Consistently drinking more water, even when you are not on your period, helps with water retention, which causes bloating. Although it may seem backwards, increasing your water intake will cause your body to retain less water. Staying healthy and hydrated will not only reduce period cramps but also help all of your other bodily systems function correctly.
Exercise
One not-so-common way to relieve pain and cramping is exercise. Although it may not sound appealing, especially during your period, getting physically active releases endorphins that relax your muscles, reducing pain. The endorphins also create a joyful feeling and can help with other things like stress and anxiety.
Applying Heat
Heat is a very popular drug-free way to get relief from period pain. Applying heat to the lower abdomen and back allows uterine contractions to relax and increase blood flow. Heat is a simple and effective way to ease pain that is easily accessible to many. You don’t need to own a heating pad; even a warm shower or bath can be beneficial and ease pain.
You can combine all these methods and use them supplementary to one another. They can be used with over-the-counter painkillers as well if you are not concerned about being 100% natural. Our favourite by far is the Circe Wireless TENS machine, which provides drug-free period pain relief.