Do you know that there are a lot of things that help with period discomfort? There are numerous methods available to alleviate the discomfort associated with period pain. Acupressure to improve menstrual pain is one of the effective and natural approaches, which can alleviate discomfort and make it a better experience. This ancient Chinese technique involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, thereby promoting relaxation and pain relief and providing several benefits to women’s health.

Trying Holistic Approach In Our Women Problems Like Menstrual Pain

It may surprise some individuals that such a non-invasive and holistic practice can substantially relieve menstrual pain. This method offers physical benefits like alleviating menstrual pain, and contributes positively to your mood and within the realms of your health, allowing for a more productive and focused life despite difficulties. And all it takes is for a therapist to apply pressure using their thumb and index finger!

Source: flickr.com

According to a study, 84% of women experience it. Women smokers also have a high possibility of experiencing period cramps. Let’s discuss this further.

Out of all these women having period cramps during their monthly period, 55% seek medication to ease abdominal cramps, while others prefer to bear with it as it is and treat it normally. OTC drugs are not the only available relief for this. Women could also seek the help of therapists to help manage their cramps.

Chinese Traditions That You Should Understand About

In improving menstrual pain, Acupressure Therapy traces its roots to traditional Chinese medicine. They believe that a vital life force known as qi is central to a person’s health and well-being. It flows through the body via 12 invisible meridians, creating a coordinated system within the body from the fingertips to the brain.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of vital energy or Qi.

These points, also known as acupoints, are located along pathways called meridians, such as the spleen meridian, which runs along the inside of the leg alongside the shin bone. A trained acupressure therapist can locate this point and, using their thumb and index finger, alleviate period symptoms such as primary dysmenorrhea.

One powerful point on this meridian can be found on the second toe, about four fingers from the base. Another effective point is located on the other foot’s big toe, connected to the large intestine meridian.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment that can help relieve pain, reduce stress, improve quality of life, mitigate the negative symptoms of the menstrual cycle, and promote overall wellness. The acupuncturist may use a combination of needles, finger pressure, and massage to target specific points, often using the thumb and index finger to apply pressure a point in addition to the needles.

Once the flow of the Qi through the meridians becomes disrupted, stagnant, or stuck, a person starts to feel menstrual pain. What acupoint therapy does is seek to restore the balance of qi by targeting the points that can be found in the body’s meridians.

It is critical to establish the legitimacy of acupuncture in treating certain conditions.

It has been endorsed by the United States National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

How Does The Type Of Therapy Treatment Work?

For acupressure, no longer needles but body parts such as the index finger, palms, elbows, or feet, or specialized devices used to apply pressure on specific points, which lie along the body’s meridians. The patient lies in full clothes on a massage table as the therapist presses on the points. This therapy lasts for about an hour. At times, it may also require a little stretching or pressure massage.

Effective Treatment Options For Various Health Conditions

Acupuncture as a form of medicine has been the subject of numerous research studies and has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for various conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, such as the San Yin Jiao point on the leg or the Tai Chong point on the foot, to stimulate the flow of vital energy or Qi.

It is a low-risk treatment option that can alleviate symptoms related to digestive issues, liver problems, and period symptoms, among others. Additionally, acupuncture can target points along the large intestine meridian to help alleviate digestion and bowel function symptoms.

Acupressure can enhance blood flow to a woman’s uterus, allowing the muscles around it to relax. It then decreases the contractions in the womb, or what is usually called menstrual pain or cramps. That is how it helps to improve menstrual cycles and alleviate pain.

Regarding hormone regulation for young women, this process boosts the level of endorphins in the body, thereby reducing cramps, emotional stress, pain intensity, agitation, and mood swings.

Where Are The Critical Pressure Points?

The most critical acupressure points for period cramps relief are the abdominal muscles. About two finger-widths below the navel is an area called the “Sea of Energy.” Applying its stimulation in this area helps to normalize irregular cycles, ease cramps and breast tenderness, treats problems with vaginal discharge and even constipation, and offer pain relief. At the same time, it also relieves the body from digestive cramps and even headaches.

Source: pixabay.com

Another two finger-widths below the sea of energy is the “Gate Origin.” It also improves primary dysmenorrhea, cramping, pain, and irregular periods. In addition, it relieves the body of reproductive problems and incontinence. Moreover, just as additional data, it helps with treating impotence.

Relieving Cramps And Protecting Reproductive Health

On the pelvic area, at the center of that point where the legs join the trunk, is a pair of pressure points known as the “Mansion Cottage.” Applying relevant pressure from the palms on this area relieves the body from painful menstrual cramps and the other pains a woman feels during the monthly period. Same as the gate origin, this also helps treat infertility.

Emphasis On Rushing Door Points

Just below the points of the mansion cottage are the points called “Rushing Door.” Just like the mansion cottage, these points also relieve abdominal cramps and ease the cramps associated with bloating and cramps. They also treat hernias and dysuria.

Final Thoughts

Acupressure is generally safe with no known side effects, similar to when females take OTC medication.

Acupressure is a natural way to manage menstrual pain and different kinds of pain all over the body. However, special conditions require consultation with doctors and licensed therapists, such as those available online, like BetterHelp. It’s also important that you find reputable providers, and watch out for any health insurance agent red flags. What better way to relieve pain from the menstrual cycle than doing it safely and naturally?