Do you feel pain during your monthly menstrual cycle? Does the pain feel unbearable? Are you looking for an effective drug-free pain relief option to provide instant pain relief for your menstrual cramps? Fortunately, there are several drug-free alternatives to ease cramps. Let’s look at some of them.
Cramp Machines that Incorporate TENS Technology
Using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices is one of the natural ways women can ease period cramps. TENS technology uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate your nerves and distract them from sending pain signals to your brain. Wonder how?
These electrical pulses send a message to tour nerve to block the pain. Your nerves receive the message and respond by releasing endorphins - your body's natural painkillers. So, in simple words, TENS technology helps your body fight off pain by sending soothing signals to your nerves so you can complete your menstrual cycle without experiencing severe period pains.
If you are looking for a drug-free period pain machine that incorporates TENS technology, consider using the Ovatune pain relief cramps machine. The Ovatune cramps machine has a belt-like design but comes with adhesive electrode pads.
Simply place the pads on the lower abdomen, where you might typically experience menstrual cramps, and adjust their intensity to suit your needs. Once you turn on the device, it sends gentle electrical pulses through the electrode pads to your pain area, which help to block pain signals and provide instant pain relief for your menstrual cramps.
Other Drug-Free Period Pain Relief Methods to Ease Cramps
Besides the Ovatune cramps machine, there are other drug-free methods you can try to ease cramps. Some of them include:
1. Exercise to Ease Cramps
Engaging in moderate exercise boosts endorphins – chemicals that help you fight pain naturally. If you are not a fan of regular exercises like walking, swimming, or dancing, consider pelvic floor exercises like Kegels. They strengthen your pelvic muscles, improve your overall pelvic health and alleviate menstruation pain.
2. Heat Therapy Provides Instant Pain Relief for Cramps
Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, is also a drug-free period pain relief alternative to consider during your menstrual cycle. When you apply heat on your lower abdomen or pelvic area, it causes the blood vessels there to dilate, which leads to increased blood flow to the region. This improved circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to tissues surrounding your uterus needs to fight pain and relax.
To try heat therapy, get a heating pad or hot water bottle and place it on your lower abdomen. Alternatively, take a warm bath. Just make sure the water is not too hot so you don’t burn yourself. Heat therapy for 15-20 minutes can help ease cramps.
3. Aromatherapy Ease Cramps
Is it possible to use natural scents from essential oils to ease cramps? Research suggests aromatherapy using topically applied oils like chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus rose, and clary sage can help decrease period pains. However, every lady’s response to aromatherapy may differ. For effective results, find the scents that you enjoy and use them in a diffuser. Alternatively, add a few drops to your bathing water or apply them directly to your skin, making sure to dilute them.
4. Try Acupressure
The body has some specific pressure points that can help relax the muscles and reduce the crampy feeling. These points are usually around your belly area and lower back, where menstrual cramps often occur. Acupressure is a drug-free procedure that helps you target these specific pressure points on the body to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and alleviate pain. Studies even show that acupressure can help ease severe menstrual pain, especially for people who experience stress frequently.
5. Use Herbs and Medicinal Plants
Not all herbs – just some that contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxant, and pain-reducing properties. Some of these herbs and plants that ease cramps and manage period pain include:
- Ginger
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Lavender
- Fennel
- Raspberry Leaf
- Valerian
- Black Cohosh
- Dong Quai
Also, keep in mind that while these herbs are great for easing period pain, they work differently for every individual. Besides this, most herbal remedies may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or allergies. If you are considering using herbs or plants for menstrual pain relief, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist.
6. Nutrition
Like those herbs mentioned above, most foods have high anti-inflammatory properties that can help relax the muscles and provide the body the support it needs to manage menstrual pain. If you prefer to use food as a remedy for menstrual pain, then incorporate this food into your diet:
- Fruits: berries, cherries, and oranges
- Vegetables, especially leafy greens
- Whole grains: brown rice and quinoa
- Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, mackerel, sardines, flaxseeds, and walnuts
Conclusion
Using over-the-counter painkillers may seem like a great remedy for your period cramps, but they may pose potential risks to your overall health. The good news is that these drug-free period pain relief methods also work effectively, like painkillers. Plus, they offer long-term benefits. So, whether you choose an Ovatune cramps machine that incorporates TENS technology or want to use acupressure, aromatherapy, or take nutritional and herbal remedies, these drug-free alternatives not only provide relief from pain but also promote overall well-being so you can enjoy pain-free periods every time.