Home Massages for Period Relief

Every woman has a unique relationship with their “time of the month.” As a person who bleeds every month, one of the things you're likely to dread about menstruation is the intense pain and cramping. Let's be honest, sometimes it feels like it just never ends. Period pain is one of the most common complaints from women during their menstrual cycle. It can range from mild to severe, but usually, it's in the form of a cramp that feels like a sharp pinch or vice grip tightening inside your abdomen. Curling up in bed with all the comfort food and sleeping is the only thing one wishes for, at times. There are several things one can do to ease the cramps. It's all about trying out different methods and seeing what provides the most relief.

But what if there was a way to help with the pain? There are actually a variety of different types of massages that can help alleviate some of the pain. In this blog post, we'll explore some of those massages and how they can be used to get relief from your period. 

How do massages help women with endometriosis? 

Massages can help relieve menstrual cramps as it increases blood flow, which means massage can increase menstrual flow and ease the pain. The purpose of massage is to relax the body, so it is not an exaggeration to think that massage can also relax the lower abdomen and relieve the pain of dysmenorrhea. Some women find that massaging their abdomen can help relieve pain associated with menstrual cramps. There is also evidence that even in women with endometriosis, who often suffer from extremely severe menstrual pain, massage can help relieve menstrual cramps. If you or someone you know is suffering from menstrual cramps during periods of endometriosis, you may want to try massage therapy to help calm you down. Shiatsu massage or acupressure can significantly reduce menstrual pain in women with endometriosis. 

At home massages to ease period pain - 

• Heat massages  

For pain and/or cramps, a warm relaxing bath, a warm compress on the lower back and abdomen, or a clockwise massage of the abdomen may help. Massaging the lower back and abdomen can help relieve back pain and menstrual cramps. If you have severe cramps, try taking a hot bath or applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen or back to relieve the pain. Applying a hot water bottle or heating pad to your stomach can relax your muscles and relieve cramps. Self-massaging the abdomen can also relax the pelvic muscles and relieve cramps.

• Oil massage and aromatherapy

Menstrual pain is not just about physical pain. Hormonal changes and body pain has a direct effect on the mental and emotional state. In times such as these, aromatherapy and oil rubs can be an effective way to treat period symptoms. A study showed that women with menstrual cramps experienced less premenstrual pain when massaged with a blend of lavender, clary sage, and rose essential oils. A month's regular massage has been shown to help ease painful monthly menstrual cramps by simply raising baseline levels of the "happy hormone" while lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Experts say massaging in circular motions for five minutes a day before and during your period can help reduce cramping and improve abdominal circulation. Scented candles can also uplift one’s spirits and help in calming down. 

• Yoga or exercising

Whether it's the stretching of the muscles or the relaxing effects of the pose, regular yoga practice can really help relieve cramps. Exercising for a month is one of the best treatments for dysmenorrhea as it can help reduce dysmenorrhea and dysmenorrhea for a month. Arm yourself with the following knowledge on how to relieve menstrual cramps so you can manage your pain more effectively each month.

• Compression massage technique 

The compression massage technique focuses on relieving period pain by compressing the sacrum and massaging the glutes to ease cramps and PMS symptoms. The sacrum is a triangular bone in the lower back located just above the tailbone. To locate the sacrum follow the lower spine past the hips, right in between the buttocks and above the tailbone. 

To perform this massage you will need the help of a partner. Firstly, lie down on the bed with your face down. Then ask your partner to Locate the sacrum and place the heels of their palm, fingers interlocked,  on the sides of the sacrum. Ask them to squeeze into the sacrum with the palm of their hands and apply pressure for 15 to 30 seconds. Release the pressure afterwards and continue pressing down the sacrum. Repeat the process of applying pressure and releasing it. 

Periods can be extremely difficult, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. One needs the care, love and support of a close person. It is also important that you practise self care and maintain a proper diet.