"How to Easily Alleviate Menstrual Cramps with 4 Simple Tricks?"
Menstrual Pain: Causes, Relief Methods, and Recommended Foods
Menstrual pain, though not universal among women, affects a vast majority, with eight out of ten experiencing some form of discomfort. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for menstrual pain, let alone a specific medication. The best approach is to find temporary relief. Here's how to tackle menstrual pain and what foods can alleviate it swiftly. Let's delve into some effective methods!
Four Ingenious Tips for Easing Menstrual Pain
1. Practice Yoga
Yoga can offer relief. For instance, sit on your heels with knees bent, forehead close to the ground, and arms stretched straight by your sides. Hold this position until you feel discomfort.
2. Embrace Low-Fat Diet
Research shows that low-fat diets rich in vegetables and beans can alter the body's hormonal binding, reducing the synthesis of substances that cause menstrual pain. Soybeans, particularly, are rich in plant-based estrogens, effectively suppressing menstrual pain.
3. Foot Soaking
Foot soaking aids in relieving menstrual pain by stimulating acupressure points. Fill a deep basin with warm water (around 40°C), ensuring it covers your ankles. After soaking for about 20 minutes, you'll feel a warmth spreading through your body, indicating improved blood circulation. Massaging your feet during this time enhances the effect.
4. Adequate Warmth
With fluctuating weather, it's crucial for women to adjust their clothing accordingly. Wear a mask outdoors during winter or windy days, and keep your feet warm. Cold feet can lower immunity, making you prone to illnesses. Drinking hot water, layering clothes, and keeping the body warm can dilate blood vessels, accelerate blood flow, counteract uterine smooth muscle contractions, and ultimately reduce pain.
Many menstrual pain sufferers experience fewer symptoms after consuming adequate vitamins and minerals daily. Hence, taking comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplements, preferably low in calcium, a few times a day, is recommended.
Foods to Ease Menstrual Pain
1. Durian
Known as the "King of Fruits," durian has a strong, pungent smell. In Thailand, it's prized for its high nutritional value and often consumed by patients and postpartum women. Its warm nature promotes blood circulation, relieves menstrual pain, improves cold abdominal symptoms, and raises body temperature, making it ideal for those with a cold constitution. Additionally, durian shells can be used in traditional soups with pig bones.
2. Apples
An apple contains around 30 mg of flavonoids, 15% carbohydrates, and pectin, along with abundant vitamins A, C, E, potassium, and antioxidants. Flavonoids regulate blood lipids, reduce blood viscosity, and improve serum lipid profiles. They also dilate blood vessels and alleviate spasms. Apples' sugar, lithium, bromine, zinc, and magnesium content make them a natural sedative, also soothing menstrual stomachaches.
3. Brown Sugar
In traditional Chinese medicine, brown sugar is believed to nourish qi, enrich blood, warm the spleen and stomach, dispel wind-cold, and promote blood circulation. It helps regulate menstruation, warms the body, boosts energy, activates qi and blood, and alleviates menstrual discomfort. If you feel lethargic or pale post-menstruation, drink a glass of 20% brown sugar water before lunch. For severe symptoms, have another glass before dinner. Consistent consumption for a week can significantly improve your condition.
4. Angelica Sinensis (Dong Quai)
A common Chinese herbal medicine, Angelica Sinensis regulates menstruation, promotes blood circulation, and nourishes blood. It's frequently used to treat menstrual disorders, nourish liver blood, and reduce age spots and freckles. Consuming it before menstruation can减轻痛经症状; cooking it with chicken and adding red dates and goji berries post-menstruation enhances blood replenishment.
