Namaste 🙏
My Experience with Period Cramps
I had my first periods when I’m 11 and I had no issues for 2 years. I had no pain, no discomfort nothing. It’s just a happy phase of not going to school for 3 days, sitting in one corner of my room, nobody would come and disturb me, those are my self-care days. All I have to do is eat what my mom gave and sleep. No study nothing. Then arrived this heating phase of 9th and 10th class and I am not supposed to take leave for 3 days every month. For few months my body handled it great but later I started experiencing severe pain in my lower abdomen and back region for 2 days straight. Only I, my parents and my gynaec know how many pain killers I used to swallow those 2 days. Very intense period cramps.
I’m not the one to stay quiet. That little me started to research what’s happening within me those 2 days. I tried every single home remedy available all over the internet. Some of them worked some didn’t but in a short span of time I realised that all of these are temporary. There used to be some sanitary napkin brands which claim to reduce period cramps and I used them too (this is making me laugh right now😂). Up till 23, I keep on searching for something that would reduce my period cramps other than a pain killer. In my 23rd year I realised that I have became over weight and I decided to shed that excess fat.
I tried many things by my own and fortunately they didn’t work out. So, I took the help of a qualified nutritionist and I started eating balanced and healthy. I experienced that same pain free, comfortable periods which I used to have in my 11th and 12th years that month and I’m amazed. I’m 27 now and till today, I never experienced period cramps and I am not going back even in future also because I’ve got the key.
HEALTHY EATING HABITS = PAIN-FREE PERIODS
In the process of becoming an ayurvedic doctor and specializing in ayurvedic gynaecology, I will share the different root causes of period cramps and what are some simple corrections you can make today to experience a pain free period.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.
Causes of Menstrual Pain
Ahara (Dietary causes for period cramps)
Excessive consumption of
- Deep fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Meat
- Curd
- Salty snacks and pickles
- Tamarind (in any form)
Vihara (Activity related causes for period cramps)
Too much of
- Travelling
- Exercise
- Staying sedentary
- Talking
- Screen time
- Listening to music
- Strong perfumes
- Watching horror films
- Day time sleep
- Night outs
- Suppressing the urge to pee & poop
Manasika (Mind-level causes for period cramps)
- Anger
- Grudgeful thoughts
These might seem so simple but try fixing them, you’ll feel the difference.
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Best medicine for menstrual cramps
- Avoid all the causes that are mentioned above during periods (As much as you can).
- Follow a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet.
- Always eat minimal portions. Don’t overload tummy during periods.
- Practice yoga asanas regularly.
Remedies for period pain relief
Cardamom milk
Add 1 pod of crushed cardamom into 1 half cup (125ml) of coconut milk. Bring it to boil and enjoy it lukewarm in the evening around 5-6 pm every day.
Strengthening Elixir
Soak 5-10 black raising in a glass of hot water for overnight and drink it the next morning on an empty stomach every day and eat those raisins as well. Make sure to wash the raisins thoroughly before soaking them in hot water.
Instant pain relief juice
Roughly chop 1/4th beetroot, add it to a blender along with ½ tablespoon cumin seeds and 1 cup of water (250ml). Blend, filter and have it during periods.
Golden rice
To a rice cooker add 1 cup rice, 1 cup split-green gram, 1 inch cinnamon stick, a cardamom pod, a pinch of turmeric, 3 cups of water and let it cook. Serve hot with a drizzle of coconut oil on top and a sprinkle of 5-10 black raisins. I highly recommend avoiding salt but if it’s difficult for you, add very little amount of salt after serving not while cooking. Replace this with at least 1 meal during periods
Nourishing Laddu
Toast 1 cup of white sesame seeds, add them to a blender along with ¼ cup jaggery powder and bled them to a dough like texture. Roll them into small laddus and have 1 laddu each day without skipping.
Stir-fried sprouts
Boil a cup of green gram sprouts, drain the water and take it into a bowl. Into a small kadai, add 1 tablespoon white sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida and fry them until the aroma is appreciated. Now turn off the stove and add sprouts along with a pinch of salt, a pinch of turmeric powder and a pinch of pepper powder. Mix and eat every day. Avoid eating this while you are in your period.
Period Cramp Relief Yoga Therapy
Do your best in following the below mentioned yoga flow for 45 days for the best results. Avoid practicing this during your period time (when you are bleeding)
Consult for personalized care
All of these works excellent if you are not having any underlying medical condition. If you are diagnosed with any medical condition prior, these might not work as effectively. I highly suggest you to book an appointment for personalised care.
