Heat
Maybe this one is too obvious, but still... Have you tried hot baths and warm pillows? Like the ones with cherrypips that you put in a microwave for about 2 minutes. I've read somewhere that this the only natural way to relieve cramps that is actually scientifically proven :) And I always sleep with a heated pillow whenever I'm feeling cramps (or when I'm cold off course ;)). They come in all shapes and sizes. Also with a little lavender in it.
Aromatherapy
Which brings me to aromatherapy. I guess it's so part of my routine, I forgot to mention it... Lavender helps you relax. Mixed with citrus it helps you relax, while freshening you up (iow: not the sleepy kind of relaxing). This is my favorite mix of scents. You could pick lavender and slice an orange every once in a while, but you could also buy ethereal oils, which may come of use in many ways:
-There are special candle holders with a little bin on top, where you mix water with a few drops of the oils. The candle burning below heats the water so that the scent comes into your house.
-Put some on a linen handkerchief whenever going outdoors so you'll have it with you.
-If you've got a bathtub, mix some a few drops of ethereal oil with bathsalt (else it won't mix properly with the water) and lay back and enjoy! A combination of heat and aromatherapy.
Massage
Whenever you'd like to put it on your skin, you could mix it with for example almond oil. Be very careful with the (brand of) ethereal oil you pick, cause not all are suitable for skin! You could massage it gently into your skin. A natural way of relieving cramp is by massaging. Specifically: massage in round circles around your bellybutton, going from little to larger circles. Stroke from your left hipbone towards the ending of your ribcage. And the other way around. This way of massaging is also used the relieve cramps in the intestines, yet also works with menstruation. Plus: the scent is left on your skin serving you through a few hours at least. If you don't have time for massaging, but would simply like to have the scent on your skin, you could also mix a few drops with a non-parfumated bodymilk (such as Neutral).
Drinks & diet
Another good one is hot drinks. There are several options, but I usually go for tea with freshly sliced ginger. Put 2 slices in a cup and wait 10 minutes before drinking. It's a very warming tea, works good on cramps and also helps for better/lighter digestion (I get "full" and feel "heavy" after eating, especially while on my period) Ginger could also be mixed with milk.
Chamomilla is also a very nice one; this helps to relieve anger, irritation and cramps. I usually mix it with honey for taste (btw: a natural antiseptic and to strengthen the immunesystem). Chamomilla and ginger could be mixed as well.
Women could be craving for chocolate while menstruating. This is in part because your body asks for magnesium. So try adding that to your diet by eating things as: brown rice, corn, figs, nuts, lime, etc. Magnesium is also supposed to relieve cramps. It could be bought as a supplement as well.
RedRoses
Posted: 23 Sep 09:48
