Alternative treatments for horrible cramps?!


Question: It never fails - every month I have horrible cramps to the point that it completely interrupts my life for a good 3 days. I am tired of doing the ibuprofen thing (which is not helping all that much, anyway) and am wondering if there are any herbs or alternative treatments that can help me? Any suggestions, I am open. Thanks so much!

Answers: It never fails - every month I have horrible cramps to the point that it completely interrupts my life for a good 3 days. I am tired of doing the ibuprofen thing (which is not helping all that much, anyway) and am wondering if there are any herbs or alternative treatments that can help me? Any suggestions, I am open. Thanks so much!
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Often times severe menstrual cramping is a combination of what acupuncturists term Blood Stasis and other contributing factors. The treatment will be to relieve the stasis and address the contributing factors.

Treatment methods could include: acupuncture, moxabustion, cupping, tui-na, and herbal formulas.

Look for a certified/licensed professional in your area using the NCCAOM web site pratitioner search function: http://www.nccaom.org
A heating pad directly on the abdomen has always helped me, and might i add using it overnight will keep them away the entire duration of your cycle. You should only have to use it once a month! Report It

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  • wench's Avatar by wench
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    • try soaking in a warm bath.or use a heating pad on your tummy or back.
    Well what helped me the most is to wear a Thermacare pad in that area.

    You don't want to get the cute little ones that are cut for that area...get the shoulder ones and then just stick it where the pain is. Keep in mind that you can get burnt if your skin is sensitive enough so try it on a day where you can stay in bed if you need to take it off. Why I like them is they deliver constant heat to that area and are thin enough that you can wear them under your clothes and no one will ever know.

    I used to just take lots of drugs at that time of the month and sometimes would have to take 3 days off of work every month, but the thermacare pad really does help me not to have to do that.

    Also talk to your doctor because, I do have Endometriosis and then the pain got really bad they did a surgery called a Laser Laproscopy and after the surgery I was so much better it was like night and day. The only difference was that I had gotten to where I would have the cramps for 3 weeks a month but, you might have this condition and some doctors will put you on the pill to help with the pain.

    Good luck.
    If you are interested in getting help for your menstrual cramps read below. This was a lifesaver for my sister.
    Try black cohosh and dong quai
    Try a hot sitz bath. Submerge your pelvic area completely in uncomfortable hot (but not burning) water up to the navel area. It is good for women with dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).

    Hydrotherapy is an essential part of natural therapies. Some additives can also be infused which may help to maximize its application. Peppermint essential oil calms muscle spasms, aches, and strains, and it's a great comfort for those who suffer with menstrual cramps. Peppermint essential oil is strong and may cause irritation to the skin (if not diluted).
    Magnesium helps.

    You can find further information in a search for "menstrual cramps" + magnesium.


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