Non Hormonal Menstrual Cramp Relief

Menstrual cramps are caused by the uterus contracting to expel old blood from the uterine lining during a woman's monthly cycle. Many women experience cramps two days before their cycle and may continue to have them two to three days into their cycle. Medications are often taken, but there are natural alternatives that a woman can do to help get rid of, or lessen menstrual cramps.

Reflexology

• Reflexology is an old Chinese technique that applies manual acupressure to reflex points along the feet and hands. A reflexologist will apply pressure and stretching techniques to the reflex points on the feet and hands that correspond to the female reproductive system. Applying pressure along these points for menstrual cramps relieve stress and tension. For best results, women should visit a reflexologist once a week, or two weeks before her cycle begins.

Orgasms

• Orgasms, whether done through self pleasure or intercourse, are a natural alternative to relieving menstrual cramps. During menstruation the blood vessels dilate causing pain and heaviness in the pelvic area. Orgasms cause the uterus to flex and contract helping ease the pain and heaviness by helping blood flow on through, lessening the congested feeling within the pelvic area. Endorphins are also released after an orgasm and help the body to relax, temporarily relieving menstrual cramps.

Hot Stone Massages

• During a woman's cycle, cramping, tension and a sore lower back can make you feel awful. A natural solution to ease cramps is hot rock massage therapy. Regular massage techniques are applied using hot stones. Smooth, rounded stones are submerged into water that is heated until they reach a certain temperature. During hot stone massage therapy, you strip down to just your underwear and cover with a towel. You then lay on your stomach on a massage table with your back exposed, towel over your bottom half. The hot stones are placed on your lower back where they sit for a couple of minutes so that your skin absorbs the heat. A massage therapist then begins using massage techniques with the stones up and down your back. Soreness in your lower back and tension melt away due to the heat and rubbing. Your body becomes totally relaxed causing menstrual cramps to lessen.