How to quickly relieve menstrual cramps

Dysmenorrhea can be relieved by applying hot compresses to the abdomen, taking painkillers, drinking ginger tea, moderate exercise, and massaging acupoints.

1. Apply heat to the abdomen

Place a hot water bottle or baby warmer on the lower abdomen and control the temperature at 40-45 degrees Celsius for 15-30 minutes. Heat can promote pelvic blood circulation and reduce prostaglandin secretion, thereby relieving uterine smooth muscle spasm. When using, avoid direct contact with skin to prevent low-temperature burns. This method can be used continuously during menstruation, but patients with diabetes and skin sensory disorders should use it with caution.

2. Take painkillers

Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets as directed by your doctor. These drugs reduce the synthesis of pain-causing substances prostaglandins by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase. It is recommended that regular medication be started 1-2 days before menstruation for better results. Patients with peptic tract ulcers need to use gastric mucosal protective agents.

3. Drink ginger tea

Take 5-10 grams of fresh ginger slices and boil them, add brown sugar to taste and drink while hot. The gingerol component in ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-uterine contraction effects. You can drink it 2-3 times a day for the entire menstrual period. People with a constitution of yin deficiency and excessive fire should reduce the amount of brown sugar, and diabetic patients can use sugar substitutes instead.

4. Moderate exercise

Starting from the second day of menstruation, you can engage in low-intensity exercise such as walking and yoga for 15-30 minutes each time. Exercise can stimulate the secretion of endorphins, have a natural analgesic effect, and at the same time improve pelvic congestion. Avoid swimming, cycling and other sports that put pressure on the perineum. Exercise should be suspended if the amount of bleeding is excessive.

5. Massage acupoints

Use your thumb to press acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (3 inches above the tip of the medial malleolus) and Uterine point (4 inches below the navel and 3 inches away), and rub each acupoint for 3-5 minutes. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that this can dredge the Qi and blood of the Ren channel and regulate the functions of the Chong and Ren channels. The intensity of massage is suitable for soreness and swelling. This operation is prohibited for damaged skin or during pregnancy.

During menstruation, you should keep your abdomen warm, avoid eating cold and spicy foods, and maintain a daily intake of 2000 ml of warm water. Foods such as salmon and walnuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids can be appropriately increased. If the pain seriously affects your life or is accompanied by abnormal menstrual flow, it is recommended to perform a gynecological ultrasound examination to rule out organic diseases such as endometriosis. Establish regular menstrual cycle records to help doctors more accurately determine the type of dysmenorrhea.