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Want to relieve your menstrual cramping without filling your body up with pills?
Seeking a natural process to ensure that you remain at your best during your period? Read on to discover how reflexology can help to relieve your pain.
There are numerous styles of therapies that target period pain, however, reflexology has been used to relieve symptoms of pain for 5000 years! Whilst you may be tempted to try a variety of options, you should definitely try out some reflexology in order to alleviate stomach cramps during your menstrual cycle.
What Is Reflexology? How Does It Work?
Reflexology is a foot massage with strategic application. By applying a certain amount of pressure to the feet, you will be able to release the blood flow to your organs and enhance your vitality.
Benefits range from headache relief to the alleviation of stomach cramps. This is because we hold a copious amount of tension within our feet and thus, this massage releases all of the toxins that have been stored as a result of poor diet and stress hormones.
This promotion of vitality helps to relieve the body’s overall tension which inherently reduces period pain.
Reflexology – Pros
The pros of reflexology is that it helps to alleviate general symptoms of pain, stress, depression and anxiety by improving your overall health.
It has been proven to be particularly useful at relieving symptoms of anxiety and so, it is definitely something to recommend for those who are suffering with any anxiety related issues, especially those anxiety issues that affect the stomach area and can increase pain during your period.
Reflexology – Cons
You should always consult with your doctor if you suffer from certain health issues like blood clots or circulatory issues prior to undertaking any reflexology.
You may also wish to avoid reflexology if you have any anxiety about people touching your feet or are particularly ticklish!
Always inform your reflexologist if you are pregnant as reflexology may be able to cause contractions so it is best for your reflexologist to avoid these.
However, if you are seeking reflexology primarily to treat your period pain then this will not be an issue.
Some people have also reported some very mild side effects such as heightened sensitivity or dizziness so make sure that you are grounded prior to and after the session.
Can It Really Help With Period Pain?
Studies have found that reflexology can be just as effective as taking pills like ibuprofen.
There is also a copious amount of evidence to suggest that focus on specific reflex points affects the endocrine system and the reproductive system so it is certain to be able to alleviate the majority of symptoms associated with mild to severe PMS.
How To Use Reflexology For Menstrual Cramps?
If you want to try reflexology instead of popping pills or reaching for the hot water bottle then you’ll need to ask your reflexologist to focus on a particular spot which is called ‘liver 3’.
This is the spot that is known to soothe menstrual cramps. It is also renowned for its ability to regulate menstruation which is perfect for those women who feel cursed with a heavier flow.
This spot can be located approximately an inch lower than the spot between your second and big toes. If you find that this method isn’t working for you, then do not give up on reflexology entirely.
There may be other places on your feet or body that will be far more effective and you should always be honest with your reflexologist about what is or isn’t working for you.
To conclude, reflexology has been proven to work wonders for those who suffer with menstrual cramps. PMS and PMDD are debilitating conditions that render us emotional and burdened each month but that no longer has to be the case.
Reflexology provides a way to relieve the physical sensations stimulated by your period whilst also relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is no strenuous process involved and it is similar to a foot massage.
There are many alternative styles of therapy that may help your symptoms so do not be disheartened if reflexology doesn’t work for you. However, this particular style of treatment has been utilised for 5000 years and has been used as a medicinal practice throughout this period of time.
You should therefore trust the wisdom of those women who have come before you and who have been able to alleviate their own menstrual cramps, headaches and back pain by engaging in the reflexology process.
Be aware that you may find this slightly ticklish but on the whole, it is a highly pleasant experience.
As always, consult with your doctor if you have any concerns and ensure that you are choosing a reflexologist who has good reviews and is renowned for their expertise, this way, you are guaranteed to alleviate your symptoms without worsening any mental or physical pain during the process.
You deserve to be able to function at your best at any time during your menstrual cycle and this is just one way that you can ensure that you are practicing self care in a world that discourages women from doing so.
Find your release through reflexology today.
