HOW TO RELIEVE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

That heavy and bloated feeling, cramps in your lower abdomen often accompanied by headache and mood swings; menstruation is never fun except for the lucky few who never get cramps. According to Ayurveda, menstruation is governed by the Vata dosha, and it’s a time of internal turmoil in the body. The solution is to slow down and be easy on your body and balance the Vata dosha. Here are some of the Ayurvedic remedies to ease menstrual cramps.

Avoid overly spicy foods

Menstruation is a time when digestion is not at its best. So, try to help the stomach as much as possible by giving it only light and easily digestible foods. Avoid overly spicy or sour foods, and drink warm water to keep yourself well-hydrated. Warm rice gruel, curd rice, hot rice mixed with ghee and salt, and non-citrus fruits are all safe options during your periods. Jaggery can balance Vata, so replace sugar with jaggery for a few days, ahead of your periods.

Sip Ajwain tea

Ajwain or carom seeds are a superfood for easing any inflammation and are thus ideal for menstrual cramps. Add a teaspoon of Ajwain seeds to a cup of boiling water and let it infuse well. You can also add a pinch of jaggery to get rid of the bitter twang, and your drink is ready. Ajwain will not just relax your body but aid digestion, reducing the bloated feeling during your periods.

Take methi seeds

Consuming methi powder during the first three days of your period will not just reduce cramps but boost your health and energy levels in general. If methi powder doesn’t work for you, soak a tablespoon of seeds overnight and drink it the following day. Add crushed ginger and a tiny pinch of black pepper for added taste. Methi also reduces nausea and fatigue and can be consumed every day, even otherwise.

Practice light yoga

While you might not be feeling up to heavy-duty exercise during your periods, Ayurveda recommends light and easy yoga postures, which will lessen cramps, especially if you start a few days ahead of your periods. Lie on your back and lift one leg 90 degrees slowly. Release and lift the other leg. You can also try cycling in the air with your legs slowly, all of which will ease your uterine muscles.

Massage abdomen with sesame oil

Warm sesame oil has the power to soothe and relax any part of your body, and it works for menstrual cramps too. Gently massage the lower abdomen with sesame oil and try to relax. Sesame seeds are also said to regulate irregular menstrual cycles due to their oestrogen managing capacity. Take a warm shower afterward, which will also relax the body. There are a lot of myths surrounding periods that girls should not wash their hair during those days, but there is no such thing in Ayurveda. Keep yourself fresh and clean and avoid stressors of all kinds as much as possible.