Menstrual cycles can be a painful affair for any woman. During their periods, women around the world put up with abdominal and pelvic pain which may also spread to the lower back and thighs. Vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, constipation and bloating are a few other things that women may have to endure during those painful days. Extreme pain or menstrual cramps caused during a woman's period are clinically known as Dysmenorrhea.
"The first two days of my periods are the most painful. The body ache disturbs me emotionally and I feel stressed out," says Kiran, a business executive in her mid-20's. Swati, a 28 year old dentist, adds "The pain is usually restricted to the stomach and lower back. I haven't really ever had to resort to painkillers. Just a hot water bottle for the back helps reduce the pain."
Studies suggest that menstrual cramps are more common in adolescent girls and its occurrence may reduce as the age progresses. Experts believe that one of the major contributing factors to menstrual cramps can be lack of exercise. Unhealthy dietary habits have also been known to add to the woe.
Bid pain goodbye!
Popping painkillers during periods helps suppress the pain but is not a permanent solution. Also, the body gets used to such painkillers and may require you to increase the dosage with time, possibly inviting further problems. Also, it may not always be feasible to use hot-water bag every time your periods trouble you. Adoption of wholesome and nutritious food can help reduce the pain. Yoga, a time-tested natural technique is one of the rare side-effect free options available out there that can make your periods pain-free. Yoga strengthens the body physically and aids in alleviating pain caused due to menstrual cramps. It also calms the mind and empowers you to put up a stronger resistance against giving in to the pain.
These simple yoga poses for menstrual cramps work effectively to limit the pain from distracting your routine life: