Painful period? No more! There are natural remedies you can use to relieve pain and stimulate your body’s energy. Acupuncture and acupressure, for instance, have been used for quite some time to treat pain, such as menstrual cramps. These techniques help reduce pain, relax, and achieve balance in the body.
Below are five effective pressure points for menstrual pain so you can take back charge of your life:
- LV3 (Taichong)
Location: Top of the foot, on the side of the hollow between the big and second toes.
The Taichong point is located on the liver meridian. That part of the body controls the flow of energy in the body, so having pressure applied to LV3 can relieve pre-menstrual pain due to Qi stagnation, reduce stress, and promote general relaxation.
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
Location: On the inner leg, four fingers’ width above the ankle bone.
Sanyinjiao, also known as the “Three Yin Intersection,” is a great point for alleviating menstrual cramps. Stimulating SP6 helps to regulate the flow of energy, or Qi, in the lower abdomen, which improves blood circulation and reduces pain. This point also helps with issues of bloating and calms the mind, making it an excellent point for managing period-related discomfort.
- CV4 (Guanyuan)
Location: Four finger-widths below the belly button.
The Guanyuan point is directly associated with the reproductive system and is one of the most frequently used acupuncture points for menstrual-related problems, such as cramps and irregular cycles. The pressure applied to this point will cause relaxation of the uterine muscles, decrease inflammation, and help alleviate cramping.
- ST36 (Zusanli)
Location: Front of the lower leg, four fingers below the kneecap, and one finger lateral to the shinbone.
Zusanli is a versatile point that is used to elevate energy levels and improve digestion. For menstrual cramps, stimulating ST36 strengthens Qi and blood flow, reducing the severity of cramps and supporting overall wellness.
- LI4 (Hegu)
Location: Between the thumb and index finger, on the webbing.
The pressure point Hegu is a quick remedy for any form of pain, in this case, menstrual cramps. LI4 pressure application relaxes muscles, improves blood flow, and reduces tension, which usually enhances the experience of pain.
- Sp8 Diji
Location: On the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to Yinlingquan SP-9, in a depression posterior to the medial crest of the tibia.
This pressure point removes blood stagnation and eases cramps and pains that start with period bleeding.
How to Use These Points?
Apply gentle but firm pressure using your fingers or thumbs for 1-2 minutes per point, using circular motions. Pairing these techniques with deep breathing can enhance their effectiveness.
By incorporating these pressure points for menstrual pain into your routine, you can experience natural and effective relief from menstrual cramps.
However, it is not recommended to do it yourself without the supervision of a professional. Get on a quick call with the experienced acupuncturists at Acubody or schedule an appointment to get a personalised treatment plan.
