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A good way to combat strong menstrual cramps is to do a self-massage in the pelvic area because it brings relief and a feeling of well-being in a few minutes. The massage can be performed by the person and lasts about 3 minutes.
Menstrual colic, scientifically called dysmenorrhea, causes pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, days before and also during menstruation. Some women have other symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness and fainting.
There are other treatments that can be done to end colic pain, but massage is one of the natural ways that brings greater relief. See 6 tricks to stop menstrual cramps fast.
Step by step to do the massage
Preferably the massage should be performed lying down, but if this is not possible, the massage can be done by lying back in a comfortable chair. Before starting the massage, it is recommended to apply a hot water bag over the pelvic area for 15 to 20 minutes to relax the abdominal muscles and facilitate movements.
Then, the following massage should be started:
1. Apply the oil to the skin
You should start by applying a vegetable oil, slightly heated, in the pelvic area, making light movements to spread the oil well.
2. Make circular movements
The massage should begin with circular movements, always around the navel in a clockwise direction, to activate the circulation of the area. As possible, pressure should be gradually increased, but without causing discomfort. It starts with soft touches, followed by deeper touches, with both hands.
3. Make top-down movements
After doing the previous step for about 1 to 2 minutes, you must perform movements from the top of the navel downwards for 1 more minute, starting again with gentle movements and then gradually moving to deeper movements, without causing pain .
Reflexology massage against colic
Another natural way to relieve menstrual cramps is to use reflexology, which is a type of massage on certain points of the feet. To do this, just apply pressure and small circular movements with your thumb on the following points of the foot:
Best positions for relieving colic
In addition to the massage, the woman can also adopt some positions that help to relieve menstrual cramps, such as lying on her side with her legs bent, in a fetal position; lying on your back with your legs bent, keeping your knees close to your chest; or kneel on the floor, sit on your heels and lean forward, keeping your arms straight out in contact with the floor.
To sleep, the best position is to lie on your side, with a cushion or pillow between your legs, and your knees bent.
Watch the following video and see other tips to relieve menstrual cramps:
When the pain is very severe and does not pass with any of the indicated techniques, it can also be a sign of endometriosis. See the symptoms that may indicate that it is endometriosis.