Natural Remedies for Period Cramps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for severely painful abdomen cramps that occur in the abdomen. It is caused by uterine contractions. Most women experience these cramps during or just before the start of their period.

Dysmenorrhea vs Menorrhagia

Dysmenorrhea is intense pain/cramping during a menstrual cycle. Menorrhagia is excessive and/or prolonged bleeding during a menstrual cycle. A person can experience either menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea, or experience both at the same time.

Can You Have Menstrual Cramps Before Your Period?

Yes, you can have cramps before your period, or menses, begins. Cramping often occurs during your period, but there are also several reasons why you may be experiencing cramps at other times. The two most common times to experience cramps outside of a period is during ovulation and during pregnancy. Other conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, can also cause cramping before your period.

While cramping is considered normal during your period, exceedingly painful cramps can disrupt your life and should be addressed. We can work with you to help regulate your cycle and reduce pain.

Can You Have Menstrual Cramps After Your Period?

Yes, you can have cramps after your period. Cramping often occurs during your period, but there are also several reasons why you may be experiencing cramps at other times. Ovulation and pregnancy are the two most common times to experience cramps outside of a period. Other conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, can also cause cramping after your period.

While cramping is considered normal during your period, exceedingly painful cramps can disrupt your life and should be addressed. We can work with you to help regulate your cycle and reduce pain.

Why Do I Have Cramps But No Period

There are also several reasons why you may be experiencing cramps at times other than your period. It is fairly common to experience cramps during ovulation. Other conditions, such as pregnancy, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts, can also cause cramping outside of your period. You may also experience cramping even if you have irregular or no periods.

While cramping is considered normal during your period, exceedingly painful cramps can have a serious impact on your life and should be addressed. We can work with you to help regulate your cycle, reduce pain, and address the root causes of that pain.

What Causes Period Cramps?

Your uterus contracts to help expel its lining during your period. Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions, resulting in the pain you feel.

Severe pain and cramping during your cycle could be caused by a number of medical conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or Adenomyosis. You should consult your gynecologist or other medical professional if you are experiencing intense period cramps.

What Helps Menstrual Cramps?

You can reduce the cramping and pain that comes during your period in a number of ways. There are medical treatments that can address pain, but natural methods are a highly effective alternative.  Acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal blends, as well as CBD for menstrual cramps, are highly successful treatments.

Your diet can also affect your cycle. There are many foods that help with menstrual cramps due to their vitamin and mineral contents. Some foods that may help reduce menstrual cramping include walnuts, almonds, salmon, avocados, and bananas.

Does Acupuncture Help With Menstrual Cramps?

Yes, acupuncture can significantly reduce or eliminate painful cramping experienced during a menstrual cycle. Acupuncture helps stabilize the entire monthly cycle by rebalancing the hormones in the body. Treatment works to address the root causes of menstrual cramps, such as excess internal heat or qi not holding the blood in the body.

How Does Acupuncture Ease Menstrual Cramps?

Acupuncture helps by stabilizing the entire monthly cycle by rebalancing the hormones in the body. Treatment works to address the root causes of menstrual cramps, such as excess internal heat or qi not holding the blood in the body.

During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the lower abdomen between the pelvis and the belly button, on the lower legs, wrists, and sometimes elsewhere, such as the ears.

What Herbs Help Menstrual Cramps?

Chinese herb formulas are a completely customized medicine that is developed for each individual patient. Herb formulas are most typically used to promote the movement of qi and blood, providing the body with necessary nutrients and rebalancing hormonal levels that reduce menstrual pain. In addition to balance, Chinese medicine also lowers overall pain receptors/sensations by increasing endorphins. They also work to address the root causes of the pain such as excessive clotting, heavy menstrual flow, PCOS, endometriosis, etc.