Acupressure points in the meridian of the leg, hand, abdomen, and pelvis are helpful with the treatment of pain associated with menstruation. Pressure points are used in acupressure, a Chinese alternative medicine technique. Acupressure is based on a concept of life energy, which flows through “meridians” or pathways in the body. In this concept, pain is caused due to blockages in these meridians. By applying physical pressure to these meridians by hand, elbow, or with devices, it’s known to clear blockages and treat or alleviate pain.
We ladies have all gone through the various symptoms associated with PMS. You feel all fine, happy, and energized one minute and, when you enter the PMS phase, you feel the exact opposite.
You may feel extreme sluggishness, low energy, tired, unnecessarily emotional, bloated, and have menstrual cramps or pain with all other symptoms.
The magic of womanhood is immense but, we also need to go through all these symptoms associated with our period every month and find ways to let it not interfere with day-to-day life.
A fascinating and effective method to deal with these symptoms is acupressure points. Let’s explore how acupressure can help treat period pain or cramps.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is known as the practice of using pressure points in the body. It falls under the discipline of acupressure and reflexology.
According to acupressure, applying appropriate touch to the pressure points in the hands, legs, and different areas in the body, can energize and heal other body parts. Eastern cultures have used this practice for thousands of years.
You can use these pressure points by yourself and do it safely in the comfort of your home. But if you choose to do so, become well informed about how to do it correctly.
Many prefer using pressure points for pain relief because it is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical. In addition, there’s almost no risk of any side effects.
Researchers have found that acupressure is an efficient tool in treating PMS. Doctors don’t completely understand how acupressure works for treating PMS, but they believe it works by releasing endorphins and speeding up the circulation in the human body.
It’s effective in relieving cramps, headaches, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. Many women report feeling relief from symptoms just 24 hours after treatment.
What is PMS?
PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome occurs due to an imbalance in the levels of hormones in your body.
It is the fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone during PMS, which cause these symptoms. It occurs a week before your period is due and can cause about 150 different symptoms. PMS is an unpleasant experience we ladies have to go through every month.
PMS is easily affected by unhealthy eating habits, stress, and inadequate sleep. Pain medications can sure help treat the awful symptoms that accompany menstruation.
The good news is that acupressure also treats the same symptoms pretty effectively.
Pressure points and how to locate them
Spleen 8
Spleen 8 is a pressure point that helps with period cramps. This point is located in the inner leg area.
It lies between the crease of the knee in the front, inside, and down towards the tibia bone. It is about 5-7 inches down to the tibia and is a tender spot next to the shin bone.
This spot, when massaged, gives a lot of relief from menstrual cramp pain. You must apply pressure and rub this spot for about 60 seconds on both legs.
You must breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth and keep applying pressure until you have had some relief from pain.
Large intestine 4
This is a common acupressure point and is easy to find and use. It is also called the LI4. It is located in the soft web of your hand between your thumb and pointer finger.
This point is used to alleviate pain related to migraines and headaches. In addition, it can also be utilized for pain anywhere in the body. Thus it also helps with menstrual pain tremendously.
To use this acupressure point, you must find a tender spot in between your index finger and the web of your thumb and press it using firm pressure for 60-90 seconds.
When your press this spot, you must regulate your breathing. This spot is usually tender for most people, but it works well to treat period cramps and other aches in the body.
CV 6 or the “Sea of Energy”
This pressure pit is called the sea of energy which sounds empowering and uplifting.
You can find this point two-finger breadths beneath the navel. You will have to push and prod to find this spot and, once you feel it, you will know.
This spot is mildly tender and, you can press into it to help fight pain related to constipation and bloating. These are common symptoms related to menstruation.
Many women experience constipation during their periods which further aggravates the bloating and is very uncomfortable. If you use this pressure point, you can tackle two problems at once and experience a lot of relief from your symptoms.
Mansion cottage and rushing door
Mansion cottage is a pair of pressure points in the pelvic area related to treating uterine issues in women.
It is present in the center of the crease of the legs, where the trunk meets the body.
Stimulating this pressure point helps relieve painful cramps, and as a bonus, it also helps increase fertility in women.
The rushing door is also located in the pelvic area and exactly below the mansion cottage. It is found in the crease of the legs in the groin area. When stimulated, it helps alleviate abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramps. It also treats hernias and dysuria.
Conclusion
With acupressure, it is not always necessary that it works for you. But when it does, it has shown amazing results for numerous people. It is not required to stimulate all the points together.
You can stimulate one at a time and wait an hour to see how you feel and if you have had any relief with your symptoms.
So, now that you have read this article, you know the essential pressure points for menstrual cramps relief.
Do share this information with your loved ones to provide them with comfort and care in a holistic way.
