The discomfort in the days before menstruation is sometimes so uncomfortable that many women cannot continue their day to day as normal. Your gynecologist can recommend different treatments that you can accompany with relaxation techniques and massages to relieve period pain.
We propose some effective reflexology massages that will help you reduce menstrual pain.
Reflexology to avoid pain
- Reflexology is a type of therapy that uses foot massages to relieve various pains in the body. This is the case of foot reflexology, which is the most widespread in the world.
- This practice considers that by pressing certain points on the feet a ‘reflex’ massage is created in the organs that produce pain. In this way, if played correctly, you can reduce certain ailments and improve your mood.
- In this way, each part of the foot corresponds to a different area of the body. For example, applying some pressure to the upper center of the sole of your skin will have a reflex in the lungs. A little closer to the heel, but also in the center, is the reflection of your intestines. The third and second fingers correspond to the eyes…
- Although a reflexology expert will be the one who will give you the best massages, you can learn some comforting movements yourself.
Reflexology massages against period pain
According to foot reflexology, there are two pressure points that can help you have less pain during your period.
- The first reflex point is located on the sole of the foot. This would correspond to a small circular area in the center of the heel. It is not completely at the edge of the foot, but a few centimeters higher.
- On the other hand, when you look at your foot from the side, in the upper part of the heel you will find the area that is reflected in the uterus.
Therefore, reflexology massages in these two areas of the foot will help you reduce pain while you are on your period and in the days before.
How to reduce menstrual cramps
Take note, step by step, of how to do yourself reflexology massage.
- To start, you can put your feet in warm water to relax them. Leave them for about 10 minutes and dry them.
- Once you have located the areas of the foot, you should start massaging them. Use the tips of your fingers to put pressure on these points. You must be firm, but without going too far so as not to hurt yourself. Make circular movements in a clockwise direction with a sustained pressure. Move your fingers around the heel area to stimulate the organs involved in menstruation. You can start with softer caresses and gradually increase the intensity.
- When you’re done with one foot, start on the other. Use both hands to do these massages. You can put a little cream or oil on your hands to make the massage more pleasant.
Although it may not seem like it, the heel is a fairly sensitive area of the foot and, therefore, you can hurt yourself if you don’t massage it carefully. You can perform these massages a couple of times a day, but if you start to suffer discomfort in the area you should reduce the pressure.
As more massages you do, you will get more practice and you will feel better.
Tips for a good massage
Before trying reflexology to ease period pain, keep the following tips in mind.
- If you are going to do a self-massage, make sure you are relaxed before you start. It is vital that you feel very calm because, otherwise, this massage will not achieve its purpose.
- Find a room that is comfortable and at the right temperature. If you are going to give this reflexology massage to another person, you must make sure that they are comfortable. You can ask him to lie down and relax. If you are going to do the massage yourself, you should also be in a very comfortable position.
- It seems like a no-brainer, but make sure your nails are trimmed and filed so you don’t hurt yourself while massaging.
- If it helps you relax, you can put on some soft, calm music.
- Keep in mind that a massage that is too strong or excessive is counterproductive, since it can cause more discomfort than it solves.
If you have a lot of discomfort during menstruation, you should consult your gynecologist. Your doctor will help you find the causes of this period pain and the best treatment taking into account your specific case. Have you tried reflexology massages?
