A Dutch study now says that many women living through the menstrual pain and heavy bleeding do not tell their families or doctors even when it obstructs their daily routine. Nature has an answer for us before the problem even arises. There are timeless natural remedies documented in Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing, that are known to provide tremendous and quick relief from period pain, without the side effects that you would usually associate with store-bought pain killers. About 85% of girls and young women experience painful cramping and about one-third of them are unable to carry out daily tasks due to period-related pain, and low life force. A menstrual cramp, or dysmenorrhea, is commonly experienced in the form of dull pain in the lower abdomen, thigh, and lower back during or even before periods every month, by millions of women world over. And then there are other symptoms like sweating, dizziness, loose motions, loss of focus, and fatigue. The release of prostaglandins, a group of lipids that control blood flow, is said to cause cramping, inflammation, and pain. In some other cases, the pain could be related to causes like pelvic inflammation or endometriosis.

1. Slow down

While the pace of life has ceased to be different for men and women, periods do take a toll on the body of many women. It may be a good idea to read the signs of the body and slow down when needed. Many ancient cultures have proposed ways and customs to allow more downtime for women during the menstrual cycle when they would be free from social obligations, so they can fully rest mentally and physically. According to Ayurveda, Vata dosha tends to aggravate with age and if this has been a trend for a good quarter of one’s life, then the effect is bound to show up on one’s hormonal systems. Rest is the antidote to aggravated vata dosha. The way you can do this is by letting go of intense workouts, or excesses of any kind, having more warm fluids, sleeping early, and keeping stress at bay.

2. Place a warm bottle on the abdomen

Placing a warm water bottle on the abdomen while sleeping helps ground Apana vata, this is the downward moving air that governs elimination and menstruation. This practice also helps if you are feeling bloated, constipated or have gas issues.

3. Self-massage (Abhyanga)

Self-massage (Abhyanga) is a great way to keep Vata in check balance and ensure a smooth transition. Try self Abhyanga a few times a week in between the cycles. Abhyanga or self-massage with calming oils channels the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which improve moods and lead to a feeling of total relaxation. Research shows, massage therapy has positive results in bringing down stress levels too.

4. Natural sources of magnesium

A study review in 2001 compared placebo and magnesium in dealing with dysmenorrhea and found, magnesium to be more effective in providing pain relief. It also found that with use of magnesium, the need for additional pain medication had reduced. This mineral is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and specific herbs like ashwagandha roots, brahmi that you can have in the form of whole food nutritional supplements.

5. Shatavari-the ‘queen of herbs’

Member of the asparagus family, shatavari is known as the queen of herbs in Ayurveda and is celebrated for being an effective agent for regularizing the menstrual cycle and menopausal transition, though research in modern sciences is only starting to emerge on the healing benefits of this age-old reproductive tonic. Shatavari is known to reduce heat and dry Vata. Some of its qualities are that it is cool, moist, heavy and strengthening. The presence of compounds like sarsapogenin in this herb gives it the ability to balance hormonal activity. Studies show, it is also rich in antioxidants, a natural diuretic, regulates blood sugar, and shows immunoadjuvant activity.