Can alternative medicine relieve period pain?
The body of the womb is made up of muscular tissue. During a period this muscle contracts to help expel the womb’s bloody lining. Sometimes, the contractions can be very strong, and this can lead to severe pain and possibly cramping. Painful periods – referred to as ‘dysmenorrhoea’ by the medical profession – affect about half of menstruating women. In a small but significant proportion of these, the symptoms can be very severe and incapacitating, and may necessitate rest and the use of painkillers. The nutrients calcium and magnesium are essential to muscle function, and can be very effective in reducing menstrual cramps. Increase your consumption of foods rich in these nutrients including sardines, mackerel, and green leafy vegetables. In addition, taking 1000 mg of calcium and 500 mg of magnesium each day will almost certainly reduce the severity of your cramping. When your symptoms are at their worst, it might help you to increase the dose of these nutrients. I advise you to take 2
