Most women have experienced painful cramps at some point. A monthly period often brings with it bloating and sharp pains across the belly and back. Since the average period lasts from five to seven days, the cramps can be debilitating when they disrupt your life and send you to bed. You can take ibuprofen to ease the pain, but you can also find relief through old home remedies for cramps that can help you manage the pain naturally.
Heat
Heat is an effective way to help soothe away the pain associated with cramps. When you experience a cramp, you tense up your entire body, which often makes the cramp even worse. The Mayo Clinic recommends investing in an electric heating pad that you can apply to the area just below your belly. If you do use a heating pad, make sure you never fall asleep with it plugged in, which can be very dangerous.
If you don't have a heating pad, try a hot water bottle or a warm bath. Both will help to ease away the pain and make your period more endurable.
Massage
If you have a willing partner, massage can help loosen the cramps and untie the knots that can form in your belly and back from cramps. Heat up a bottle of your favorite lotion and lay on your stomach while your partner gently massages and kneads your back in circular motions. If you don't have a partner available, the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that you massage the area just below your belly button yourself. If you have cramps in your back, try placing a small ball under your back as you lie on the floor. Move the ball to the small of your back, and roll it around by moving your body. The pressure should relieve some of your pain.
Exercise
Although you might not feel like getting out of bed, a little exercise can go a long way in relieving cramps. Penny Wise Budoff, M.D., director of the Women's Medical Center in New York, recommends getting adequate exercise before your period to help ease the pain throughout the week. She also points out that exercise can help you lose weight, and women who are overweight often experience more painful periods than women who have a healthy body mass index. Head outside for a brisk walk, take a bike ride or play a sport to rid yourself of cramps.
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