posted 4 years ago
I have found that making sure my nutrition is really on point, especially the week before makes a big difference. Avoiding processed stuff, eating lots of veggies, healthy fats and plenty of magnesium. If the cramps still show up, heat and restorative yoga are what I try first. If that doesn't work, cramp bark, hops, CBD or valerian have all helped.
The most helpful thing I have found was Mayan abdominal massage. It eliminated my otherwise debilitating cramps I'd had my whole life in one session! The therapist did a very detailed intake and explained that frequently, cramping occurs because the uterus has shifted out of proper position, preventing it from just draining via gravity. So it has to cramp to move the blood out. This can happen from injury, lifting too much, certain kinds of high impact exercise, poor posture, etc. She gently worked on my abdomen to help the uterus shift back to a more proper orientation. She also taught me a simple, quick (5-10 minute) self massage that I was to do daily. This was both to continue working on the adjustment she made and to help maintain the correct position. I'm sure this self-massage was a big part of what helped. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.” ~ Robin Wall Kimmerer