Menstrual cramps afflict women of all ages. Many women mistakenly believe that they should rest during menstruation; however, resting can actually make cramps worse. Aerobic exercise and stretching can help relieve cramps. Here are a few stretches that can help with menstrual cramps.

Yoga Stretch 1: Child’s Pose

Child’s pose is a popular yoga move that stretches out and relieves pain in the lower back. It’s easy to do and very relaxing. Kneel down and lower your buttocks until they touch your legs. Exhale and lower your body down and forward until your forehead is on the ground. Stretch your arms out ahead of you. Hold the pose for up to 5 minutes.

Yoga Stretch 2: The Bow

To relieve cramping in the abdomen, try the bow stretch. Lie down on your belly. Spread your legs apart and reach backward with your hands. Bend your legs and grasp your ankles with your hands. Lift your legs upward, which will pull your upper body off the mat. Stretch into a bow shape and hold for 20 seconds.

Yoga Stretch 3: The Fish

The fish stretch is also good for relieving cramps. Lie on your back and place your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Lift the head and chest upwards. Arch your back and place the back of your head on the ground. Press your shoulder blades together and press your legs into the ground. Hold for up to 5 minutes.

Yoga Stretch 4: The Pigeon

The pigeon stretch is good for cramping felt in the back, and also stimulates the organs in the abdomen, helping to relieve menstrual pain. Get on your hands and knees. Arch your back upwards like a scared cat, and then reverse the arch. Bring one leg forward close to your hand. Bend the knee on that leg and tuck it across your body near your groin. Move the other leg backwards and lower the buttocks to the floor. End with one leg extended backward touching the ground, the other leg folded across the front of the body, also touching the ground, and the back arched. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat, swapping the leg’s positions.

For Other Ways to Relieve Menstrual Pain Contact OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch

Lack of regular exercise and poor diet may contribute to menstrual pain. If you suffer from severe menstrual pain, or have milder pain that causes discomfort, make an appointment at OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch.  The doctors at the OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch strive to make every patient feel happy, healthy and confident.