If you suffer from PMS and menstrual cramps, but prefer a more holistic approach to treating the discomfort, you may find that simple acupressure works for you. Based on the principles of acupuncture, acupressure works key pressure points along the meridians of your body to improve the flow of Chi, or energy, and relieve pain.
Instructions
1. Rest on your back in a comfortable position and apply gentle pressure to the mansion cottage point, located between the pelvic bones in the natural crease created where the leg meets the abdomen and about two fingers below the belly button. This point will help to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and abdominal pain.
2. Move to the rushing door point, just two finger widths below the mansion cottage point on the natural leg crease. Again, this point helps to relax the abdomen and relieve cramps.
3. Locate the sea of energy point in the center of the pelvic area, about two finger widths under the belly button. Manipulating this sensitive point can help relieve cramps, PMS, infertility, vaginal discharge, irregular or abnormal periods and constipation.
4. Continue to the gate origin point, two finger widths below the sea of energy and four finger below the navel. The benefits are similar to the sea of energy, but also helps to relieve incontinence.
5. Roll over onto your stomach or sit upright in a comfortable position to work the sacral points just above the tail bone at the base of the spine. There are three points on each side of the spine, near the spinal column and five more on either side, one or two finger widths beyond the first set. These form a shape that suggests a butterfly. Use three fingers to apply pressure to the inner points, and then all five fingers to apply pressure to the outer sacral points. This manipulation relaxes the uterus and relieves menstrual cramps.
6. Apply pressure to the womb and vital point, located on the outer edge of the pelvic bone on your back. Find it halfway between the top of the hipbone and the base of your buttocks. These points relieve cramping that affects the lower back as well as PMS and urinary problems.
7. Sit in a comfortable position to work the three yin crossing point. Place four fingers just above the inner ankle bone to locate the point on the inner shin, just behind the shin bone. Working this point reduces water retention, cramping, vaginal discharge and pain in the genitals.
8. Finish with the grandfather-grandson point, located in the upper portion of the arch of the foot. Located about one thumb's width from the ball of the inner foot, this point can reduce symptoms of PMS, relieve bloating and soothe cramps.
Tags: finger widths, comfortable position, menstrual cramps, point located, acupressure works, belly button