Free UK Shipping for All Orders over £50
Period Pain Relief: The Power of Heat Therapy for Menstrual Cramps
|
|
Time to read 6 min
My Cart
Your Cart Is Empty
Continue shopping|
|
Time to read 6 min
Heavily painful periods and menstrual cramps are something all, or at least most women can relate to in life. Studies indicate that between 16% and 91% of women of reproductive age experience disruptive periods and around 2% to 29% of these suffer from severe pain. Unlike other symptoms of our monthly visit, this one starts on our abdomen but can spread throughout our entire body , becoming the type of discomfort that completely disables us from moving.
Although this severe agony is catalogued as “normal”, we are here to point out that unbearable pain isn’t something to tolerate, and that relatively pain free and dignified periods are a right all women should have. Supporting your body better overall with key changes like being mindful of your diet, certain supplements and some key practices with a more holistic mindset and observing cyclical living (see these must-read guides here and on cyclical living here ) can unlock an easier period, but they do require some forward planning and lifestyle changes.
This isn’t for everyone! And even if it is for you, sometimes life gets the better of us and our periods (and pain) can sneak up. When that happens, you need relief fast and going back to basics is the perfect, often fastest and most natural solution for period comfort. That is why we are diving into the science behind the millenia-old remedy that won’t ever fail us in alleviating period pain: heat.
Heat therapy can be traced all the way back to ancient Athens and Egypt, where heated sands and warm baths were used to cure illness, fever and skin conditions ; to traditional Chinese medicine, where it was used to promote blood flow and dispel coldness from the body - thought to be the cause of many ailments; and to this day, heat therapy via hot water bottles remains the number 1 tool for easing pains at home and speeding healing process , and especially, period pain.
Their simplicity and straightforward use, combined with cost-effectiveness, make them a convenient option, accessible for anyone (filling them up costs on average 3-4p!), and they offer a non-invasive and drug-free alternative to pain relief, making them a great option for people who prefer to avoid medications or experience unwanted side effects from them. In addition to this, their customisable and portable nature available in various sizes and shapes, ensures that they can meet all of our needs and preferences, whether at home, work, or just on the go.
Our recommendation is to go for sustainable options, prioritising durable, thick and warm materials, such as padded bamboo and cotton, and natural rubber, which will guarantee you hours of constant warmth and a reusable tool that will accompany you for years.
While hot water bottles are generally safe, it is crucial to limit direct exposure to the rubber bottle to prevent burns and always use a cover for safe and comfortable application. Overall, hot water bottles provide a simple, affordable, and effective remedy for menstrual cramps, allowing us to manage pain and discomfort and continue our daily activities. Without a doubt, whether used alone or alongside other treatments, the humble hot water bottle remains a trusted ally in the battle against period pains.
Now, while hot water bottles offer substantial benefits for menstrual cramp relief, we suggest incorporating them as part of a broader self-care routine where hormonal balancing is the origin point: Nurturing your gut, drinking herbal remedies , staying hydrated, and taking care of your mind and body connection, by exercising and working on your stress management activities, will all be vital to have an holistic approach to relieving your menstrual cramps every cycle, which extends beyond just applying heat.
Ultimately, taking proactive steps to nurture your body during your menstrual cycle fosters not only physical relief but also emotional resilience. Embrace the warmth, prioritise your well-being, and transform your period experience into a time of comfort and cosiness.
-
-
-