A close friend of mine often complains of PMS and menstrual cramps. Yeah, she and a gazillion others. I’ve had the problem ever since my period started 16 years ago and it has only subsided recently (that too despite the fibroid’s presence so big “WOOHOO” for that!). So I created a list for her which I’m sharing here. Hopefully it helps someone out there.

1. Ayurveda
   Ayurveda offers some great medicines for women suffering from menstrual problems. I forget all the names right now. But there’s one name I do remember and it is a life-saver, trust me. Its an oil called dashmool and like most Ayurvedic oils, it smells awful but does wonderful things for the body. The routine requires that you heat this oil and rub it around the belly gently. Then in order not to stain your shirt/nightdress place a small towel on the belly and place a hot water bottle on top. Do this before you sleep at night and ah the bliss…its indescribable.
2. Crystals
   The crystal world abounds with solutions in the form of healing stones for PMSing women. The moonstone is really powerful and I find myself often drawn to it, especially before my period. But usually I find that each one of us has an intuitive affinity towards certain stones which are best suited for our healing and development. But for the record, here are some crystals known specifically to heal women’s monthly woes: moonstone, smoky quartz, chrysocolla, malachite, hematite. The way to use the crystals varies from wearing them to making grids to preparing elixirs. You’ll find a ton of resources for this online too. But above all, follow your guidance about what feels right.
3. Reiki
   Reiki’s been a huge part of my life for several years now and I swear by it. If you’re attuned to do self-healing (1st degree) then give yourself some hands-on loving and watch the blockages and cramps dissolve. If you don’t know how, then ask a friend who knows or seek out a professional practitioner. Its worth it.
4. Affirmations
   My personal experience with menstrual pain has been that it resulted from a deep rejection of my femininity. I was always a tough, aggressive and ill-tempered woman who hated her period and often contemplated getting her uterus removed. Hmm. Its no surprise then that the problem persisted, with a vengeance. I found Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life a breath of fresh air amid my stuffy, suffocating belief-patterns . The book has specific affirmations for each bodily problem. This de-conditions the existing thought and introduces a new, positive one which eventually registers with the subconscious. According to Hay “The probable cause of PMS is allowing for too much confusion, giving power to outside influences and rejecting the feminine processes.” The affirmation goes thus:
   “I now take charge of my mind and my life. I am a powerful, dynamic woman! Every part of my body functions perfectly! I love me”
5. Yoga
   Another life-saver is yoga. A few simple asanas through the month and the discomfort is greatly reduced. My favorite is bhadra asana but here (article) and here (video) are a great bunch of resources. Its useful to do these through the month and not just during the painful period. Yoga generally is a great practice for overall emotional and physical wellness and I’ve defintely experienced great relief for my menstrual cramps over the years of doing yoga.

So that’s my list. I’ll keep updating this as I remember more but for now, here’s wishing  all you women a pain-free, easy period!