3. Gentle exercise
Exercise before, during and after periods may not be appealing to you, but it can help relieve menstrual pain. Exercise releases endorphins, which interact with receptors in the brain to reduce pain perception. This includes cramps. Weight lifting or other heavy exercises are not necessary to exercise during cramps. Walking, jogging or other low-impact aerobics like Yoga, tai Chi, or swimming will do the trick.
Exercise increases blood circulation and releases endorphins. Menstrual cramps can be relieved more effectively by pelvic tilts or yoga. In a 2011 study, it was found that the Cobra, Cat and Fish yoga poses helped reduce “intensity” and “duration” of menstrual pains in young women aged 18 to 22.