If you’re someone who experiences periods, you’re probably all too familiar with the symptoms — especially period pain. People commonly experience cramps during their menstrual cycle, and sometimes, no matter how many hot water bottles you use, it's inevitable. So, it makes sense that we're all wondering how to relieve period cramps fast.
Most people, especially if they have heavy periods or period pain, might avoid doing too much of anything on their period. But what if there was actually something that we could do to help relieve period pain? Well, according to the hype on TikTok, there might be!
Pelvic floor therapist Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas (goes by the username @scrambledjam on TikTok) recently revealed her top tips on how to relieve period cramps fast on a video going viral. All you’ll need is a yoga mat and five spare minutes. Count us in.
In the short TikTok clip, Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas says the secret to relieving period cramps is a good stretch, and shows you exactly how to do them. The stretches include some seriously good breathing techniques and common yoga poses — including cat/cow, child's pose and pigeon pose.
Child's pose is a move yoga fans already know and love — it involves simply getting into position and stretching forward. Alicia tells us to "inhale for five seconds, letting your lower abdomen inflate like you've swallowed a beach ball. Exhale for five to seven seconds."
This period pain position is great for opening up your hips and lower back, making it great for people who experience aches and cramps.
Alicia then tells us to move into cat cow position, keeping the same breathing techniques going. Cat cow pose is one of the best positions to relieve period pain fast, as it helps increase circulation to your pelvis.
Next up is pigeon pose, which stretches the entire lower part of the body, stimulates the abdominal organs and helps relax your hips. This can relieve the body of menstrual discomfort and target any pain felt in that area.
Also known as Viparita Karani, this common yoga pose is our favourite. For this pose, Alicia tells you to sit with your hips to the wall, then swivel your legs up and lie down on your back. This helps relieve heavy legs that many people get with period cramps. For extra stretch, you can add a blanket underneath your pelvis.
It's not just us who loved Alicia's tips for getting rid of period cramps! Hundreds of comments were left below the viral video, with TikTok users saying things like:
So now that you know how to relieve period cramps fast, you can use these tips whenever your pain next gets intense! While the TikTok video only shared four more common stretches, there are many more yoga poses that can help with period cramping.
Alicia also reminded people that while mild cramping is normal during your menstrual cycle, severe period pain is not. If you experience severe pain, you should talk to your doctor, as it could be a sign of something else, such as endometriosis or PCOS.
While doing stretches and breathing can help relieve period cramps fast, it might not work for everyone. Other remedies known to help relieve pain from period cramping can include:
Period cycles can vary in length, regularity or symptoms. They can also vary a lot in how light or heavy they are. That’s why it’s important to ensure you’re choosing the right products to prepare for any flow.
Our super-soft period pants are just right for absorbing your flow and keeping you comfortable when you need it most. Our multi-layer technology even helps leave you feeling clean and dry, no matter what you’re doing!
Unlike pads or tampons, our period pants are reusable, so you’ll never have to worry about running out again.
