Effective Natural Remedies for Period Pain: Relieving Menstrual Cramps and Restoring Balance
Many women experience painful menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, or heavy bleeding during their periods, impacting their daily lives. Whether the discomfort is mild or intense (such as endometriosis, PCOS, or menorrhagia) menstrual health challenges significantly impact one's quality of life.
Fortunately, yoga therapy offers many natural self-care remedies that can help manage and reduce symptoms, promoting healing and optimal pelvic health
In this blog, I’ll share my personal journey toward natural healing for period pain, as well as expert insights from my experience as a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT).
My goal is to provide you with practical strategies for easing menstrual discomfort and empowering you to reclaim control of your menstrual health.
The Intensity of Period Pain: More Serious Than You Think
Did you know that period cramps can be as painful as a heart attack? Research by Professor John Guillebaud from the UCL Institute for Women’s Health reveals that menstrual pain can reach extreme levels of intensity—pain that many women find all too familiar. Yet, despite the severe impact that period pain can have on women's lives, it remains largely overlooked and under-discussed in the medical community.
In fact, the stigma and negative perceptions surrounding menstruation often contribute to women feeling unheard or dismissed when seeking help for period-related pain. As Georgia Driver of Elle Magazine notes:
“Ignoring women’s pain has been a concerning medical practice for, well, forever, with research showing that doctors generally take it less seriously than mens.”
Why Traditional Treatments Aren’t Always Enough For Period Pains
When seeking relief from menstrual discomfort, many women are offered limited solutions—birth control pills, painkillers, or, in extreme cases, even a hysterectomy.
While these treatments can provide temporary relief, they don’t always address the root causes of menstrual pain, such as hormonal imbalances, emotional stress, or trauma. For conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or heavy bleeding, many women find that effective, long-term solutions are often elusive.
This is where natural remedies can offer a more holistic approach to menstrual health. As someone who’s personally navigated these challenges, I’ve found that healing menstrual pain naturally requires a deeper exploration of the body, mind, and emotions.
My Personal Journey Toward Natural Menstrual Healing
After years of battling painful periods and hormonal fluctuations, I grew frustrated with conventional treatments. My search for more holistic solutions led me to Thailand, where I discovered womb yoga and somatic healing practices that transformed my approach to menstrual health.
At first, I was skeptical. The idea that emotional and physical healing could be intertwined was foreign to me. But as I began to engage in womb yoga and private somatic healing sessions, I started to realize how much emotional tension and trauma I was holding in my womb. I had long viewed my period as a nuisance, something to be endured rather than embraced. But what I learned through these practices was life-changing:
Self-compassion exercises and yoga for pelvic health were key components to reducing period pain.
The Connection Between Emotional Healing and Menstrual Health
Through womb yoga and somatic therapy, I began to recognize how unresolved trauma—such as sexual assault, shame around menstruation, and negative thought patterns—was manifesting as physical tension in my body, specifically in my womb. I discovered that the emotional healing of these wounds was just as important as relieving the physical symptoms of period pain.
One of the first steps in this healing process was becoming aware of my negative thoughts and beliefs around menstruation. For example, many women grow up hearing period-related phrases like:
“I hate my uterus!”
“It’s torture!”
These negative beliefs perpetuate a cycle of suffering and pain. I began to ask myself:
What thoughts and memories arise when I think about my period?
What emotional patterns can I shift to foster a healthier relationship with my period cycle?
As I worked to replace these negative thoughts with self-compassion, I began to experience a reduction in my period cramps. This shift in mindset was one of the most powerful aspects of my healing journey.
Holistic Healing: Womb Yoga and Somatic Practices
Incorporating daily womb yoga (including pelvic health exercises and womb meditations) into my routine allowed me to build a deeper sense of connection with my body. These practices focused on cultivating self-compassion, nurturing my womb, and releasing stored tension. Over time, my period pain became more manageable, and my cycles became more regular.
The key takeaway from this experience is that truly reducing period pain requires an integrated approach. It’s not enough to take painkillers or birth control to mask symptoms. True healing comes from addressing the emotional, mental, and spiritual components of menstrual health, in addition to physical care.
The Bottom Line: You Can Heal Period Pains Naturally
Healing period pain naturally requires more than just a physical approach. It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of your body, mind, and spirit.
Embracing emotional and spiritual healing, alongside physical remedies, can help you align with your natural cycle and reduce menstrual discomfort.
If you’re currently struggling with painful periods, irregular cycles, or heavy bleeding, I encourage you to explore holistic options that go beyond traditional treatments. I’ve personally healed from trauma, hormonal imbalances, and painful menstrual cramps with 1:1 online yoga therapy which provides a combination of womb yoga, somatic healing practices, and self-compassion exercises.
Trust that you have the power to heal yourself too.
Remember, you are more than just your physical body. When you care for your emotional and energetic well-being, you can restore balance to your menstrual health and live with more freedom and ease.
If you’re ready to explore a more holistic, natural approach to period pain relief, I invite you to consider 1:1 online yoga therapy. This natural, holistic approach can help you not only reduce physical pain but also improve your overall connection to your body and menstrual cycle.
Next Steps
If you’re committed to improving your menstrual health and ready to receive personalized, professional support, I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation for 1:1 online yoga therapy. Let’s work together to create a path toward your transformation and well-being.
Thanks for being here,
Joss | Yoga Therapist C-IAYT
Joss Frank, Yoga Therapist C-IAYT
I’m Joss, founder of Wild Womb, and I specialize in empowering women to heal, reclaim their feminine energy, and build lasting self-confidence.
After years of struggling with painful periods, depression, anxiety, sexual trauma, and emotional and physical abuse, I discovered that true healing comes from within. Through my personal journey of self-healing, I learned that the key to overcoming physical and emotional challenges lies in reconnecting with the body, cultivating inner awareness, and embracing holistic practices.
As a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), I now guide women through transformative healing processes that address both the physical and emotional aspects of their well-being. My work combines somatic therapy, womb yoga, and emotional healing practices to help women reclaim their power, cultivate self-love, and experience lasting inner peace.
Whether you're struggling with menstrual health, trauma recovery, or building a positive relationship with your body, I’m here to support you on your healing journey.