Let’s talk about periods.

Let’s talk about how they’re not just “annoying” or “inconvenient”—they can be downright disabling.

Many of us deal with low back pain, abdominal cramps, headaches, nausea, even vomiting and diarrhea during our cycle. 

The medical term is primary dysmenorrhea, but let’s be real—that clinical label doesn’t capture how much it can hijack your whole day, your whole mood, your whole ability to show up for your people.

And yet, we’re expected to just...push through.

Keep the house running.

Go to work.

Smile for the kids.

But pushing through is not your only option. And it’s certainly not your best one.

Rest is productive. 

Tending to your body is powerful. 

Self-care during your period is a radical act of listening to your body’s needs. And when you take that time, you actually become more effective in the rest of your life.

Why does your period feel like a full-body attack?

Your uterus contracts to shed its lining—that’s the cramping you feel. 

The more prostaglandins your body releases (those are the chemicals behind the contractions), the stronger the cramps. 

Higher prostaglandins also mean more inflammation, which is why you might feel like you’ve been hit by a truck.

But here’s the thing—there are simple, loving ways you can ease that pain.

Here are 7 ways I help my patients—and myself—get through the worst days:

Try one or more of these when your period hits hard.

1. Apply heat, and lots of it.

Heat is magic for tense, cramping muscles. Studies show heat packs work as well as ibuprofen. 

Hot baths, heating pads, or a homemade rice bag? All good. All nurturing.

DIY tip:
Fill a sock with rice and lavender. Microwave it gently (careful not to overheat!) and place it over your belly.

It’s like a warm hug for your uterus.

2. Massage it out—with hands or tools.

Self-massage over your lower belly can calm your pelvic muscles.

Add lavender, sage, or marjoram oil for extra soothing power—there’s research to back that up.

I use my Miracle Ball during my period. I’ll lay face down on it and gently rock my hips. Tennis balls can work too—just listen to your body.

3. Move (but gently).

I know, I know. The couch feels like your best friend right now. But light movement, like walking or yoga, helps release endorphins—your body’s own painkillers and mood boosters.

4. Drink up.

Hydration helps reduce bloating and cramping. Water is your friend, even if all you want is salty snacks.

5. Permission to do less.

Society glorifies grinding through the pain. But your body? It needs you to stop.

Cancel plans, nap more, snuggle into your bathrobe.

Your to-do list can wait. You have permission.

6. Orgasms help. Really.

It might feel like the last thing you want, but orgasms trigger uterine contractions that actually help relieve cramps.

Plus, those endorphins? Mood lifters.

7. Get adjusted.

Chiropractic adjustments can ease pelvic tension, calm your nervous system, and release those sweet, sweet endorphins.

Many of my patients feel immediate relief from cramps after an adjustment.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential.

Notice anything about these remedies?

They all require you to slow down.

To nurture.

To make space for your body’s needs.

That’s not weakness—that’s wisdom.

Here in my Aptos office, I help women reconnect with their bodies—especially during the hard, messy, painful times. You deserve that kind of care. You deserve to feel better.

Come see me. Book online and we’ll make your period a little less of a battle, together.