Period Relief: 4 Acupressure Points For PMS
Alright, ladiezzzzz. We’ve all been there. Everything is fineeee and dandy. You feel lively, energized, toned, attractive (oooh the pure magic of the ovulation stage of the month *praise hands*) …and boom. Outta left field, you feel crabby, sluggish, bloated, and like you want to eat a cupcake (or 87). One minute you are tired and just wanting to be alone, the next minute you are craving cuddles, compliments, and are tearing up at an All-State commercial. You, my friend, are on the wild rollercoaster ride of PMS.
Now, to be completely honest with ya…I’m not going to pretend I hate my period. Because I don’t. Never have, never will. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always been able to find the naturalness and ease in my cycle. I don’t dread it, I don’t hate it—in fact, I find a whole lotta beauty in this monthly cycle. It really is remarkable that on this intuitive level, our body is regulating, creating, managing, shedding…it is really magic.
(…can you tell i’m writing this during my ovulatory “everything is lovely” phase???? Ask me again in 7–9 days.)
That said, although I can appreciate the magic of womanhood—that doesn’t mean that I am immune to the bloating, mood swings, and energy shifts of PMS. And that’s where these 4 acupressure points come in. I took an acupressure course this past winter and I was blown away by this modality: free, comforting, accessible, and effective. (Just wait until you hear about the research studies I’m gonna share with ya!) Giddy up—because I’m gonna teach you how to manage that crampy, bloaty, emotional time with ease.
first things first…what is acupressure?
You may be more familiar with acupressure’s cousin, acupuncture. Both modalities are very similar in the fact that they focus on applying pressure to certain points on the body to help regulate any qi energy blockages or stagnation. They focus on meridians of the body (AKA certain paths in which energy flows) and attempt to realign, reduce blockages, and fight stagnation of energy. I know, I know—it sounds woo woo. And it is. But it’s also backed by research and tradition. So stay with me.
I personally fully believe in the power of my own body to heal, regulate, and find health, and I believe energy is a major part of that—but! I do understand that many of my Western nursing friends, docs, PAs, and engineer friends may be rolling their eyes. And that’s okay! Health is all about finding what works for you. I am an advocate for holistic health. But I’m not anti-medication. Or anti-surgery. Or anti-hospitals. Heck, I am a nurse who has worked and trained in an ICU. Modern medicine is nothing short of a miracle. I always want this blog to be about the INTEGRATION of Western and Eastern med. I may be studying integrative health, but trust me, if I have a heart attack or break my femur, you better believe I’m not gonna treat it with lavender essential oil, sis.
BUT! The miracle of modern medicine aside, there is a whoooooole world of natural, traditional medicine practices that work. They are often cost-effective, low-risk, and very easy to use. In my opinion, Western medicine is phenomenal for emergency and foundational health matters—but when it comes to managing everyday problems like periods, weight, stress, adrenal fatigue, sleep—integrative health is where it’s at! I never want it to seem like integrative health is the only way to health. Because it’s not. But, that said, it is an insanely helpful tool in cultivating your best, most vibrant healthy life.
If you are someone who wants natural, free habits that empower your body’s innate health, you’re gonna love acupressure! If it seems out there for you—I challenge you to just try it once! Maybe you’ll love it, maybe you won’t—but as with anything, you don’t know unless you try. :) Whew! That was a rant, but it felt good to type. Long story short: there is not “one” path to health, and I urge you to be open to finding the blend of Western and Eastern medicine that works for you. :)
how do you perform acupressure?
Accupressure is beautifully intuitive. It is based on finding certain pressure points and activating them. In this blog post, you will hear me say “Spleen 8” or “Small Intestine 4”—these are just the way acupressure points are named. Once I name the spot, you will find that pressure point on your body and use your thumbs/fingers to massage the area and hold firm but comfortable pressure. I like to make small circles and gently massage the area while locating my pressure points. (You can also rub skin over the area briskly, tap the area, etc. It’s very intuitive! Do what feels right!) After applying pressure for anywhere from 3 deep breaths to 90 seconds, you might feel tenderness beginning to subside. Repeat as necessary. 1–3 cycles is usually perfect for me. Simple enough, right?
acupressure for headaches (and cramps)…
If nothing else, start with this pressure point! This is one of the most common acupressure points—and it is SO easy to find and use. It is called Large Intestine 4 (LI4) and it is located in the soft webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. (CAUTION: do not use this point if you are pregnant as it has been correlated with inducing labor!) LI4 is commonly used for migraines and headaches but can also be used for pain experienced anywhere in the body. As if that wasn’t enough, it also helps with period cramps. It is such a versatile point! How to use this point: find a tender spot on the webbing between the thumb and pointer (find the tender indent in the flesh and that's the spot). Press these points on each hand firmly for 60- to 90-second intervals, while breathing deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. This is an intense point (it is tender for pretty much everyone!), but wow oh wow does it help!
acupressure to help regulate emotions…
Liver 3 (LV3) is a potent point known to move stagnant emotional energy. This point has long been used to help with anger, frustration, hopelessness, emotional rollercoasters, cramping pain, breast tenderness, and heat sensations in the abdomen. AKA—it is a period life-saver. LV3 is another relatively easy place to find. Locate this point: LV3 is found in the tender webbing between the knuckles of the big and second toe. (think of it as the “foot” version of LI4!). Press the point on each foot firmly for 60- to 90-second intervals while breathing deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. (Bonus!!! Not only does this help with emotional regulation, this point is also shown to reduce cramping!)
quit crampin’ my style… (that’s right, acupressure for cramps)
Alright, next up is the pressure point named Spleen 8 (don’t worry—I’ll explain where it is!). This point is an absolute must for helping with intense menstrual cramps. It runs along the tender channel on the inner aspect of the tibia bone, which gives a lot of relief when massaged. Spend your time massaging in and around this point. To locate this point: find the knee crease on the inner leg and trace your finger down the tibia bone about 5–7 inches until you find a very tender spot. This spot should be a muscle/tendon-like area next to a bone. Rub and hold in 60- to 90-second intervals on both sides of the leg; massage the whole tender area on the inside of the shin bone until you feel relief. Continue breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
don’t rock the bloat (wait, acupressure can help with bloating too??)
Bloating and constipation are personally my least favorite parts of the ol’ period. To feel puffy, heavy, and balloon-y for multiple days in a row doesn’t feel fabulous. Even though I can “logic” my way to being OK with the bloat (it’s caused by a change in progesterone and estrogen levels which causes the body to retain more water and salt), it is still a little brutal on your body image to feel like a pufferfish. SoooOOOooO that brings me to the next pressure point, CV6. This is also called the “Sea of Energy” point which I find particularly empowering and lovely. You can find this point two finger breadths beneath the naval. You kind of have to “dig” to find this one, but once you feel it—you’ll know. It kind of feels like a little button? Maybe that’s just me? It’ll be mildly tender and you can press into it to help combat bloat—and constipation! I know many women experience constipation during their menses (*raises hand*) which can further amplify the bloating factor. This point is a 2-for-1 in terms of fighting back against period bloat and that “backed up” feeling. Find CV6 whenever you are feeling a little puffy and watch your symptoms fade!
to wrap it up….
Gang, there is a whoooole world of natural period remedies waiting for ya. Do you guys want me to keep talkin’ about our cycles? I feel like this blog post has just bareeeeely scratched the surface at all I could rant about with our periods, but I thought acupressure would be a fun place to start! Anything in particular you want to know?
In the meantime, here are my period must-haves: books, menstrual cups, you name it—these are the things I cannot live without.
the natural girl’s period survival kit:
ORGANICUP MENSTRUAL CUP: Menstrual cups freaked me out…thennnnnn I tried one. LIFE. CHANGING. They are worth alllll the hype and then some. This particular one is medical-grade silicone material derived from sand (quartz) and contains no unnecessary chemicals, toxins, or artificial coloring. (Bonus! They partner with Womena, Freedom4Girls, and WiseEconomy to empower women and girls with their period!)
HORMONAL BY MARTIE HASELTON: This book dives into women’s hormones through a “real world” lens that looks at why we do the things we do. Example: how our cycle dictates who we are attracted to (prepare to LOL), why men are more attracted to ovulating women (cue me citing research about my “ovulation scent” to Adam whenever he seems particularly fond of me), and everything in between. I read this book in one weekend with a glass of wine, and it was PERFECT. Loved. It. (Find it here: Book / Kindle / Audio )
ORGANIC TAMPONS: My go-to before I got into the menstrual cup game, but I do still keep these on hand just in case I am ever without my menstrual cup (gym bag, purse, etc.). Friends—with anything that I’m putting up there you better believe I don’t want it full of chemicals and pesticides. Remember when I said your skin absorbs just about everything? That goes for the chemmies in your tampon, too. How freaky is that? I definitely don’t want my future fertility at the risk of absorbing any yuckies. Long story short: organic tampons—it matters.
PERIOD REPAIR MANUAL : My women’s health bible. Seriously. As someone who loves learning about women’s cycles, I found the information scientifically accurate *and* crazy motivating to learn my cycle better and take care of it through a natural, integrative lens. This book will help ya manage your periods using natural, integrative health modalities like diet, supplements, herbs, and bioidentical hormones. Topics include (*drumroll please*) how to come off hormonal birth control, what your period should be like, what can go wrong, how to talk to your doctor, and some various recommendations for common period problems, including PCOS and endometriosis. Full disclosure: this book is not as “fun” as the others, but it is worth its weight in gold. I truly consider it my women’s health bible. Basically—if you have a period, you should read this book. (Yes, you.) (LINKS: Book / Kindle / Audio )
PMS EASE OIL BLEND: This. Blend. I rub it alllll over my lower abdomen and pelvis region when iIm crampy and it creates the most beautiful (natural!) relief. Fill disclosure: I linked to amazon for this oil, but I’ve always sourced it directly from my fav essential oil site. Just wanted to do a PSA that Amazon may be easier for ya, but I always, always, always recommend buying essential oils from the source to ensure quality!
ACUPRESSURE POINTS TEXTBOOK: The book that started it all. I needed to buy this textbook for my acupressure class and holy moly I have never found so much value in a “required reading” text. This book outlines acupressure for alllllllll sorts of common ailments: constipation, headaches, backaches, mental fog, cravings, etc. It is like your own little acupressure first aid book! If this post about acupressure intrigued you, I could not recommend this book any more!
Alright, that’s officially a wrap! What are we thinking? Are natural period remedies helpful for you cuties? I never know what you guys like until you tell me sooooo get chattin’ in that comment section below. (I love feedback!)