This post is part of an ongoing series on acupressure. If you’re jumping in the middle of this series, please check out our video giving a general introduction to acupressure and how to make these points work for you.
Everybody hates painful periods (even men, though tangentially). Period cramps are often considered a normal part of being a woman, but every woman I know who has painful periods would do anything she could to stop them. It is such a widespread problem that doctors are now even recommending women go on birth control pills specifically to ease cramping.
With that said it might surprise you to know that old Chinese medical doctors thought that period cramping was an abnormal problem, and something that could be solved. Today we’re going to go over a few acupressure points that you can use to eliminate cramps and help ease you into your period. I should mention right before we begin though, these are points for cramping before the period starts. Cramping during or after the period requires another approach entirely (and is a good reason for a consultation).
(Click any image for a larger version.)
Zi Gong
Zi Gong is one of the best acupressure points for period cramping, but it is a little hard to find. First, find the bellybutton and the pubic bone. Measure 75-80% of the way down from the bellybutton to the pubic bone to find the point in the middle of the body that is horizontal to Zi Gong. Zi Gong itself is one handbreadth out from this midline point on either side of the body.
Liver-3
This is another great point for helping ease cramping and treating pain in general. It is often very tender on women before their period, or just as it is starting. Feel in the space between the long bones (metatarsals) of the first and second toes, about halfway between the ends of the bone. The most sensitive spot is where the point is for you.
Large Intestine-4
Our third point is commonly paired with Liver-3 above. Together they are good for helping pain throughout the body, specifically when it involves blood circulation issues. To find it, feel the long bone (metacarpal) in the hand that attaches to the forefinger. Find the middle of the bone and roll off of it toward the thumb, into the web of skin between the forefinger and thumb. This point is also often sensitive.
If you’re having period cramps that are especially severe or are not helped by acupressure, you may need a more individual treatment to help you. Consider scheduling a consultation right away.
