Menstruation?

anyone know how to prevent the occurrence of dysmenorrhea? and i don't mean alleviating the pain with drugs when it occurs, but prevention techniques..that have actually worked..(no prophylactic drugs either)

I've struggled with painful periods (intense cramps, backaches, nausea) on and off, and one technique that I have found very helpful is to include a one day fast in the middle of my cycle. A friend who is very into ayurveda suggested it...basically you think of menstruation as a cleanse in its own right, and encouraging detox in other phases of your cycle can be helpful in assiting that process.

I do a one-day juice fast some time during the week of the middle of my cycle. You could alter it however you want - a water fast, or simply abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, heavy foods, etc - whatever you feel the need for.

There are also several homeopathics that I've found for treating the pain when it does arrive - Boiron makes a product called Cycle-ease that is a lifesaver.

Good luck!

Someone recently recommended red raspberry leaf tea to me. She said she used to have to take tons of ibuprofen during her period, but now she doesn't have to take any.