4 travel-friendly items to reduce menstrual cramps from Japan

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Have you ever gotten periods on your trip unexpectedly, followed by the discomfort that threatened to derail your plans? Perhaps, you also had to cancel some of your plans due to the painful monthly occurrence. It has made you feel disappointed despite the exciting adventures ahead. Acknowledging this common reality, I aim to offer practical advice to ease your cramps on your trip, specifically, with a focus on navigating Japan for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Key factors contributing to period pains

The causes of monthly pain can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age and your lifestyle. In adulthood, many women often experience difficulties due to poor blood circulation. Cold intolerance is one factor that disturbs your blood circulation. It lowers uterine function, triggering excessive production of prostaglandin to activate circulation, which results in pain.

Chronic physical and mental stress can also weaken blood flow functionality. The more stress you are exposed, the less balanced your sympathetic nerve and parasympathetic nervous systems are.

Pain-free journeys: Accessible items to ease menstrual pain in Japan

A big question would be about how you can cope with the inevitable situation when you explore Japan. Here are four essential items readily available in Japan to rescue you during your exciting adventures.

Japanese tea and herb tea

Japanese tea is an all time favorite for many Japanese found in grocery and convenience stores. Green tea, especially coarse tea, is preferable given that it is less caffeine. The tea is packed with phenol, which works to reduce pain. However, excessive consumption should be avoided as it may alert you due to catechin’s absorption of iron lost during the menstrual phase. A cup of warm tea, for example, after your meals is highly recommended for safety and effectiveness.

Barley tea would be another option for you. The tea is bountiful in vitamin B1, balancing nervous systems and hormones. In particular, it eases your irritability caused by imbalanced hormones. The effect contributes to reduce your painful period, as the pain is interconnected with imbalanced hormones.

Ginger tea, cherished by Japanese of all ages for many years, is known for improving blood flow and warming the body, which provides additional support. Drinking it slowly after blowing to cool it down is the most beneficial way.

Kampo (Traditional Chinese medicine)

Kampo medicines in Japan support women’s health issues, including painful periods. The details vary among them, but what they share is addressing stagnating blood flow and tackling the monthly discomfort stemming from cold intolerance. Pharmacies at major Japanese drugstores, such as Matsumotokiyoshi and Kirindo, carry kampo.

Knitted belly panty, leg warmer and scarves

Warming your belly, neck, wrists and legs is crucial to improve your blood circulation. The tradition has been handed down for decades in Japan, hence, resulting in a wide variety of warm items in shops.

Knitted belly warmer (haramaki) panties are convenient since they fit into your clothing while warming from your belly to your waists. Ensuring protection for your neck, wrists and legs is vital for balanced hormones and healthy blood flow. Therefore, using leg warmers and scarves as needed helps address this issue.

Heat pack and warm patch

These two warm items are commonly used for abdominal pain in Japan. They are effective in easing discomfort in the lower belly, adjacent uterus, sacrum (located at the bottom of the lower back) and inner thighs. These items are readily available online or at drugstores in Japan and convenient for managing period-related pain during your travels.

Getting your period, especially menstrual cramps, on your trip can be inconvenient for you. However, you can minimize the discomfort as long as you know how to cope with them. Take away the tips above and confidently tell yourself that periods will not stop your adventures.

* The amount of pain varies by individuals. Consult medical professionals if you have any concerning menstruation symptoms before starting to use these products.