Benefits of Massage for Dysmenorrhea & PMS
return to Women's Health
​Abdominal, visceral, and lymphatic massage therapies have been shown to provide relief from various symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These therapeutic techniques can help address both physical and emotional symptoms, supporting overall menstrual health.

​Here are the key benefits:
1. Pain Relief and Reduced Cramping
  • Abdominal Massage: Gentle manipulation of the abdominal muscles and tissues can help relieve the pain and cramping associated with dysmenorrhea. It can also improve blood flow to the uterus, promoting muscle relaxation and easing tension.
  • Visceral Massage: Targeting the internal organs, including the uterus and pelvic area, can alleviate discomfort by promoting better alignment and reducing muscular spasms.
2. Improved Circulation and Blood Flow
  • Abdominal and Visceral Massage: These techniques stimulate blood flow to the pelvic region, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered more effectively to the reproductive organs, which may reduce menstrual cramps and bloating.
  • Lymphatic Massage: By stimulating lymphatic drainage, this type of massage helps to reduce congestion and fluid retention in the abdominal and pelvic areas, supporting circulation and alleviating the heaviness or swelling often experienced during PMS.
3. Reduced Bloating and Fluid Retention
  • Lymphatic Massage: Stimulating the lymphatic system can promote the removal of excess fluid and waste products, reducing bloating, swelling, and discomfort in the abdomen, which are common PMS symptoms.
  • Abdominal Massage: Gentle pressure and movement in the abdominal area can help release trapped gas and reduce bloating by encouraging the movement of the intestines and digestive system.
4. Enhanced Detoxification and Hormonal Balance
  • Lymphatic Massage: By boosting lymphatic circulation, this massage technique helps eliminate toxins from the body and supports the overall detox process, which can be beneficial during PMS when hormone levels fluctuate and may cause irritability or mood swings.
  • Visceral Massage: By improving the function of internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys, visceral massage can help regulate hormone metabolism, promoting hormonal balance and reducing PMS symptoms.
5. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
  • Abdominal Massage: The soothing touch of abdominal massage helps relax the sympathetic nervous system, which can alleviate feelings of anxiety and tension that often accompany PMS.
  • Lymphatic Massage: Lymphatic drainage has been shown to help regulate the body’s stress response, decreasing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation, which can reduce irritability and emotional fluctuations during PMS.
6. Improved Digestive Health
  • Abdominal and Visceral Massage: These techniques stimulate the digestive system, which can help relieve constipation, indigestion, and other digestive issues that are often exacerbated during menstruation and PMS.
  • Enhanced Motility: By addressing the abdominal and visceral organs, massage can help improve bowel motility and reduce sluggish digestion that often contributes to PMS discomfort.
7. Relief from Headaches and Migraines
  • Lymphatic and Abdominal Massage: For individuals whose PMS symptoms include headaches or migraines, massage therapies that target the lymphatic system and abdominal region may help reduce fluid buildup around the head and neck, easing the tension that can contribute to these types of pain.
8. Better Emotional Well-being
  • Lymphatic Massage: This massage therapy can help release emotional blockages and reduce feelings of emotional heaviness that often accompany PMS. The calming effect of lymphatic drainage can improve mood and overall emotional balance.
  • Abdominal Massage: The nurturing and comforting touch of abdominal massage can provide emotional support, particularly in addressing mood swings and irritability.
9. Improved Uterine Function
  • Visceral Massage: By gently working the muscles and ligaments around the uterus, visceral massage can improve the position and tone of the uterus, which may reduce painful menstruation caused by uterine spasms or improper positioning (e.g., retroverted uterus).
  • Increased Relaxation of Pelvic Muscles: Relaxing the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles can alleviate uterine discomfort and spasms that often contribute to pain during menstruation.
10. Faster Recovery Post-Menstruation
  • Lymphatic Massage: After menstruation, lymphatic drainage helps the body clear out excess fluid, cellular debris, and waste products, promoting a quicker recovery from PMS and menstrual symptoms.
  • Reduced Tissue Tension: Abdominal and visceral massages can help release any residual tension in the pelvic area, contributing to faster recovery and reduced pain after menstruation.
Abdominal, visceral, and lymphatic massage therapies offer a natural, holistic approach to managing dysmenorrhea and PMS. These techniques can help address the physical symptoms of bloating, cramping, and fluid retention, while also promoting emotional well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. Regular massage therapy may be a valuable addition to your menstrual health routine, supporting the body’s ability to function optimally during the menstrual cycle.
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NOTE: Always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure these therapies are appropriate for your individual wellness needs, especially if you have specific health conditions.
Images:
CDC, Mysid - Vectorized in Inkscape by User:Mysid from a CDC image (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/cc_basic.htm), public domain.
https://www.scientificanimations.com - https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/
​OpenStax College - Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013.
By Henry Vandyke Carter - Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body Gray's Anatomy, Plate 1161, Public Domain, https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/
https://www.scientificanimations.com - https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/
Image by Silvia via Pixabay
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Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
CDC, Mysid - Vectorized in Inkscape by User:Mysid from a CDC image (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/cc_basic.htm), public domain.; https://www.scientificanimations.com - https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/; OpenStax College - Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013.; Henry Vandyke Carter - Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body Gray's Anatomy, Plate 1161, Public Domain, https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/; https://www.scientificanimations.com - https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is shared to the best of our knowledge and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, please note that Anne is not a medical doctor. The content shared is based on research from clinical papers, reputable sources, and professional experience in the field of massage therapy. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
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