The uterus is a muscle about the size of a grapefruit. Women tend to internalize stress in the uterus – when we enter the paramentstrum (premenstrual phase and menstruation), our hormone levels decrease to release the uterine lining, our immune system becomes more compromised, and therefore we become more fatigued.

When women do not honor this change in our bodies and keep moving forward at the same pace as when our hormones were rising post-menstruation, the body constricts to force itself to keep the pace – and that internalization of stress can cause period pain.

In our webinar “Period Pain: What Causes It and How to Find Relief,” Cycle Harmony advisor Leslie Botha shared a wonderful uterus exercise to help prevent and relieve period pain.

Kneel on the floor – lean over and stretch your fore arms on the floor and place your forehead on the floor. Gently arch your back and hold the position for a few minutes and repeat.

This simple exercise allows gravity to pull the uterus back into place. The uterus is not attached to any other organ in the body, and often times can fall back against the colon. When the uterus contracts against the colon or the bladder, discomfort and period pain can result.

Try it out and see how you like this simple exercise.

By the way, Leslie Botha’s new book “Understanding Your Mind, Mood and Hormone Cycle” will be available on Amazon in February 2012. Stay tuned!