Abdominal pain is one of the most common ailments; most people will experience this type of pain at some point in their lives.
Also known as stomach pain, abdominal pain can affect any part of the abdomen or the belly; however, perhaps the most commonly affected area is the lower quadrant or the lower half of the abdomen. This part of the body is comprised of several vital internal organs, including digestive (small intestine and colon), female reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in a woman), and the appendix.
A number of conditions that can affect any of the organs that lie in the lower abdomen and those conditions can lead to pain. The treatment for lower abdominal pain depends on the root cause; however, some treatment options can be effective for all causes.
The following eight natural remedies can provide effective relief for common forms of lower abdominal pain.
1. Heat therapy.
The application of heat can prove to be beneficial in the relief of various causes of lower abdominal pain, such as menstrual cramps and constipation. The heat helps to dilate the blood vessels, which thereby encourages blood flow; it also helps to relieve tight, sore muscles.
Increased blood flow and the release of tightened muscles can offer pain-relieving benefits. To engage in heat therapy, apply a warm (not hot) compress to the affected site, such as a heating pad. It is important that you take care to place a protective barrier between the source of heat and your skin, so as to prevent burns.
Apply heat to the site for 10 to 20 minutes once every 2 hours, as needed. Adjust the setting on your heat source, as necessary. The soothing relief that heat therapy provides can often be felt within just a few minutes after application.