How music helps relieve menstrual pain and relax the body

Have you ever listened to a song and cried or felt a particular emotion?

Well, like many of us, that's the case for me. Not only do I cry easily when listening to moving sounds, but I can also feel motivated, encouraged, and joyful thanks to a song. That's the power that a song, the words of a song, can have on each of us.

Having observed my menstrual cycle and lifestyle, I have come to the conclusion that music not only plays a big role in my emotional state during each stage of the cycle, but can also contribute to my relaxation. It is an integral part of my life and every phase of my menstrual cycle and my coaching with my clients.

Awareness of the menstrual cycle changes everything, especially when you understand how music regulates a stressed body and promotes emotional release.

If you suffer from menstrual pain, tension, mood swings, or feel like your nervous system is constantly on edge, this conversation is for you.

Because your body responds to vibrations.

Your hormones respond to stress.

And your nervous system responds to sound.

We often think of self-care as something to add to our to-do list. But what if relaxation could be integrated into something as simple and intimate as music?

What if the right song could soothe a stressed body...

or help you through each phase of your menstrual cycle?

Let's talk about it.

The body knows the score: why music regulates a stressed body

The body knows the score: why music regulates a stressed body

There is a reason why the expression “the body knows the score” resonates so deeply. Trauma, stress, and unprocessed emotions are stored not only in the mind, but also in the muscles, breathing, and patterns of the nervous system.

The nervous system reacts directly to vibrations.

When you listen to soothing music, several things happen:

• Your heart rate slows down.

• Your breathing deepens.

• Muscle tension eases.

As a result, your cortisol levels decrease.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, music can reduce stress hormones and improve emotional regulation. The American Psychological Association also reports that music therapy promotes recovery from stress and relaxation.

Your body does not analyze music logically.

It absorbs it, reacting to the vibration, rhythm, and frequency.

And if your menstrual cycle has been taking place in a stressed body for years, this matters.

Because tension increases menstrual pain.

A tense body experiences menstruation differently than a regulated body.

And that's where education and the proper use of sound can make all the difference.

Awareness of the menstrual cycle and the power of vibrations

Awareness of the menstrual cycle is not limited to education about hormones. It also involves learning about sounds and their effects on our nervous system.

Our cycle unfolds in several phases:

• Inner winter (menstrual phase)

• Inner spring (follicular phase)

• Inner summer (ovulation)

• Inner fall (luteal phase)

Each phase corresponds to a different state of the nervous system.

When vibrations correspond to hormonal changes, the nervous system cooperates.

Here's how I use music to help me through each phase of my cycle.

During my inner summer, I feel powerful, energetic, and outgoing. I listen to upbeat songs with inspiring lyrics while I work or exercise, sometimes all day long. This keeps me motivated and boosts my productivity without exhausting me.

But during my luteal phase, I turn inward. I become more sensitive to noise and overstimulation.

That's when I turn to softer songs, piano music, or just light humming and slow instrumentals. The goal is to let my body rest and slowly prepare for my period.

A few days ago, I wrote a song called “Stable and Sufficient” and I listen to it during my luteal phase. It's like wrapping my nervous system in a blanket and telling myself, “You're safe.”

It's about being mindful of your menstrual cycle in practice: adapting your vibrations to the phase.

I continue to write songs as a passion and for the pleasure of expressing my creativity. You can find me on Spotify under the name Stephany Abicha. Many of my songs also serve to support my clients in their healing process.

Menstrual pain and the emotional release we avoid

Menstrual pain is often approached from a medical perspective. And sometimes, medical support is necessary.

I help many women relieve their menstrual pain holistically, and having worked with several clients, I know that there are many factors that influence this pain that current medicine does not yet take seriously. These include excessive stress, trauma, and emotional overload.

A stressed body contracts, and when the uterus contracts during menstruation in an already tense system, the pain intensifies.

Music can act as a bridge to the nervous system, helping to relieve stress.

It also helps trigger emotional release, and it was through practicing the somatic exercises of Theworkoutwitch that I discovered and understood its effectiveness.

And this emotional release doesn't have to be dramatic. It can manifest itself as:

• a deep sigh,

• unexpected tears

• A feeling of calm

• A memory that resurfaces

• Unconscious humming

• Yawning

I've noticed something about myself: when resistance builds up and my thoughts go round and round in circles, I whistle.

I don't do it on purpose, it just happens.

The same goes for humming.

It's an instinctive regulation of the nervous system.

Through music, vibrations spread through the vagus nerve, a soft hum stimulates it, and this stimulation tells the body: you are safe.

Safety reduces tension, and reduced tension reduces pain.

But sometimes music can contribute to pain instead of reducing it.

Why certain types of music agitate a stressed body

I can't listen to heavy metal or extremely loud music because it agitates me. I feel it in my chest, my cheeks tense up, my breathing shortens, and my shoulders tense up.

Having observed this, I know that sounds are not neutral; some frequencies are soothing, but others are stimulating.

If your nervous system is already overexcited, aggressive vibrations increase internal chaos.

Your body knows the difference, which is why self-care with sound must be personalized.

The music that regulates me may not regulate you.

When using sound, the invitation is not to copy someone else's playlist.

It's about noticing your body's reaction to the lyrics, rhythm, and instruments.

Does your jaw relax?

Does your breathing deepen?

Or do you clench your teeth?

This awareness is the key to using music to support your nervous system.

Self-care through sound: a simple practice

If you enjoy listening to sounds and want to use them to your advantage during your menstrual cycle, there's no need for complicated rituals.

Start here:

Choose a song for each phase of your menstrual cycle.

Listen to it regularly during that phase and observe what your body does.

If you don't know where to start with sounds, then in the cramp killer code you'll find not only a simple method to relieve your painful periods but also sounds tailored to regulate you.

Would you prefer to work directly with me as your coach? Then join me in the Feminine Cycle Reset program for personalized coaching.

Also add this to your self-care routine:

• 5 minutes of humming

• Whistling to release tension

• Breathing to the rhythm of a slow song

If you want to learn more about cycle-based regulation, read:

How stress affects menstrual pain

Why is rest so important during your cycle?

Basics of the menstrual cycle

Music is an integral part of your relaxation system. Used correctly, it can help your body feel better.

Key points to remember

Let's simplify things. Here are the key points we've covered:

Your body knows what's going on: accumulated stress increases menstrual pain.

Your menstrual cycle reacts to stress and relaxation.

Music regulates the nervous system through vibrations and lyrics.

Emotional release can be gentle and subtle thanks to music.

Adapting music to your hormonal phase promotes balance.

If this resonates with you, follow us on Instagram @stephanyabicha for content focused on healing painful periods in a holistic and natural way.

Visit me at www.stephanyabicha.com to learn more about me and my work on women's cycle health.

Your body is not against you; it listens to the vibrations you transmit to it.

Make good choices and help your body heal.