10 Healthy Ways to have a period in Japan

10 ways to have a healthy period in Japan.

Published by Monique Dehaney 2019.10.11

Many women suffer from discomfort associated with monthly menstrual periods. Worldwide there are various suggestions to ease menstrual discomfort. Foreign women in Japan can feel really lost because of the language barrier and the fact that periods are still very taboo in Japan.

They aren’t spoken about.

1. Vaginal steaming box

よもぎお茶セット（Yomogi Steaming Set）Found on Amazon.

Usually comes with an electric pot for the herbs, the herbal tea bags, the chair and the full body cover.

2. Vaginal Steaming shops。These have been popping up around Japan. Instead of purchasing your own home set, you can now go to a professional esthetician space and get pampered will you steam your vagina. Everything is prepared for you and all you have to do is sit and relax. To find these near you, search for よもぎお茶.

3. Kampo. An array of Japanese herbal powdered medicines. Kampo herbal medicines are numbered and the number you are prescribed is dependent on your ailment. Kampo for the female reproductive system are well known. A licensed medical practitioner or a Kampo specialist shop can suggest the correct one for you. Keep in mind that these herbal medicines work when used over a period of time. You can search for a ‘Chinese Herbal Shop’ using either of these Kanji 漢方薬局 値段.

4. Pain killers。Foreign pain killers aren’t common in Japan. Okay they are next to impossible to find. Some international pharmacies may have Advil or Tylenol. Japanese doctors usually prescribe EVE for menstrual associated pain and discomfort. I find EVE to

be very weak. You can have someone ship medication to Japan, however the seal cannot be broken, and the labels need to remain on the bottles. If possible, include the receipt when shipping.

5. Birth Control- Some women use birth control to balance hormones, hence reducing menstrual discomfort. Birth control is only issued by medical practitioners in Japan. You cannot buy them over the counter. The most popular ones are ….

6. Go to the onsen. Japanese hot spring baths are believed to have magical soothing and healing powers. Soaking your body in hot water is always helpful for pain and ailments.

Soaking in your body in medicinal hot water is even better right?

7. Get checked regularly. Let’s not forget to visit the doctor and get regular ultrasounds to make sure there are no irregularities in your reproductive system.

8. Stick-on Type Heat packs- ホッカイロ貼るタイプ 9. Get a Haramaki ハラマキ. These have evolved to resemble body-hugging tights. This will help you to feel warm and comfortable.

10. Yutampo- A hot water bottle. 湯たんぽ

Don’t forget to do yoga and other forms of exercise, take vitamin C and whatever you do, don’t let the Japanese work style cause excess stress.