Yoni steaming, also known as vaginal steaming, is an ancient practice used by women all over the world.
Having a yoni steam involves sitting over a bowl of steaming water that has been infused with organic herbs. The steam penetrates the mucosal tissue of the vulva and vagina, which allows the medicinal properties of the herbs to be easily absorbed and carried via the bloodstream, directly to the pelvic organs.
Why choose to yoni steam?
There can be many reasons to steam. Some cultures steam directly after a period to ensure the uterus has fully completed its monthly cleanse and others use steaming to speed up post-partum healing.
The ideal menstrual cycle length is 28/29 days (although variation is also normal) with a pain-free menstruation that lasts roughly 4 days, with a consistent flow of bright red blood. Regular steams, with the use of herbs that support the female reproductive system, can help to achieve or restore menstrual cycle balance.
*Depending on the feminine health issue being worked on, the herbs used and regularity of steams will differ.
Women who may benefit from this treatment
Those who suffer from cramps, recurring infection, PMS, PCOS, fertility issues, headaches, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, irregular cycles and other complaints affecting the reproductive system may find benefit from yoni steaming.
You may also choose to use yoni steaming as part of a full moon or dark moon ritual to honour our sacred feminine and the rich creative space within.
To make a general blend for relaxation, use equal parts of lavender, chamomile, mugwort and calendula. Use 2 tablespoons per 2 litres of filtered water per steam.
To buy more specific blends check out yonisteam.co.uk
5 Tips for Yoni Steaming at home.
- Create your space. This is you time, so create your perfect environment. Candles, soft music, incense. Whatever you need for this nurturing, self-care ritual.
- Be comfortable. You will be sitting, kneeling or squatting for about 15 minutes, unless you have a steam box to sit, which is the most comfortable.
My preferred method is to kneel next to a bed or sofa. I place the bowl between and just behind my knees, at a distance where I can easily lean forward and relax on to the edge of the bed/sofa. For extra comfort you can wear woolly socks and place a folded towel under your knees.
- Use a glass or ceramic bowl. Using glass or ceramic means that all that is in the warm, rising vapour is water and the medicinal properties of the herbs. Plastics can often release unwanted chemicals.
- Don’t boil your herbs. If you do, that delicious smell you are creating is all the plant’s volatile oils escaping into the atmosphere.
Think tea. Put the herbs in first, pour in boiled water and then cover with a lid. Allow a few minutes for the herbs to infuse and remove the lid just before steaming. This will retain the herb’s medicinal properties – all the goodness – for you.
- Use only organic herbs. If the herbs aren’t organic you don’t know what pesticides or toxins you are absorbing. Never use essential oils. They are much too concentrated for such a delicate area.
This blog was written by Tuesday Simmonds, founder of Wombon.
* All herbal medicines should be taken with care. Please seek advice from a trained medical herbalist and if harvesting your own plants, please do so sustainably and cautiously.