There is a lot of information out there from patriarchal medical professions who have a lot to say about how steaming your yoni is “dangerous” and “unnecessary”. They inform women that there is no scientific proof that yoni steaming actually works and it comes with a lot of potential health risks, and therefore, should be avoided. They inform women that herbal steaming can change the pH levels of the vagina, there’s a risk of burning the sensitive soft tissue, as well as the potential risk of infections from the steam itself. Their main argument is that the vagina is a self-cleansing organ, it cleans itself, and there’s really no need for it to be stimulated by an herbal steam.
I am here to tell you the majority of what they are saying is very true. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Yoni Steaming actually works, there is a potential that it can change your Ph levels, you can definitely burn yourself if you are not careful and it can increase an infection. And yes! The vagina is a self-cleansing organ! For this reason, I nor any other Steaming Practitioner will tell you to not listen to your doctor or at least take their medical advice under consideration when you are deciding whether a yoni steaming routine is what is best for you. You should always consult a doctor to get medical advice before playing around with your body.
What I will give you, however, is more information about yoni steaming in order for you to not only have all the medical information necessary but also make a more calculated decision based on what your body is telling you it needs. As you read this article, I ask you to put the medical information aside for a moment and tune into what your womb and body are telling you. I also ask that you take the information that resonates deep down in your sacred space and leave the information that does not.
And with that being said, let’s begin with a little language and history lesson, shall we?
WHAT IS THE YONI?
I am so glad that you asked! Isn't it interesting that we can identify all of the most vague and confusing nicknames for our sacred space but actual meaningful word itself? Did you know that the word vagina in Latin actually translates to “sword sheath”? Yep, you heard me. Don’t even get me started on the even more shame-invoking names like vajayjay, pee pee or “no-no zone.” We have been directly and indirectly taught to feel embarrassed and ashamed when it comes to our yoni, it has been ingrained into our existence for thousands of years. Well Sister, I am here to tell you that our yoni is more than just a holder for someone's ‘sword’. It is most certainly not a “no-no zone”, it’s most certainly NOT just a pleasure source for others. It is not dirty, disgusting or something to be ashamed about. Our Yoni is our powerhouse, our direct portal to Source energy.
The word yoni in Sanskrit translates to “Sacred Space '' and dear Goddess, wait until I tell you how very true that is. Honestly, yoni is the only word that truly explains what this space really is. We, as women, have the power to create life, to manifest our dreams and goals, all because we have a direct connection to Source, right through our yoni, that is ours to embody.
IS THIS NEWS TO YOU? YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
But before we can go any further into the juicy secrets we hold in our sacred space, I think it’s only fair we go into more detail about why we are not taught this part about our yoni, and why medical professionals and society are advising you to stay away from this sacred space.
WHAT IS YONI STEAMING?
Yoni steaming is an ancient ritual that was practiced by many ancient Indigenous Cultures around the world. It is an ancient forgotten wisdom that was used by medicine women in cultures like Africa, Asia and the Mayan cultures. It is the act of gently cleansing and healing your yoni by boiling healing herbs and allowing the steam to pass into the yoni, cervix, uterus and entire reproductive system. The steam physically, emotionally and spiritually detoxes your body and womb space. In modern times (as in today), yoni steaming has increased in popularity in the west with many yoni steaming spas opening up in many different cities, though it can also be done at home quite easily.
As women, the majority of our trauma is held and kept in our womb where it lingers and expands, re-birthing our traumas in many different ways. When it comes to emotionally and spiritually, yoni steaming can be thought of as releasing the womb of the harmful energies that get “stuck” or enter there. Yoni steaming is a great self-love practice as it enhances our connection to the Divine Feminine. When it comes to physically, much like steaming our face, steaming our yoni helps break down old matter, blood and dead tissue (which is the cause of period cramps by the way) all the while providing the yoni with an ability to enhance performance and bring balance to our cycle.
Sounds like all great stuff, right? So why are we advised not to do it?
We live in a world where being a woman is considered to be less than ideal. We are gross because we bleed, we are sexual objects for the fantasies of men, we aren’t able to run companies or be strong enough to do heavy work. We are taught to stand there, be silent and look pretty. But it wasn’t always like this. Our ancient ancestors knew the power that women held as cyclical beings and the women were actually very much celebrated and considered wise because of it. Goddesses were worshipped, women were protected and loved everyone, even men, lived in community with the Old Womb Religion. It wasn’t until the Patriarchy era that women were persecuted; hanged for practicing medicine, accused of being witches and burned at the stake or even targeted by rape and assault. It was at this time that the Ancient Womb Religion was forced underground, and women were deemed unfit for anything other than marrying and bearing sons for a man. And although we now have rights, we are allowed to work and we are not being burned at the stake, we are still being targeted and identified as unfit for...well anything really.
Our whole societal system is taught that women are to be feared and “put in their place.” We, as women, are conditioned to think that the very core of our existence, our womb, is nothing but a reproductive organ for bearing children. We are taught the bare minimum of what we truly are: wonderful mystical beings with a direct connection to Source power. We are the Divine.
Now this is not to say that men are not divine as well. As everything was born from a Womb ( The Universe is a Cosmic Womb itself!), everyone has the potential to embody the secrets and teachings of the Sacred Womb. But let’s not get too carried away here. I want to take this time to debunk the “medical disclaimers” that are provided by doctors when the topic of Yoni Steaming comes into conversation.
PH LEVELS
Yes, it is true that there is a potential the herbal steam can change your Ph Levels….by balancing them out. When you steam your yoni, you are provided with a specific blend of herbs that is catered to your cycle, your reproductive system and your specific needs. If there is a potential of change in Ph levels, it is because the healing herbs are bringing your body back into balance. Which is a good thing!
INFECTIONS
When you begin a yoni steam consultation, one of the very first questions that are asked is if you have any active infections or open wounds around your yoni area. That is because if you did have any type of infection or open wound, it is advised and our legal obligation not to allow you to steam. The steam can make an infection or open wound worse and can even cause burns to the skin. It is advised to wait until you are fully healed to begin a steaming ritual. The steam will not cause an infection if the yoni is fully healed and properly clean (as in without an already active infection in place).
BURNING RISKS
Can we get real for a second? We are all adults; we know when something is too hot for our skin. We know that if something is too hot, we let it cool down a bit longer before we place it anywhere near our skin. When you begin a yoni steam ritual, you are advised to wait until the water is not too hot and how to properly check its temperature so that you don’t burn yourself and can actually enjoy the process. If you find the steam is too hot, get up, wait another 5-10 minutes, wave your hand 8 inches over the steam to ensure it is safe for you to complete your ritual. It's supposed to be comfortable and relaxing; it's not meant to cause harm.
YOUR VAGINA CLEANS ITSELF
This one was a little confusing to me because if our yoni cleans itself, why are we worried about infections from the steam? Why are douches a thing? Yes, it is very true that the yoni cleans itself, but yoni steaming is not just about cleaning out your space. It’s also about bringing balance to your yoni. Think of all the women who have had a c-section. Now it is not advised to steam while you are still healing, because the steam can actually help break up old and dead tissue, which can be dangerous if you are trying to heal from a c-section. But if you have already healed, it can actually be very beneficial to steam to get rid of the dead tissue that may still be stuck on your womb. As I touched briefly before, period cramps are common, but not normal. It is caused by the body trying to flush out old tissue and matter that has been left in your womb. This can be from the semen of old partners (which can stay in your system for seven years...gross), scar tissue from womb related dis-eases, scar tissue from surgeries or the remains of your last bleed cycle. Even when you practice self-pleasure, that can get stuck there as well! Yoni Steaming helps take all that matter out of your system, therefore causing you less pain and discomfort.
Although the Yoni is a super awesome, super powerful, self-cleansing machine, it doesn't hurt to provide it with the resources and tools to help it continuously self-clean in a very healthy way. Anyone who owns a self-cleaning machine knows that they still have to be cleaned to avoid build up. That is essential what a yoni steam does for your womb.
Phew! Let’s take a moment, as we wrap up this article, to take a few deep breaths and allow this information to truly sink into our consciousness. But before you leave, know this: It is always important to take advice from your doctor. But it is also important to listen to what your body is telling you it needs. Your womb will tell you what is best for you. All you have to do is learn to listen.
NINE BENEFITS OF YONI STEAMING
Your body wants to be as efficient and as healthy as possible. Steaming is a natural way to support your body to function as healthily as possible, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. We go through life exposed to environmental toxins we don’t even realize are affecting the health of our yoni. Yoni steaming is a great opportunity to not only celebrate and cherish our bodies, but it is also a tool to take back ownership of our personal health and to utilize the wisdom of our ancestors.
Here’s some of the benefits that come with a steaming ritual
- It improves the menstrual cycle.
One of the main reasons why women are getting into yoni steaming is because of its ability to significantly reduce pain, bloating and exhaustion that comes with our cycle. After the medicinal herbs release their cleansing and healing oils into the hot water, they are carried through the steam to the porous skin of the outer labia, where they are absorbed. The ancient wisdom tells us that from that point, the plant properties are carried through the bloodstream into the uterus, where they help to dislodge the stuck material that can cause pain and discomfort.
- It Heals the Womb
Maybe it’s the stress and environmental toxins we take in everyday, but many women suffer from challenges like Ovarian cysts, endometriosis or uterine fibroids. In the same way the yoni steam supports the uterus in shedding old blood and matter, it can also help the beautiful organ to expel any no-essential tissue and cells including plops, cysts, and endometrium that could be growing inside the uterus. Ergo, a healthier womb!
- It Helps Create a Blissful Relaxation
A steam can take up to 45 minutes depending on needs and preference. Women often experience a powerful release of stored emotions and stress during this process. It is a great time to reflect, meditate, write in a journal or practice breathwork which then brings a deep sense of relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
- It Connects a Woman with her Source of Power on a Deeper Level.
This is an opportunity to connect, celebrate and cherish all aspects of your body and the subtle energies it emits, especially the ones of your yoni. Taking the time to enjoy our wombs as the beautiful, sacred portal that it is also allows you to deepen your relationship to the feminine power that is held within. Yoni steaming can be used as an entry point, to unlock your portal and learn to channel the potent energy of their wombs and to embrace the creative potential that serves your true self and life purpose.
- It Detoxifies
Everything we experience is held within our yoni from our environment to our relationships and, of course, our own bodies. Yoni steaming works the same way a steam room is used, by helping draw out toxins from the body via the skin. It works the same way you would use an herbal steam to clear congestion from your nasal passages when you have a cold. Steaming the exterior of your yoni draws out toxins and clears congestion from your womb. The heat and moisture causes physical toxins to release from the cells into the lymphatic fluid, which is expelled from the body as sweat.
- Sex is Enhanced and More Enjoyable!
Yoni steaming actually helps us experience a more profound sense of self-love and can increase our self-confidence. This, in turn, helps us embody more of our sexual and sensual feelings and emotions. But on the physical level, yoni steaming helps increase circulation and lubrication, which then helps increase our libido and can make sex more enjoyable. Not to mention the actual act of steaming itself can be arousing!
- It can Help Increase Fertility
There could be many reasons for fertility issues, however one of those reasons is induration (hardened lining) and buildup of old material in the venous lakes (folds) on the uterine walls. Another reason, on the spiritual side of things, can be a disconnection from the womb itself. Yoni steaming can help in both cases! By breaking up the excess material and releasing it through menstruation the uterine walls are more prepared for a fertilized egg to attach and thrive. Using Yoni steaming as a daily practice will also help you reconnect with your womb, by opening your portal and embracing the energies within, as mentioned before.
- Helps Speed Recovery After Birth
Mayan midwives call yoni steaming “bajo”. It is a traditional treatment used to heal, cleanse and tone the reproductive system after a woman has given birth. This ancient remedy is thought to clean out any remaining material from the uterus after birth, help with healing a vaginal tear, episiotomy or caesarean scar all the while encouraging the tissue to tighten. Just remember, It is recommended that you wait until you are fully healed (at least a week after birth) before steaming to give your body the time it needs on its own before introducing a warm steam.
- IT FEELS GOOD!
Lastly, yoni steaming just feels great! The warmth helps increase circulation to the labia and clitoris and the steam helps to soften and moisten the sensitive tissues. This results in an ever so slightly tantalizing sensation. Many women who steam experience pleasure from this simple ritual. That alone should be all the reason to treat yourself to this great experience.
So, there you have it, the truth and benefits of Yoni Steaming and this is just the beginning. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try it for yourself. I promise you won’t regret it.
May the Great Mother bless you and everything you do