Let’s talk about yoni steaming also known as peri steam hydrotherapy, vaginal steaming and in some Chinese hospitals Fumigation.
I personally didn't resonate with the definition of vagina: sheath to a sword, and felt yoni was a much more beautiful and all-encompassing word to use, and I'd like to acknowledge my privilege in being able to utilize this word.
Yoni is a Sanskrit word; we discovered the following definition online here:
“The idea, scope and meaning of the word Yoni and what it stands for is vast. It’s used in many ways, such as source, origin, nest, place of birth, the womb, beginnings, abode, incubator, creator, fertility, family, race, caste, grain, seed, among other synonyms.
In ancient Indian cosmological theories and conceptions, the Yoni is the representation of the material cause of the universe, that is, the mother source or inherent background of the universe. The Yoni refers to the female principle in all known life forms including its seasonal, regenerative, and vegetative cycles.”
“In many Indian religious and spiritual traditions, the Yoni is of key importance, notably in Shaktism and Shaivism as well as in Kaula and Tantra lineages. The Yoni, together with the Lingam, symbolizes the cyclic creation and dissolution of the universe and of all individual life forms. The Yoni-Lingam iconography shows that Life and Death, its expressions and interactions are an inherent unity in duality.”
So, What is yoni steaming? & How is it done?
Essentially, We gather medicinal herbs, roots, bark and/or flowers, and fresh clean water in a pot, bring them to the boil, reduce them to a simmer and allow the medicinal properties to infuse into the water, then we squat above the water and allow the steam to waft up and around our vulva, anus, Perineum and then into the vaginal opening, through the cervix and into the uterus, the whole way the gentle medicinal steam is coming to rest upon the skin where it is then absorbed into the bloodstream. All of this takes less then an hour for prep and the steam itself is between 10-20 minutes*.
The action of steam:
When you go for a facial the steam is used to deeply clean your pores and it is simultaneously Tonifying or tightening those pores, our vaginal steam is much the same, helping liquify any stagnation (dark stagnant blood from previous periods, infections, stagnation from previous births, cysts, stagnation caused from prolonged use of hormonal birth control which gives the false sense of a regular monthly release, the soothing of scar tissue, and more.
Steam draws things down and out (hence we don’t steam when pregnant) and it's this action that can lead to detoxing feelings and increased malodorous discharge while the process is unfolding.
The warm steam also encourages blood flow which is another supportive process that aids the body working optimally.
Yoni Steaming is often used in the postnatal period to help with healing, removing excess water, preventing infections, toning the internal organs, skin regeneration, relaxation and bonding and more. It is believed that by utilizing steaming post-partum the period when it eventually does return (hopefully at least 9-month post-partum) will return smoothly.
Some people detest the ancient art of yoni steaming that's been used cross culturally for hundreds of years because they claim it insinuates that the vagina is dirty, but this is the complete opposite of why we engage in steaming, it's a simple and beautiful act of self-care and reconnection to oneself, and a powerful way to support the body in remaining healthy, AND whilst we know the vagina is self-cleansing we also know that these days we are exposed to artificial lights, many of us are on hormonal contraceptives- preventing us from having a proper monthly cleanse, aren't getting enough sleep, lack vital nutrient from the processed foods we eat and are stressed more than ever before, and possibly most importantly and sadly are out of touch with nature which adds to the stress levels. By learning the art of yoni steaming you're opened up to a new way of being, one that's unique to you and your needs, I personally feel like half the power of yoni steaming is the intention the steamer brings to the process, an intention to dedicate time to connect with the herbs, the elements AND oneself, taking time out of your day/week/month to rest, and nourish yourself, not only allows you to feel deeply relaxed but the process also makes space for mental clarity, easing the mental chatter and allowing for you to connect back to your heart and of course your womb too.
Who can steam? Anyone who wants to try it, even men (more on this another time!) I'll share below, who and some brief words of why/what they can get out of it & also when you can't yoni steam.
Note: Yoni steaming won't suit everyone, just like other holistic modalities or mainstream medications and treatment aren't going to fit everyone, and there are contradictions and ways to screen for sensitivities, so it is a good idea to research but also speak to a trained yoni/vaginal steam Facilitator.
Contraindications:
The main contraindication being if you experience short cycles and heavy bleeds or intermittent bleeding (bleeding multiple times a month, as the act of steaming encourages flow and in these cases the womb tends to need first aid in the form of rest and supportive herbs.
Don't steam if you're pregnant.
Don't Steam if you're actively on your period (bright fresh blood).
Don't steam if you are ovulating and trying to conceive, as We want to support the sperm's journey to the ovum, not hinder it.
Yoni steaming for our Maidens (prior to having children):
Regulating menses, clearing stagnation caused by hormonal contraception, reported as having shrunk fibroids, easing painful cycles, ease constipation, addressing sexual trauma, soothe and ease reoccurring infections, help foster a deeper sense of connection to one's lady landscape, Encourages you to notice nature within yourself as you'll learn to chart your cycle which leads to a deeper understanding of your hormones, cravings, mood changes, physical changes, needs and more. Preparing the body for conscious conception.
Yoni steaming for our mothers,
Supporting postpartum healing, promoting lactation (through the deep feelings of relaxation and the oxytocin released), aiding the healing of stretched, grazed, stitched or torn skin, soothe hemorrhoids, preventive medicine; keeping infections at bay thanks to the medicinal properties of the herbs used. Supporting the removal of all Lochia to ensure when the period returns (hopefully 9 months+ post baby) that it comes back gently and more regularly than it does when postnatal steaming isn’t utilized. Is believed to Encourage the toning of internal muscles and organs.
Tip: you can read the fourth trimester vaginal steam study for more info.
Steaming for our matriarchs: our aunties and grandmothers
Peri and post-menopausal women experience hormonal shifts that change the body, thinner vaginal walls, thinner more dry and flaky skin, drier less moist and less frequently lubricated skin can all be soothed, nourished and moistened thanks to the beautiful process of steaming and the support of different herbs. A reconnection to the Body and one's sacred power. Soothing of hot flashes when utilizing cooling herbs. A remembering of the need and worthiness of rest.
Steaming has also historically and presently been used as an abortifacient.
How long do I steam for? And how often?
10 minutes to begin with and once a week, (there's different frequencies for different ailments, if you'd like help creating a steam plan for yourself please reach out for an online or in person consult, via our website www.yoniherbsuastralia, or email yoniherbs@yahoo.com
! Don't burn yourself! It should be a comfortable temp, be sure to check it for your safety.
If you want to try a steam but don't feel confident picking herbs intuitively, you can steam using just water to begin with, if you'd like a specific herb blend, please see our website yoniherbs.bigcartel.com
We have 4 blends to choose from:
Cleansing for longer cycles and stagnation,
Gentle for shorter cycles and extra womb support,
Disinfecting for reoccurring infections and
Cooling for those hormonal changes during breastfeeding and menopause.
You can read further descriptions for each blend on the website. and we offer personalized herbal steam blends, just ask!
Everyone's Steam journey will be different.
Ultimately, we believe that your Yoni Steam journey will be unique to you, keeping a journal to track your experiences and feelings that arise can be a beautiful way to deepen you understanding of your inner world, and your bodies needs and preferences.
We support and encourage all people getting into the habit of trusting their intuition.
Still not confident? Thats ok! We're here to help you...
You can Get in touch:
We offer yoni steam consults to work 1:1, face to face on zoom to create a personalized yoni steam plan and to provide you with support on reconnecting with yourself, working through blocks regarding your cycle, femininity and self-worth.
Readers can take advantage of the following code:
Which will allow you 15% off at the checkout for your first steam experience.
Disclaimer: We encourage you to make your own decisions about your health, the information shared in this document is based on anecdotal evidence, Yoni steaming is not to be used in place of mainstream medical guidance.
We support the use of yoni steaming alongside mainstream medical treatment.
For more information you can follow us on Instagram @yoniherbsaustralia
And to read more about Yoni steaming for post-partum healing check out: The Fourth Trimester Vaginal Steam Study: https://www.steamychick.com/4thtristudy/
If you have any questions plese pop them below or send us an email,
Happy Steaming,
xxx
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