Yoni Steaming

Ancient Women’s Healing Ritual

Yoni or Vaginal Steaming, or “Bajos” as it is known in Central and South America (just one of the places it has been used for hundreds – and possibly thousands – of years) – is an ancient healing and nurturing practice for women of all ages in order to maintain strong reproductive health. Traditional Korean healers also use this technique and call it “Chai-Yok” – and there is evidence of traditional use all over the globe.

A Yoni Steam is carried out by boiling up a combination of specific herbs depending on the health condition being treated and the woman’s own personal constitution. The woman then sits over the steaming herbs (using a custom-made stool with a hole in it, or simply by placing the pot of herbs in the toilet bowl) and, with a blanket or towel wrapped around her lower body, allows the steam to open the pores of the vaginal tissues and carry the medicinal benefits of the plants into the body. Vaginal tissue is extremely absorbent – so this makes yoni steaming an ideal way to absorb the herbs’ healing properties directly into the bloodstream (the flow/circulation of which is increased by yoni steaming) – which in turn has a direct effect on the entire reproductive system.

Yoni Steaming also acts as a stimulating internal cleanser of the membranes of the vaginal tissues and uterus. This is considered especially important for stagnant fertility conditions and/or incomplete emptying of menses each cycle. This women’s treatment gently but effectively cleanses, tones and revitalizes a woman’s pelvic centre, providing a myriad of benefits from reduced menstrual cramps to increased fertility and more. Support your natural feminine cycle, help your body to heal, relax, and detoxify both physically and emotionally with a yoni steam.

A summary of benefits that can be achieved via yoni steaming are:-

• Significant reduction of pain, bloating and exhaustion associated with menstruation.
• Significant reduction of PMS.
• Decrease of menstrual flow as well as reduction of dark purple or brown blood at the onset or end of menses.
• Regulation of irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
• Regulation of short menstrual cycles.
• Increased fertility.
• Faster healing and toning of the reproductive system following childbirth.
• Assisting in healing uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness, uterine prolapse & endometriosis.
• Breaking down of reproductive adhesion/scar tissue. Assisting with the repair of a vaginal tear, episiotomy, or C-section scar.
• Assisting with the healing of haemorrhoids.
• Treating chronic bacterial/yeast vaginal infections and maintaining healthy vaginal odour.
• Relief of menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness or pain during sex.
• Detoxification of the womb/removal of toxins from the body. Release of stored emotions.
• Reconnection with our female bodies and tapping into the sexual energy that is our creative potential.

You can read more about using yoni steaming for fertility and post-partum recovery here.   And here is a study done on yoni steaming for the fourth trimester (3 months post-childbirth recovery period) and a discussion of it here.  

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE CERTAIN SERIOUS CONTRAINDICATIONS TO YONI STEAMING – PLEASE READ THESE BEFORE DECIDING ON WHETHER IT IS SUITABLE FOR YOU.  IF YOU DO DECIDE TO STEAM, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOOKING AN ONLINE YONI STEAMING CONSULTATION WITH ME BEFORE STEAMING FOR THE FIRST TIME SO THAT I CAN ADVISE ON THE CORRECT YONI STEAMING PROTOCOL & HERB BLEND FOR YOU PERSONALLY.  THIS WILL ENSURE BOTH THE SAFEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE OUTCOME FOR YOUR YONI STEAMING EXPERIENCE.  

YOU CAN BOOK A FULL CONSULTATION HERE AND A MINI CONSULTATION HERE.  

MY HERB BLENDS

All of the herbs used in my blends are naturally grown without chemicals of any kind. In the case of seasonal unavailability, it may be necessary to substitute any of these herbs with one(s) of similar benefit.

Cleansing Blend

This is the strongest blend of herbs available – and they help to clean out the uterus and improve blood circulation to the pelvis.  They also help to balance the vaginal flora, tone vaginal tissue, clear out excess mucus and old menstrual residue and nourish the reproductive organs.  This blend is suitable for post-partum care; regulation of long menstrual cycles (28 days or longer); women on oral contraceptives; women recovering from miscarriage; and for those experiencing scant or absent periods.

It is always advisable, however, to check with your yoni steaming practitioner before choosing your steaming blend for the first time.

Contains a selection of the following cleansing herbs:-  Basil, Calendula, Rosemary, Nettle, Moringa, Lemongrass, Rose Petals, Licorice Root.

Purifying Blend

This blend is formulated for women who have excess vaginal discharge and infections or viruses that accompany it.  It includes herbs that help to kill bacteria, yeast and viruses whilst expelling toxins, getting rid of excess discharge, reducing inflammation and deodorising and resetting a healthy vaginal flora balance in the reproductive system.   This herb formula is suitable for those women with infections, inflammation, HPV, STD’s, viruses, irregular pap smears, cervical dysplasia or cancer – all accompanied at the same time by excess vaginal discharge (“damp” vaginal health conditions).

Note: If you have any of the above and you also have short menstrual cycles (27 days or less), then you should get both the Purifying Blend and the Soothing Blend. Use a 50/50 combo of the 2 herb blends until the acute conditions have subsided, then use the Soothing Blend going forward. If you have any of the above conditions but they are not accompanied with excess discharge, then the Cooling or Cleansing herbs would probably be the best choice for you.

It is, however, always advisable to check with your yoni steaming practitioner before choosing your steaming blend for the first time.

Contains a selection of the following purifying herbs:-  Motherwort, Calendula,  Oregano, Neem, Nettle, Moringa, Lavender, Licorice Root.

Soothing Blend

This blend helps to gently clean the uterus whilst also extending short menstrual cycles (27 days or less) and stopping fresh spotting or interim bleeding – both signs of uterine fatigue.  It can also be helpful for post-partum mamas who are experiencing heavy blood flow, whose periods return before 9 months post-partum or who have a history of short menstrual cycles.   It is also suitable for use by girls under age 13.

Note:-  If you are experiencing any of the above conditions, the Soothing Blend is going to supersede any of the other herb formulas that you might believe are suitable for you.  This blend is definitely the most important one for you to use.

It is, however, always advisable to check with your yoni steaming practitioner before choosing your steaming blend for the first time.

Contains a selection of the following soothing herbs:-  Oregano, Nettle, Moringa, Lavender, Astragalus, Comfrey, Lemon Balm, Licorice Root.

Cooling Blend

This blend is for women experiencing signs of excess heat in the body – eg nightsweats, vaginal dryness or hot flushes.  Or for those experiencing infections or viruses accompanied by vaginal dryness or burning (“dry” vaginal health conditions).  Or for those women who are living in very hot climates.  The herbs in this blend help to nourish, moisturise and cool the body, as well as tonifying the kidneys and increasing circulation of fluids to/within the pelvic region.

It is, however, always advisable to check with your yoni steaming practitioner before choosing your steaming blend for the first time.

Contains a selection of the following cooling herbs:-  Calendula, Neem, Nettle, Moringa, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Licorice Root.

Directions For General Use

• • It is beneficial when working with the plants that you build a relationship with them. You can do this by asking the plants and the water to help you in what you are trying to heal at that time.
  • Remove silica sachet (used to keep herbs dry) from the packet.
  • Place herbs in a stainless steel, enamel or ceramic pot of good quality filtered or spring water. 1/2 cup dried herbs to 2 litres of water is a good ratio.
  • If wished/possible, let the pot of herbs sit under the light of the moon overnight, imbuing the water and plants with the moonlight, with your prayers and allowing the water and plants to absorb each other.
  • The following day – or sooner if you wish – bring to a gentle simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes.  This should be long enough for the roots and the tougher, more fibrous herbs to release their medicine, without over-boiling the more delicate leaves and flowers.
  • Set up your private steam space where you won’t be disturbed – make sure it is warm but not too hot; turn off your phone, put music on if you’d like, or grab your favourite book, light candles and/or make a cup of herbal tea to enjoy while you are steaming. Having a glass of water both before and after steaming is also a good idea.
  • Once you are set up, if you are steaming on a stool (or directly on the floor), place a heatproof cutting board or towel underneath the hot pot to protect the floor.
  • Place your steam pot under a slatted chair or purpose-made steam stool/sauna.  OR check out these guidelines for how to steam without a steaming stool or sauna. You might like to pad the edges of the steaming stool or sauna with folded towels, in order to provide a softer seat – especially if you are steaming for longer than 10 minutes per session.
  • Remove your clothes from the waist down, leaving your socks on to keep your feet warm and keeping your upper body warm. If you are steaming using a cloak or gown, you will need to remove all of your clothes and put your gown on (this should only ever be made from natural fabrics such as soft cotton/flannel/light towelling, etc).
  • TEST the temperature of the steam before sitting down, starting with your hand high above the pot and gradually bringing it down to the height you will be sitting at. If it feels nice and warm to the touch, then sit down – if it is too hot, then wait for it to cool for a few minutes and then test again.
  • Sit on your designated seat over the steaming herbs making sure the steam pot is placed underneath the body so the steam gets to the perineum.  Gently open your labia if you wish to increase steam flow to the vaginal/uterine tissues.
  • Drape your lower body with blankets that extend all the way to the floor to ensure the steam is contained.
  • Be careful not to burn yourself with steam that is too hot. If necessary, create a small vent in the blankets or open the sauna door slightly in order to allow excess steam to escape… Steaming should be a very pleasant experience, not an endurance test!
  • Sit over your steam for however long your recommended steaming protocol advises.
  • Simply enjoy the healing and nurturing time you have set aside for yourself.
  • When you are done, gently dry yourself off.
  • Rest quietly after the steam in a warm room – free of drafts, open windows or air conditioning -for at least 20 minutes.
  • When you get up, dress warmly and stay cosy. Going straight to bed afterwards is a delicious way to follow a steam – you will sleep like a baby!
  • Release the herbs and water back to the earth – giving thanks for their support in your healing.

Please note the following:-

• Do not use essential oils in your steam – this is because they are very potent and may burn the delicate tissues of the genitals.
• If you have an IUD fitted, then please note that yoni steaming can cause it to shift or dislodge – so use of these herbs are at your own risk.  Having said that, as you long as you never steam for more than 10 minutes at a time, however, you shouldn’t have any issues.
• Remove any genital piercings before you steam – as the metal will heat up during the steam and may burn you.
• Do not use if pregnant, or if you think you might be.
• Do not use past ovulation (usually day 14-16 of your cycle) if you are trying to conceive – as steaming may wash the sperm out or cause a very early miscarriage (as steaming opens the cervix slightly).
• Do not use if you experience extremely heavy menstrual bleeding or have had 2 periods within the space of 1 month – or have experienced either of these within the past 3 months.
• Do not use during menstruation – or if there is any spotting, “trickle” bleeding or presence of fresh blood at all.

How often should I steam?

If you are dealing with a particular health challenge – (eg infertility/difficulty conceiving; endometriosis; PCOS; PMS; painful periods; absent periods; short or long cycles; heavy bleeding; fibroids; uterine prolapse/fatigue; healing of wounds, scars or haemmorhoids; chronic vaginal infections; vaginal dryness or painful sex) then it is always advisable to consult with a trained yoni steaming facilitator.  You can book an online consultation with me here (including 3 follow-up email check-ins over a 3-month period) to ensure you choose the herb blend and steaming protocol best suited to you personally in terms of both safety and efficiency.  (And if symptoms still persist, always consult with your chosen health care provider).

For general reproductive health and vitality, steaming once a week or three days in a row both before and after your period (if still menstruating) is a recommended starting point.  Post menopausal women can steam once a week.

Weekly steaming – regardless of which stage of life you are at – follows the weekly phases of a woman’s cycle, and is incredibly beneficial both for balancing this cycle and for overall well-being.  Steaming for 3 days before and after your period sets you up for a healthier and more thorough uterine cleanse for both the imminent and following period.  Ask your yoni steaming practitioner which steaming plan they would recommend – 0r simply trust your instincts and work out what feels best for you.

Yoni Steaming is both a preventative and curative health practice. It is a very gentle but effective method to cleanse, tone and revitalise us as women and to help us to heal, relax and detoxify both physically and emotionally. It is a beautiful, nurturing practice that can easily be carried out in the comfort and privacy of your own home.  Yoni Steaming mixes are available from our shop.

Enjoy!

Yoni Steaming Stools & Saunas

At present, I know of 3 different suppliers of steaming stools and saunas here in South Africa.  Having a purpose-made stool or sauna really adds to the enjoyment and relaxation of the practice.   Click here to download details of those suppliers.

 

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE CERTAIN SERIOUS CONTRAINDICATIONS TO YONI STEAMING – PLEASE READ THESE BEFORE DECIDING ON WHETHER IT IS SUITABLE FOR YOU.  IF YOU DO DECIDE TO STEAM, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOOKING AN ONLINE STEAMING CONSULTATION WITH ME BEFORE STEAMING FOR THE FIRST TIME SO THAT I CAN ADVISE ON THE CORRECT YONI STEAMING PROTOCOL & HERB BLEND FOR YOU PERSONALLY.  THIS WILL ENSURE BOTH THE SAFEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE OUTCOME FOR YOUR YONI STEAMING EXPERIENCE.  

YOU CAN BOOK A FULL CONSULTATION HERE AND A MINI CONSULTATION HERE.