Eventually, this will be it’s own page on my website. In the meantime, I wanted you to have access to these frequently asked questions! As always, please let me know if I’ve missed anything.
What is yoni steaming?
Yoni steaming is a gentle and non-invasive practice to kindly care for and rebalance our wombs, our cervixes and our vaginas. We work with water along with organic herbs and flowers to gradually increase the circulation to the vagina and uterus. This results with positive changes to our feminine wellbeing such as the releasing of old residue from the uterus, an increase in our natural vaginal nectar, and a general rebalancing of our menstrual cycle.
Yoni is the Sanskrit word that encompasses the vagina & womb. Yoni symbolizes the Hindu goddess, Shakti, who is the representation of feminine power.
What does yoni steaming feel like?
Honestly? Yoni steaming simply feels divine! The steam is warm, never hot. It is aromatic with the chosen flowers and herbs. It feels relaxing, grounding, and nurturing.
Am I clothed for my yoni steam session?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, I suggest and offer long skirts for the practice as the skirt will help to keep the steam in. In the winter, especially, I recommend that you wear warm socks while steaming. And of course, you are clothed from your waist up.
What sort of imbalances can yoni steaming address?
When women begin to incorporate yoni steaming as a part of their self-care, amazing things happen! Her menstrual cycle naturally regulates itself back to a menstruation period of 3-4 days with an overall menstrual cycle that is 29-31 days long. This along with a noticeable decrease in menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms makes yoni steaming an attractive and holistic approach to menstrual cycle distress.
Yoni steaming has also been shown to have a positive effect on other imbalances such as fibroids, cysts, BV, chronic yeast infections, HPV, infertility, painful intercourse due to dryness, and it is universally used for postpartum care.
Is yoni steaming safe?
Yoni steaming is absolutely safe, however, as with any type of healing modality it is best done under the guidance of a trained practitioner who can guide you in your practice as well as determine the best herbs for your unique constitution.
Is there any danger of burning myself during a yoni steam?
Just as you have to be very careful when drinking a hot cup of tea or coffee, the same common sense must be applied to yoni steaming. This is why it is recommended to work with a trained practitioner who can guide you with best practices, including how to prepare your steam at home. If you are looking to set up a simple practice at home without doing a lengthy consultation, I definitely recommend my e-book Creating your Sacred Yoni Steam Practice guide which walks you through everything you need to know to confidently steam at home. It even includes a questionnaire so that I can share with you the best herbs tailored to you.
Some best practices include: allowing some steam to escape the pot for a few seconds before sitting down, always testing the steam temperature with your hand before sitting down, and getting up if the steam feels too warm. Remember; this is a pleasant and relaxing experience therefore the steam should always feel warm, never hot.
Are there times when yoni steaming is contraindicated?
Yes! A woman should not steam if she is currently menstruating, pregnant, or if she has any spontaneous bleeding, for example, two periods a month. If a woman is trying to conceive, there are definite guidelines to steaming. This is why it is recommended to have a consultation with a trained practitioner to get you started.
What other benefits does yoni steaming offer?
In addition to being an extraordinarily relaxing practice, yoni steaming has an array of other great benefits. Women report deeper sleep, increased vaginal nectar, tightened and lifted vaginal canals, scar softening, heightened fertility, an increase in libido and sexual sensation, and emotional balance.
Specifically steaming for postpartum, women have experienced water retention disbursement, increased milk production, a reduction in postpartum contractions, and a reduction in postpartum hemorrhoids. When their period does return, it returns healthy.
Women steaming for labor preparation report feeling more relaxed before giving birth. The steam helps the body to prepare by increasing circulation, lubrication, and relaxation to the pelvic floor area and to the body as a whole.
If my uterus is a self-cleansing organ, why should I steam?
I would first like to say that we are not steaming because we are ‘dirty’. Not in the least! We are most likely using yoni steaming to address overall imbalances such as stagnation, dampness, dryness, heat, and uterine fatigue.
Some of these imbalances, such as stagnation, can be brought about by certain lifestyle practices such as the regular use of tampons or other plugs.
Think of the bowel, another self-cleansing organ. There is an epidemic of constipated people in our society, largely due to poor lifestyle practices. When you think of constipation, you may think of the person not drinking enough water, not eating enough fibrous foods, not getting enough movement and exercise, or perhaps they are experiencing stress and anxiety.
Likewise, with our wombs and menstrual cycles, if we are (often unwittingly) engaging in lifestyle practices that work against our natural monthly womb cleanse, we too will feel the ill effects of the imbalance. Steaming is a gentle way of assisting our uterus in her cleanse, often leading to immediate relief of cramping and other unpleasant associations with menstruation.
If I don’t have a personal yoni steam sauna, can I still steam at home?
Yes! Although a steam sauna is comfortable and easy to use, you can definitely still steam without one.
The easiest option is to steam in child’s pose over your pot. You would wrap your pot in a towel so you don’t burn your legs, place it between your knees and kneel over it into the pose. Extra care is needed to ensure the steam is gentle and mild as you will be much closer to the source than if you were using a steam sauna.
Another option I have heard of but not tried personally is to use your (clean!) toilet to steam. Again, this would require wrapping your pot so not to scratch the porcelain. You have to drain the water from the toilet and place your pot inside.
Another inexpensive option is to buy a second-hand wooden chair and cut a hole in the seat and place your steaming pot underneath.
I do NOT recommend the plastic options that are available on online stores such as Amazon. Plastic and heat do not mix and because of this, you can potentially be creating toxicity which will be absorbed by the delicate tissues that you are steaming. Best practice is to use all natural products such as untreated wood, stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron.
I hope these have answered many of your questions in regard to the practice of vaginal steaming. If there is a question that I have not addressed please let me know! I would love to answer all of your questions and can add it to this FAQ page!
Happy Steaming!
Blessings to you as you remember your strength, beauty, and inner light.
Meriah Theresa