Yoni Steaming 101
Updated: Nov 18, 2022
Yoni Steaming - otherwise known as vaginal steaming - is an ancient therapeutic healing tool for women. This practice restores the connection between a woman & her womb. Here, a woman can unlock the magic of her feminine, ease the transition through life phases, balance her physical cycle & release stuck emotions.
What is Yoni Steaming?
Yoni steaming is the holistic practice of steaming the vagina. Herbal steam gently penetrates the exterior of the vagina into the cervix, uterus and pelvis.
Yoni steaming is a holistic practice in which a woman allows herbal steam to gently enter the exterior of her vagina into her cervix & womb. The steam provides moisture, warmth, lubrication and circulation which promotes healing on a physical, emotional and energetic level.
Think of yoni steaming as TLC for your vagina. Between menstruation, sexual activity, childbirth, postpartum & hormonal changes - your yoni withstands alot! Yoni steaming is giving your most intimate places a big thank you for all the work they do
Reconnect to your Womb
Painful periods, traumatic birth experiences, trauma, unsatisfying intimate experience, abuse, surgeries and cultural imprint have disconnected many of us womb-carriers from our yoni & uterus. As a result, I often hear women feeling "out of body", "ungrounded" or "disconnected" from their physical body. Yoni steaming is a self-care practice to reconnect with your body and womb-wisdom.
Restore & Balance Your Cycle
Steaming provides moisture, warmth, circulation (and thus nutrients) to your yoni, womb and uterus. The extra attention promotes healing to your most intimate areas. Including:
Softening scar tissue & pelvic adhesions
Healing endometriosis, fibroids and cysts
Easing tension, cramping, congestion or stagnation in the uterus
Regulation of menstrual cycles
Easing vaginal dryness
Healing from miscarriage & birth
Fertility
Increasing libido, sexual desire & orgasmic potential
Reduce heaviness of menstrual flow
Emotional Release
As a womb-carrier you hold A LOT in your womb - your relationships, emotions, creativity, feminine energy, sexuality & sensuality. Over time these old emotions can become stagnate in our womb which may manifest as hormonal problems, menstrual or uterine problems.
Steaming is a tool to clear the stagnation, stuck emotions & trauma from the womb. Including:
Sexual trauma
Birthing or miscarriage trauma
Emotional trauma & pain
Heartbreak
Low self-esteem & confidence
Lack of motivation & inspiration
When shouldn't you do a yoni steam?
If you are pregnant (or suspect you are)
During or post ovulation (f you are trying to conceive)
If you have an IUD (you can still practice but limit to 5-10 minutes)
Have a current internal infection such as an STD or yeast infection.
Are currently menstruating
Best Herbs for Yoni Steaming
Rosemary increases circulation which is helpful for missed, scanty or painful periods
Lavender provides pain-relieving and softening qualities. Energetically lavender is uplifting, antidepressant and anti-anxiety.
Motherwort is the ultimate woman's herb! Fantastic for all women's problems physically & energetically. Energetically is used for healing mother wounds, infertility, miscarriage and birth trauma.
Marshmallow: Increases lubrication & reduces vaginal dryness
Rose connects us with our innermost feminine & heart space. Rose is fantastic for healing all matters of heartbreak & grief. Rose softens hardness so can be used for endometriosis and pelvic adhesions.
Calendula eases cramping, heaviness and pelvic congestion.
Peppermint helps energize, stimulate, and restore of the yoni. Helpful for irregular menses.
Chamomile is relieves cramping, tension and pain in the uterus.
Uva Ursi is an alkalinizing herb that is specific for recurring UTI and reproductive infections.
How to Steam
Find yourself a safe, private space where you will not be disturbed. Be sure to wear socks and surround your area with blankets and cushions for comfort.
Boil a jug of water & leave it to sit for 1-2 minutes
Pour a large stainless steel bowl or steaming pot halfway with steaming water
Fill up a large stainless steel or wooden pot with boiled water
Undress your lower body. I recommend wearing a long skirt or dress, otherwise draping a towel or blanket around your waist.
When you are ready to steam place your pot in your toilet bowl, in your yoni steam chair or place your bowl on the ground. If you've chosen to place your bowl on the ground make sure to surround the area with cushions for your knees.
Sit down over your bowl, draping your skirt, dress or blanket around the bowl to make a steam tent.
Relax into your yoni steam. You might consider meditating, listening to uplifting music or positive affirmations during this time. I love to enjoy a cup of ceremonial cacao or herbal tea with my yoni steam.
Allow yourself to steam for 20-30 minutes. Listen to your body.
Steaming is recommended 1-3x per cycle.
Considerations
Be mindful that yoni steaming is a physical, energetic and emotional cleanse. Steaming may make you feel relaxed, inspired and uplifting. Other times you may feel emotional or tired. These sensations are all normal. Finishing your steam with a cup of herbal tea or nap is a nourishing way to continuing pampering yourself.
About The Author
Hey I'm Storm!
As a Naturopath & Herbalist I am an advocate for woman's health and hormones.
In my own journey I've overcome polycystic ovarian syndrome, cystic acne, PMDD using herbs and natural methods of healing.
It's now my passion to teach women that they don't have to live with painful periods, menstrual problems and hormone imbalance. Instead we have the power to experience positive menstruating, birthing & cycle changes.
If your looking for the next step in your womb healing journey I would love to work with you!
Naturopathic & Herbalist Consults: HERE
Workshops: HERE
Retreats: HERE