Yoni Steaming 101: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Practitioners
A complete guide and tutorial on the traditional practice of Yoni Steaming for a healthy feminine cycle.
Millions of women all over the United States are facing a growing feminine health crisis. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that most American women will experience fibroids by the age of 50, and a whopping 80% of African-American women am women will have fibroid at some point in their lives. The CDC estimates that over 13% of US women (over 6 million) between the ages of 15-44 years have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Not to mention that over 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 years will experience endometriosis, 1 in 5 will experience heavy bleeding during menstruation, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age according to the Office of Women’s Health.
Much can be said about the skyrocketing maternal mortality rate among US women of color, which has been associated with stress and childbirth complications. And then, there are the women who faint, vomit, or have to miss work due to the pain associated with the onset of their menstrual period every month. There are women who hemorrhage, struggle to heal after childbirth, suffer with constant yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV)…
It is time for a change!
Modern women are awakening to new possibilities for their feminine health, beyond what they’ve been told by marketers and the medical establishment alike. Although it is important to maintain a relationship with your OB/GYN or doctor, it is also important to be informed about alternatives to a healthy Yoni and to discuss them with your healthcare practitioners.
Yoni steaming is one age-old remedy that has been used for thousands of years to address most of the feminine health issues that women face today. More and more women around the world are being reinitiated into this sacred feminine practice by their doulas, midwives, friends, family, and influencers on social media.
Traditionally, herbal steam baths have been used to gently cleanse, tone, and restore balance to the feminine sexual and reproductive organs. Not only has Yoni steaming been used as a remedy for Yoni health issues, but it was also used as an essential part of postpartum healing and to increase women’s sexual vitality.
In this article, you’ll discover answers to some of the most common questions about Yoni steaming. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your wellness regimen or if you are currently experiencing symptoms of a health concern. Also, be sure to include what you’ve learned about Yoni steaming in your next discussion with your doctor.
In this article, we’ll discuss the following:
► What’s in a Yoni steam and how does it work?
► The benefits of Yoni steaming
► How to choose the right Yoni steam herb blend and Yoni care practitioner (v-steam spa)
► How to do a Yoni steam at home without a Yoni steam seat
► How often you should do a Yoni steam
► Additional practices to enhance your Yoni steaming experience
► Safety information and when you should NOT do a Yoni steam
This is a very detailed, educational post and it is very likely that your questions will be answered. Please read all the way to the end and post any additional questions that you have in the comment section for additional guidance and support.
What is a Yoni Steam?
Yoní (योिन) is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘source’, ‘origin’, ‘divine passage’, or ‘sacred temple’. It is used to describe the vulva, vagina, fallopian tubes, ovaries, erectile tissue, and womb. It is also seen as the cosmic gateway of Shakti, the sacred feminine principle of the universal life force that rests at the base of the spine also known as kundalini or sexual energy.
A Yoni steam is a gentle form of hydrotherapy that introduces the volatile components of fresh or dry herbs to the vulva through warm steam. Tradition holds that the effects of the volatile oils travel beyond the vulva through the highly absorbent vagina and erectile tissue, beyond the cervix, and then into the uterine space.
This revitalizing, ancient feminine wellness practice is known by many names around the world such as vaginal steam, v-steam, pelvic steam, uterine lavage, hip bath, womb steam, Chai-Yok (Korean), and Bajos (Mayan) to name a few. Although the specific origin of this practice is unknown, a wide body of ethnobotanical research across various cultures shows the traditional use of genital herbal steams for women in Asia, Africa, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
For instance, there is a great deal of published research reporting that Afro-Surinamese women (Creoles and Maroons) still use “a variety of vaginal practices including vaginal steam baths containing certain herbs for drying and tightening the vagina, cleansing after menstruation or after birth to prevent puerperal fever, ‘placing the uterus back into position’, or preventing a flabby abdominal wall. Typically, for a herbal genital steam bath, a woman sits with spread legs on a bucket or bidet containing warm water with certain herbs to steam her inner genital parts. Depending on the herbs, the cooled down bath is used to wash the genital parts after steaming.”
Each blend of Yoni steam herbs is formulated to encourage a specific range of results. Therefore, the outcome of a Yoni steam depends largely upon the properties and amounts of each herb that is included. When done correctly a Yoni steam is gentle, relaxing, warming, and soothing.
You can purchase Yoni steam herbs from a qualified herbalist (shop our Sensual Goddess Yoni Steam collection) for use at home. Alternatively, you can locate your nearest Yoni Steam Practitioner for treatment in a health spa.
What Are the Benefits of Yoni Steaming?
For thousands of years, Yoni steaming has been practiced by women as a form of hydrotherapy that supports female sexual and reproductive health. Nowadays, men are also visiting v-steam spas to experience the benefits of a peri-steam (steaming the perineum)!
The following are some of the Yoni health issues that are commonly addressed by Yoni steaming:
Yeast infections, vaginal odor, pH imbalances, heavy periods, missed periods, irregular periods, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), fertility issues, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, prolapsed uterus (early stages only), pelvic inflammation, general postpartum recovery, and healing of torn or scarred vulva/vaginal tissue (especially after childbirth).
Yoni steaming has been reported to assist the vaginal immune system in discharging excess fluid and toxins through the vaginal canal.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
As a result of Yoni steaming, many have reported reduced stress and tension, less inflammation, toning of the tissues (vulva, vagina, and uterus), better circulation, PMS symptom reduction, less menstrual cramping, more regularity of menstruation, increased libido, etc.
EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL BENEFITS
► Release emotional attachments to limiting beliefs and behaviors, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, or past experiences
► Cultivate self-love thorough a physical practice of self-care, increase self-acceptance and confidence
► Increase your spiritual awareness, mental clarity, and intuition by increasing the flower of energy through the chakra system
► Foster a greater sense of self-trust, intimacy, emotional healing, and creative expression
► Gain a deeper awareness of trauma, sexual issues, shame, and guilt that needs to be addressed
What’s in a Yoni Steam?
The only ingredients in Yoni steam are aromatic herbs (usually the flower, leaf, and/or stem portion of herbs containing volatile oils). Yoni steam ingredients vary based on the desired outcome of the blend. For instance, our Sensual Goddess Yoni Steams are formulated to awaken sexual desire through deep relaxation and promote a healthy cycle. Therefore, the volatile oils in the herbs we use are collectively known for promoting these effects.
If a Yoni steam contains barks, woods, or resinous herbs, you may need to decoct it (simmer over low heat) for 7-10 minutes to release the volatile oils from the plant matter. This is rare as most commercially available Yoni steams don’t contain these types of herbs and require only hot water as mentioned above. There are NO artificial ingredients (i.e. powders, fragrances, dyes) and absolutely NO essential oils in a Yoni steam.
Ask your Yoni steam provider about the blend that you are using and how to prepare it correctly. Based on what you are learning from this article and their response, you can make an informed choice as to whether or not purchasing from them is in our best interest. Being a Yoni care practitioner is a sacred charge that demands integrity, knowledge, and compassion. This work must be both informed and intentional in order for your safety and comfort to be honored.
Here are 2 questions to help you choose your next blend of Yoni steam herbs:
1. Why are you interested in Yoni steaming?
2. What result(s) do you hope to achieve?
How To Do A Yoni Steam at Home
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
To set up a Yoni steam at home, you will need Yoni steam herbs, a heat-safe bowl, freshly boiled water, a Yoni steam seat, and a breathable blanket or sheet (cotton, silk, or wool), a hydrating beverage (spring water or coconut water), and sensory items to create a relaxing ambience (candles, essential oil diffuser, soft music, etc.).
HOW TO MAKE A YONI STEAM SEAT
If you don’t have a Yoni steam seat, you can place your Yoni steam pot into a clean toilet bowl and use the seat (granted that the pot fits). You can also place your Yoni steam in a 5-gallon bucket and top it with a comfortable toilet set (this option will cost you less that $30 at your local hardware store). Alternatively, you can use a non-plastic and heat-safe sitz bath (usually available at your local pharmacy), kneel on all fours with your Yoni over the steam, squat, or simply sit at the edge of a chair with your vulva situated above the steaming herbs. The last three methods at not as comfortable for a longer steaming session, so feel free to change positions and end your session sooner if you are physically uncomfortable.
PREPARE YOUR YONI STEAM HERBS
Once you have set up your Yoni steam station, you can prepare your herbs by pouring freshly boiled water over them, which gently release their volatile oils (the therapeutic component of the steam).
► For dry herbs, use 1/4 cup of herbs per quart of water
► For fresh herbs, use 1 cup of herbs per quart of water
As you sit comfortably above the herbs ( 8 inches or more), the warm will rise towards your open pores and deliver the therapeutic benefits of the herbs to the Yoni.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The steam should feel comfortably warm at all times. Test the temperature of the steam first by hovering the back of your hand over it. If the steam feels too hot, cover the herbs with a lid to preserve the volatile oils and wait several minutes before testing the temperature again. If ever you feel that the steam is too hot against your skin while steaming, this means that you are too close! Lower the bowl or raise the vulva immediately to avoid burns. You may need to get up and cover the steam bowl for another 5-10 minutes to allow cooling or position yourself further away from the herbs.
Do not ever use a crock-pot or self-heating machine to steam your Yoni at home – regardless of claims by the sellers of these devices. Subtle temperature increases by these electronic devices are powerful and may unnoticeably cause burns to the vulva. It could take hours before blistering appears in such a case. Only use a heat-safe container filled with hot water so that you are ALWAYS in control of the temperature, which will gradually decrease with time.
FINAL TOUCHES
Drape your sheet or blanket over your shoulders, around your waist, and down to the floor so that it completely enclosed the Yoni steam. This step warms the rest of the body for a nice lymphatic cleanse. Slightly increasing your body temperature can promote healthy circulation and perspiration, which release toxins through the pores of your skin.
Be sure to sip your hydrating beverage often to replenish your body from any lost moisture and enjoy this beautiful moment of self-care.
By simply pouring freshly boiled water over the herbs in a heat-safe bowl. This heat is enough to release the therapeutic benefits of the blend and you can simply cover it with a lid or large plate until you’re ready to start your Yoni steaming session.
Yoni steam herbs are for a single use only and should be discarded along with the water immediately after your steaming session has concluded.
How Long Does a Yoni Steam Last?
The duration of your Yoni steam is entirely optional although a typical Yoni steaming session may last anywhere from 20-45 minutes. Some v steam spas offer Yoni steaming sessions that last up to an hour depending upon the practitioner.
You can steam monthly for general health maintenance before or just after menstruation. Or, you can follow a more frequent program if your are dealing with a Yoni health imbalance such as steaming for 3 consecutive days prior to each menstrual cycle for a series of months. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your wellness regimen.
How Often Should You Do a Yoni Steam?
The frequency of Yoni steaming depends on your reason for therapy. If you are not experiencing any signs of a particular Yoni health issue and do not fall into the categories listed at the end of this post for individuals who should not steam, then once per month is plenty.
It has been reported that women experiencing any type of dysfunction such as heavy and painful periods or fibroids who do a Yoni steam for 1-3 consecutive days the week before their menstrual cycle begins each month, have often noticed positive results over time. Talk to both your doctor and a trained Yoni care practitioner if you are experiencing any Yoni health issues before beginning a Yoni steaming regimen.
What Happens After a Yoni Steam?
In the days following a Yoni steaming session (depending on your unique practice), you may notice subtle changes or none at all. Some women have reported changes in their vaginal discharge such as volume or color. Others reported changes in the volume, color and/or texture of their menstrual blood. These effects are traditionally seen as an indication of the Yoni’s self-cleansing process, which is enhanced by steaming with certain herbs.
You may also notice no visible signs at all, which is also normal. Visible changes or not, many women have reported less severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), less cramping with periods, a more balanced flow after a history of heavy bleeding, recovery from fibroids and PCOS, faster postpartum recovery, decreased occurrences of infections caused by a pH imbalance, better vaginal birth outcomes, increased vaginal lubrication, better sex and orgasmic potential, a deeper sense of connection to their sacred sensuality, and so much more.
Are Yoni Steams Safe?
Yoni steam safety has been a controversial issue because it was multilayered and quite misunderstood. Anything done incorrectly can potentially become a health hazard, so here are a few guidelines:
1) Never add essential oils to a Yoni Steam blend. Essential oils are highly concentrated, liquid plant extracts (mostly condensed volatile oils) that may cause harm to the gentle vulva and vaginal tissues. Most essential oils are naturally antimicrobial and may offset the balance of your normal flora allowing harmful microorganisms to flourish in your Yoni. You also run the risk of disrupting your Yoni pH, which can lead to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV). If you would like to access the properties of essential oils while steaming, consider adding a few drops of your favorite oil to a nearby diffuser for a gentle aromatherapy session in the room where you are steaming.
2) Use the appropriate fresh or dried herbs. Proper Yoni steaming herbs contain volatile oils that are released in the steam during your session. Volatile oils are complex molecules with therapeutic benefits. However, NOT ALL volatile oils are desirable or healthy for the reproductive system. Do your research or at least be certain that the person who formulated your blend is a qualified herbalist.
Not every Yoni steam seller possesses evidence-based knowledge about herbalism, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacognosy (the branch of knowledge concerned with medicinal drugs obtained from plants or other natural sources). Performing a Google search on the properties of an herb can provide inspiration for further research, but it does not guarantee accurate information about how to formulate and use herbs. Unfortunately, many Yoni steam sellers have taken this route or purchased bulk herbal blends from China and repackaged them as their own. It is imperative that you only use Yoni-friendly herbs in your Yoni steam.
Also, please note that hard barks and roots usually require a much longer extraction process over a constant heat source. It is unlikely that freshly boiled water will unlock their properties. So, the next time you see “chaste berry”, “pau d’arco”, or “Shatavari root” on a Yoni steam label – don’t get too excited because most of these precious herbs will simply go to waste in the pot. A qualified herbalist understands phytochemistry, herbal preparation, and will not formulate a Yoni steam blend with such ingredients.
3) Do not boil your Yoni steam during preparation. Occasionally, you may be directed to simmer (decoct) your herbs based on the specific ingredients in your blend.
Steam releases the therapeutic benefits (volatile oils) from the herbs into the surrounding air. So, although you may want to relish in the beautiful scent of herbs wafting around the room from that boiling pot, understand that the potency of your steam is rapidly declining! All of that good stuff you smell is the volatile oil content of the plant material (aka the medicine) floating away! On the bright side, at least you get to experience a delicious aromatherapy session by inhaling those sweet, earthy smells.
4) Do not use a crock-pot or other electronic heat source for a Yoni steam at home. Although this is a common practice in some spa environments and you can find electronic Yoni steaming machines for sale online, using a constant heat source may lead to blistering from second-degree burns on the vulva and vagina. A properly insulated Yoni steam made with hot water alone can maintain an effective flow of warm steam for 30-40 minutes. You don’t need to keep adding heat. In a professional spa environment, vaginal steam practitioners should be trained to monitor the temperature of Your steam, but this is not a guarantee of safety! Do your research on Yoni steaming and, if possible, get a referral from other women who have visited the spa in question before your book your appointment.
5) Do not use plastic. Plastic Yoni steam seats with a built-in bowl for at-home use are trending online and cheap, but plastic can release dangerous gases and toxins (especially when heated). Because the Yoni is a highly absorptive portion of your mucous membrane, it must be protected from such toxins that can potentially cause cancer or disrupt your hormone balance. Always use a heat-safe container (i.e. Glass, stainless steel, ceramic, etc.) to hold your Yoni steam, and position your vulva above the steam. You can find handmade Yoni steam seats, chairs, and boxes made from 100% natural hardwood online.
6) Contraindications: Do Not use a Yoni steam if ANY of the following apply:
► If you are currently menstruating or pregnant
► If you are fewer than 6 weeks postpartum (or still bleeding)
► If you have an intrauterine device (IUD)
► If you have an active Yoni infection
► If you have open cuts, tears, or wounds in the vulva and/or vagina area
► If you are experiencing an advanced stage of pelvic prolapse
► If you are experiencing low blood pressure, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Occasionally, some medically-cleared women choose to begin Yoni steam therapy immediately after childbirth under careful supervision by their doctor, birthworker, or trained yoni Care provider. Talk to your midwife, OB/GYN, or another licensed healthcare practitioner about whether or not ii is safe for you to use a Yoni steam.
Visiting a Yoni Steam Spa or Purchasing Yoni Steam Herbs
Planning a visit to a Yoni steam spa can be a fun and exciting way to explore alternative Yoni care practices, and there are a few things you should know before you go. As previously mentioned, being a Yoni care practitioner is a sacred charge that demands integrity, knowledge, and compassion. This work must be both informed and intentional in order for your safety and comfort to be honored.
Please, do your research and consider getting a referral from someone who has visited the spa in question. Take time to vet practitioners or Yoni care product sellers that you find online before investing with them. Packaged Yoni steam herbs should feature a complete ingredient list on the packaging as well as the website. There should also be a clear and simple way for you to get more information about the product or service. Be mindful of guarantees to treat, cure, or prevent illness along with health-related claims that have nothing to do with Yoni steaming (i.e. Listing vitamins as a benefit of steaming). These are red flags the may signify a lack of integrity.
Ask your Yoni care practitioner or seller plenty of questions to gain an understanding of the benefits they advertise. Know how each herb supports your intention for treatment so that you can be certain that you’ve chosen the blend that is right for you. For example, certain herbs may be used to increase blood flow while others help to balance hormones or tackle infections. Not all Yoni steam sellers are aware of which herbs have which effect and how to blend them properly. You must know your stuff before you invest in these products or Yoni steam services. Don’t assume that the seller is a trained herbalist or women’s health expert because most are NOT!
As for Yoni steam or v steam spas, it is best to get a referral from someone who has visited the spa before. Also, you may find it beneficial to visit the spa before your appointment to inspect the ambiance and ask questions about the qualifications of the practitioners.
Usually, practitioners are trained on which herbal blends to use and how to monitor the temperature of your steam. However, not all practitioners are trained the same and there is no licensing body for Yoni steam practitioners. So, you will have to get this information directly from your practitioner and educate yourself on what to expect.
Click here to purchase our Sensual Goddess Yoni Steam Herbs.
Yoni Steaming as a Holistic Practice
To cultivate holistic wellness is to cultivate a state of harmony between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels of being. Yoni steaming can be transformed into a holistic practice by creating sacred space and then incorporating simple rituals into your session.
The stillness that a 20-30 minute Yoni steam requires is the perfect opportunity to awaken and explore the wisdom within your Sacred Feminine energy! As mentioned before, Yoni steaming stimulates the flow of vital life-force energy through your root and sacral chakras, which then aligned the high chakras. This is a already fantastic way to deepen your sense of spiritual awareness and connection.
HOW TO CREATE SACRED SPACE
Set the mood by creating sacred space for your Yoni steam. You can do so by visualizing your space filled with white light, smudging with sage or Palo Santo, casting a circle with stones or visualization, invoking the elements, using sound (i.e. Bells, rattles, or singling bowls) to clear the space, or simply use the power of your intention the declare the space as sacred.
CRYSTAL THERAPY
Incorporate crystals to enhance the benefits of the steam by holding your favorite Yoni egg in your hand, placing crystals in the room, or even arranging a nearby crystal grid that sends you healing crystal therapy while you steam. Red jasper, black obsidian, and garnet are powerful root chakra stones for grounding, energizing, and clearing unwanted energy. Sacral chakra stones such as citrine, orange calcite, or carnelian can stimulate emotional harmony, sensual awakening, sexual vitality, and deeper self-expression.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Adjust your sheet or blanket to cover you only from the waist so that you can give yourself womb Reiki, read something inspirational, do a bit of journaling, yoga, or place your hands over your pelvic area in a mudra and focus on your intention. Use this sacred occasion for meditation, chanting mantras, yantra gazing, listening to uplifting music, prayer work, or reciting affirmations. You can also have a partner give you a neck and shoulder rub while you relax.
Click here to listen to Dominique’s FREE 15-minute guided meditation podcast. Also, here is a picture of the Yoni mudra for mental clarity and emotional peace:
Did you enjoy this guide to Yoni Steaming? If you think this information might be useful to other women, please share this post on social media. Of course, there is so much more to learn about Yoni Steaming and how you can cultivate a evolving practice that is right for you. Stay curious about your body, learn as much as you can about alternative Yoni care practices, and stay hydrated!
Please post your questions in the comments below for additional support and guidance.
SOURCES:
1) Endometriosis (OWH, 2020)
2) Herbal bathing: an analysis of variation in plant use among Saramaccan and Aucan Maroons in Suriname (Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2018 )
3) Infertility (CDC, 2020)
4) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (OWS, 2020)
5) The Health Disparities of Uterine Fibroids for African American Women: A Public Health Issue (NIH, 2015)
6) Vaginal herb use and Chlamydia trachomatis infection: cross-sectional study among women of various ethnic groups in Suriname (BMJ Open, 2019)
POST A COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever tried a Yoni steam? What questions do you have?
