Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal Steam also known at V-steams or yoni steams have been used for centuries in many different cultures to support health and wellness. A vaginal steam bath is a relaxing practice of placing hot herb-infused water under your pelvis so the steam rises up into the vagina. The herbs chosen are specific to the nourishment of the vaginal tissue.
A vaginal steam bath is a pleasant and meditative practice used to support healthy menstruation, alleviating symptoms of PMS, supporting easeful menopause, alleviating uncomfortable symptoms of peri- and post-menopause and supporting fertility.
At Your Sacred Pelvis we offer Vaginal Steams in combination with other bodywork and coaching practices. Interested in steaming with a friend or a small group? Reach out!
Vaginal Steaming FAQ
Yoni is a Sanskrit word for vagina or womb. It is a symbol of the Divine mother. In Rosita Arvigo’s lineage, we have called the practice a vaginal steam bath, but some choose to call it a yoni steam because the vagina refers just to the canal, and the yoni refers to the whole reproductive system.
My teacher Rosita would always say, while adamantly slamming her hand down on the table, “All women must be steaming at least once a month.” This practice supports healing from a multitude of conditions including, PMS, fibroids, painful or irregular periods, endometriosis, constipation, hemorrhoids and many more. It is also a nourishing practice that supports us to connect to ourselves, our bodies and our vitality.
A steam would be contraindicated in pregnancy or with an IUD because it promotes contraction of the uterus, for the purpose of expulsion. This is a desirable effect of a steam and how it works to clear the uterus of old stagnant blood, but undesirable if you have an IUD that you want to remain in place or a pregnancy. Steams can support clearing of chronic bladder, yeast or other vaginal infections, but we do not steam DURING an active infection or while there are any active or open sores on the vulva.
Menstruation is not the optimal time in a woman’s cycle to steam. It is a natural time of shedding and releasing. Because steaming intensifies downward energy, it can cause excessive bleeding.
Anytime is a good time to steam except for menstruation. You might notice changes in your vaginal secretions or blood after steaming. This is a normal response, as the steam stimulates your womb space to clear any old or stagnant energy.
Yes! Steaming makes the tissue of the vagina and uterus more supple and receptive to implantation. If you are trying to conceive you would not want to do a steam between ovulation and menstruation because in the event that conception has occurred, promoting the downward flow at that time could release an otherwise healthy conception. Just before ovulation is an ideal time to steam in this case, and is even used in some Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics as an adjunct because there is evidence that steaming increases conception rate success.
The steam helps your womb release old material that has stagnated inside of your womb space. This can produce changes in your menstrual cycle. For some women, once they start steaming, they have one or two cycles that are either a day or two longer or include more cramping than usual. The cramping is the uterus contracting to dislodge what has been stuck. You also might notice that your period is heavier and begins with darker or thicker blood at the beginning. Ultimately, after steaming, your periods will be more easeful than they were before.
Once you have stopped bleeding is a good time to steam. It is okay to steam if you are experiencing light bleeding or spotting. It is never too late to have a postpartum steam, whether it has been a few weeks, months or years.
Vaginal steaming can be incredibly helpful at alleviating uncomfortable symptoms of peri and post menopause. Steaming invigorates the tissue, alleviating the vaginal dryness many of us experience. The combination of invigorating the tissue and reconnecting to your creative center also makes sex more pleasurable for women who struggle with post menopausal pain or discomfort during intercourse.
The herbs from the steam support hormone balance and vaginal lubrication, so you will still benefit from steaming even though you do not have a uterus or a menstrual cycle. Though the physical uterus is gone, the space in which she resides still exists, so with the steam you are offering love and nourishment to that space inside of yourself.
Physically, steaming increases circulation and vaginal lubrication. Spiritually, steaming connects us with our center and makes us feel alive and juicy. This “bleeds” over into our sexual experience with ourselves and with others!
"I always felt like Chaya was present and actually hearing what I had to say, which in and of itself was therapeutic. The Maya Abdominal Massages and Vaginal Steams were amazing. I had endometriosis, which caused debilitating menstrual pain. After three sessions, my next menstrual period was bearable for the first time in a long time. In addition to the bodywork and counseling, Chaya’s presence on its own was healing. I am grateful that I found her."
Dr. Kristine Williams
http://www.drkwilliams.com
"Before I found Chaya I was struggling with many issues related to menopause. My post-hysterectomy body felt dried up and tired. I felt shame and anger towards my body and disconnection from my body, my energy and my capacity for joy. From the beginning of our work together Chaya put me at ease and welcomed me and my body with kindness and without judgment. Her sense of humor, body-positive, age-positive and woman-positive affirming approach is a great antidote to body shame and disconnection. When I started working with her, I thought it would all be about bodywork, but it turned out to be so much more: body, mind, soul and heart work, too. Seeing myself through her eyes, I now feel that I am fundamentally whole. I've regained my agency and zip, and my body has awakened and come alive again."
JV
After a series of sessions with Chaya, my menstrual cycles shifted profoundly. My symptoms included debilitating cramps that often induced vomiting, with an understandably melancholy affect. After five sessions that including Maya Abdominal Massage, Holistic Pelvic Care and Vaginal Steaming, I actually began to have peaceful menstrual cycles. I now have more awareness of my internal organs, and that feels empowering. Chaya has an admirable way of creating space for healing. I have never had such an encouraging outcome from a chronic health issue. Thank you Chaya!