Yoni steaming
What is a yoni?
Like mentioned in my post about yoni eggs, yoni, which means “sacred space” is the sanskrit word for vagina. It fully encompasses the vulva, clitoris, labia, vagina, cervix, womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. A yoni is a symbol of life, creativity, sensuality and love. It's where life begins, where our creative and sexual energy is birthed. Your womb space is the seat of your soul, the source of your power, the root of life and portal into human existence, your shakti. It is the place that has always been there and the place we all come from.
What is a yoni steam?
A yoni steam is the practice of sitting over a steaming pot of water infused with medicinal herbs. The steam is directed into the vagina where the healing power of plants and vital heat allows the womb space to soften, restore, balance and rejuvenate. Yoni steaming is an age-old natural remedy said to cleanse the vagina and uterus, regulate menstruation, and ease period cramps and bloating and it’s one of the most ancient form of female self care.
Which herbs to use
Lavender, chamomile, calendula, rose petals, dandelion, holy basil, lemon balm, mugwort and wormwood are all great choices. Make sure to do your own research before adding in new herbs.
You can buy yoni steam blends ready to use, or make your own mix. These herbs can be used alone or in combination, but use organic herbs only! Essential oils should not be used.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF YONI STEAMING
- Reduce period pain and PMS
- Balance hormones
- Regulate irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Improve fertility
- Increase circulation and blood flow
- Cleanse the uterine lining of old blood
- Improve period bleeding that is brown or black in colour
- Help with vaginal dryness
- Help heal and reduce the symptoms of endometriosis
- Help release trauma
- Reduce fibroids and ovarian cysts
- Increase libido and sensual passion
- Cleanse the womb
History
Women across the world have been practicing the ritual of yoni steaming for centuries. From Africa, Central and South America, Asia, India to Europe, the practice has many names, from bajos to chai yok, and has been revered by herbalists, healers, shamans, medicine women and sisters from all walks of life to heal our bodies, connect with the earth and bring balance into our lives.
When to NOT yoni steam
- If you are pregnant or there is a chance that you’re pregnant
- When menstruating
- When having any sort of infection
- If you have any type of intrauterine device (IUD)
- If you have any open cuts, wounds and or stitches
Getting started
The process is pretty simple, you just sit or squat over a container of herbal-infused steam.
Add about a handful of your chosen herbs to a bowl of hot water, but make sure that the water isn’t too hot.
Let the herbs infuse the water for at least a minute.
Remove your clothes from the waist down or get naked.
Stand or squat directly over the bowl. Some people prefer to place the bowl in the toilet and then sit on the toilet. Your yoni is not supposed to be in the water, just above!
Wrap a towel around your waist and legs to prevent the steam from escaping.
Relax with the steam below your yoni for about 20 minutes while you meditate, sit in silence, read or journal.
The average steam session lasts between 20 and 60 minutes. Depending on how hot the water is, the steam may cool soon.