YONI STEAMING
WHAT IS YONI STEAMING?
Yoni steaming, vaginal steaming, bajo, or chai-yok is an ancient feminine self-care practice used to restore and maintain a healthy womb as well as to provide cleansing, revitalization, and balance to menstrual cycles. Yoni (योनि) is Sanskrit for vagina and womb, it can be translated as the origin of life and is the symbol of the Hindu Goddess Devi. This nourishing self-love practice involves sitting over a bowl of steam with medicinal herbs (just using water is also an option) and allowing the steam to absorb into the exterior tissue of the vagina also known as the vulva. This highly absorbent tissue intakes the oils from the medicinal herbs and carries them into the inner reproductive systems as well as the uterus. The steam increases circulation and loosens tissue build up, allowing for a natural, gentle release and healing of stagnant membranes, old blood, or scarring. This serves for a balanced, natural, and radiant menstruation as well as an overall rejuvenated well-being inside and out. Aside from the herbal benefits, the practice serves to deepen one’s connection to the sacred energy of the womb and use that energy for creativity, abundance, and wisdom in one’s life.
YONI STEAMING BENEFITS:
Reduce period pain
Regulate irregular or absent menstrual cycles
Improve fertility
Increase circulation and blood flow
Decrease bacterial and yeast imbalances
Increase healing and tone the reproductive system after childbirth
Cleanse the uterine lining of old blood
Treat uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness, uterine prolapse & endometriosis.
Improve period bleeding that is brown or black in color
Relieve symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
PREPARING THE STEAM:
Boil 3 cups of water (distilled or purified preferred). Add 1/4 to 2/3 cups of medicinal herbs to the water. Boil altogether for 5 minutes, turn off heat, then let steep for another 5 minutes covered. Test out the steam with the palm of your hand to gauge whether it is a comfortable temperature before using. Be sure it’s not too hot; it should be a delicious and comfortable process.
HOW TO STEAM:
There are several ways to yoni steam, all can be done in the comfort of your home. Use socks to keep your feet warm and a towel or blanket to cover the bottom portion of your body during the process. Listen to soothing music, frequencies, meditations, or use the time to journal, reflect, and set intentions for your self and body. It is encouraged to stay warm and continue to rest after your steaming.
Option 1: Squat in frog pose over a bowl of steaming herbs. Find an area that is carpeted or use a rug/towel. Place the bowl of hot water and herbs on the floor. Undress from the waist down. Squat in frog pose over the bowl comfortably and safely expose your vaginal area to the steam. Cover the bottom portion of your body to keep the steam insulated. Steam for 20 minutes. Offer the water and herbs back to Mother Earth in gratitude for her gifts.
Option 2: Use two chairs separated enough to create an opening in the middle of them. Undress from the waist down. Place the bowl between the two chairs and sit above the bowl safely and comfortably exposing your vaginal area over the steam. Cover the bottom portion of your body to keep the steam insulated. Steam for 20 minutes. Offer the water and herbs back to Mother Earth in gratitude for her gifts.
Option 3: Sanitize your toilet. Turn the water pump off and flush so that it is empty. Or just add your hot water and herbs to the water already in the toilet. Undress from the waist down. Cover the bottom portion of your body to keep the steam insulated. Steam for 20 minutes. Offer the water and herbs back to Mother Earth in gratitude for her gifts.
Option 4: Use an already built Yoni Steamer chair specifically made for yoni steaming.
WHEN IT IS BEST TO YONI STEAM?
2-3 times a month between your menstruation period
Before your menstrual cycle - Unless you desire to become pregnant. If you desire to become pregnant, do not steam after ovulation. If you do not know your ovulation cycle, learn the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). You can also get the Eve APP which helps you track your ovulation cycles.
After your menstrual cycle
Before/After love-making
DO NOT YONI STEAM:While pregnant or think you may be
During menstruation
If you have an acute vaginal infection, open wounds, sores, or blisters
If you have an IUD (Intrauterine Device)
If you have a genital piercing. Remove all genital piercing before use
I hope this information was useful and insightful for more powerful ways to approach health and naturally healing the body and sacred womb space.
Herbals are not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration and so any herbal treatment or product on the market has not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition and any information listed is not intended to replace or substitute for medical advice. As always, consult a health practitioner before using herbals. In the case of pregnancy, lactation, pre-existing medical conditions, or contraindications with other medications, please make sure to clear with a health practitioner before use.
User assumes all risk when using yoni steams.