What is a V steam and Why Should You Try It?
Certain herbs should be used in your steam based on your symptoms and your intent.
We see the use of steam as a healing and relaxation aid in many forms. Saunas and steam rooms, sweat lodges, and ceremonies, hot springs and even in home-based remedies. Ever sit in the steam of a hot shower or boil water and put a towel over your head when sick to release congestion?
Vaginal Steaming is the same principle. Using the warm steam (often with the inclusion of selected herbs) to:
release congestion, old menses, fibroids, cysts, scar tissue or infections such as from imbalanced yeast
reduce pain and discomfort in the pelvic, abdominal, and vaginal areas
release emotional or energetic blocks to your healing, well-being, or creativity
assist to remove energy or imprints left over from past lovers, generational trauma, or past experiences with abuse
to clear heavy energetics from the womb space and body and facilitate releases
A practice with many names, vaginal steaming, v steam, pelvic steaming, yoni steaming and more. It can also be a powerful tool for your spiritual work, whether you are looking to connect more deeply with your feminine power or creativity, awake or support your sexuality and sexual feeling or create more balance between the masculine and feminine.
Maybe you find it difficult to care for your sexual organs. Carrying shame and judgement about the way we look, feel and smell is common. Steaming can help to clear the pelvic area of those energetic blocks and drains and foster more acceptance and love for how our body is. No change needed, the beauty is there, it is just waiting for you to un-lock it.
Perhaps you are struggling with yeast infections or discharge or have a buildup of scar tissue. Steaming done correctly, helps to clear out the bacteria and infection, promote circulation and healthy tissue and can help release scar tissue, fibroids and more. The benefits of a yoni steam are many.
What about the warnings?! You might be wondering. We cannot talk about steaming without talking about the stigma and misinformation out there in the world. Misunderstood and sometimes misdirected, steaming has been shut down by health professionals, and society in general. Like any remedy, drug, or medicine there are reasons that it might not be a good fit. While there is a plethora of information online, it is best to work with a trained practitioner, especially if you will be using herbs. Using the wrong herbs and in the wrong amounts can lead to an increase in symptoms or other issues.
Plus, most societies get weird around anything that has to do with honest conversations about genitals. That is part of the problem. Our bodies are our vessels, and caring for them in an empowered way improves our overall well-being and yes, our connection to ourselves. If we can set aside the bias we have been fed, and maybe our own fear, the world opens to an array of possibilities in which we are in charge of our health, body, sexuality, and unique expression.
Like the sounds of that? I sure do!
Work with a trained professional (like me) to learn which protocol, timing, and herbs will best address your reasons for steaming and ensure no harm is done. My consultations always include an intake piece so I know which herbs to blend and which protocol to recommend, a big bag of your herbal blend shipped to you, and a handy e-guide of instructions, as well as a follow-up!
But if you want to give it try now or are curious about what a basic setup is like, read below.
Basic Protocol
· Set up a private comfortable space where you will be able to sit and be centered on the healing work, and prepare towels, cloth’s in case of spills, or for keeping warm. Add candles, crystals, gentle music, a soft blanket…. whatever helps you relax!
· Boil water and add selected health enhancements: specific herbs for certain issues, salt, apple cider vinegar or just leave the water as is. I recommend just water or ½ tsp of salt or ACV if doing this on your own
· Transfer to a heat-safe pot (no plastic) or leave in the original pot and place in your space, let rest for a few minutes and test the level of heat to ensure comfort
· Now the funnest part! For those without a steaming stool, you are going to squat or go into child’s pose over the steaming pot (careful not to burn yourself). Wrap a towel or sheet around the lower part of your body to entrap the steam within. You can also wrap a small towel around the pot to reduce the chance of your skin contacting it, plus it insulates the heat
· Rest here for 10-15 minutes
· Go with the flow of whatever arises. All responses are welcome, emotions, crying, deep relaxation, frustration… feel it all, give it space, focus on the steam and letting your body open to the need
· You can journal, meditate, self-pleasure or just sit and feel
· When finished, carefully empty the contents out. As an offering to Mother Earth is best (I go out and pour it in my garden or grass once it has cooled off)
· Afterwards take some time to rest, you may feel nothing, or you may feel tired, energized, crampy, aroused etc. (our bodies all react differently) and repeat this beautiful practice often
To see evidence based results on the impact of vaginal steaming, take a look at the Database of testimonials from Steamy Chick.
*This information is not a replacement for the advice of licensed medical practitioners. Steaming is not to be used if you are pregnant, are currently in your menstrual cycle (bleeding) or have fresh spotting or spontaneous bleeding or have had a recent surgery to your pelvic or abdominal area. Never use essential oils or perfumes and speak with your licensed doctor or health practitioner before starting any treatment*