Yoni Steaming
Yoni steaming is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your body and rekindle your vibrancy in a beautifully feminine, and intimate way. Working in a spiritual way and also honouring the plant spirits that we use, provides you with an opportunity to connect in a divine way and strengthen your connection. This is led by and experienced Shamanic and spiritual healer.
Contact me to book a Yoni Steaming session.
What is Yoni (Vaginal) Steaming?
Vaginal steaming (known in some other cultures as the Bajos, Chai-yok or Yoni steaming) is a universal practice that women have used since early times and it has proved to be a worthy self-care tool for many women. Bajos means “down low” in Spanish. It is more commonly practiced in Africa, Asian and South America.
What does it help with?
A lot of women report improvements with cramps, pain, bloating, reduction of heavy periods, regulation of menstrual cycle to bacterial vaginosis to fibroids and the list goes on. One of the things that makes vaginal steaming so great is that it's extremely gentle and simply involves sitting over a pot of specially selected herbal steams. But, it's important to know the do's and don'ts.
How is it done?
Vaginal (V) steaming or Yoni Steaming, is a treatment that employs steam from a hot herbal aromatic blended mixture of specially selected herbs that is directed onto the vaginal area. It can easily be done on a special sturdy stool that is specially designed for this and is the right height from the steam. I use a stainless steel pot specially for the Yoni steaming as plastic bowls can leak toxins into the hot water and glass can break from the heat.
How long is a session?
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Recommended sessions are for 30 mins once a month but mine average 60 minutes as I include a short meditation and general consultation. You can wear anything really and bring a dressing gown to cover you (and it is comforting to wear your own), as you will need to disrobe from the waist down (or wear a long flowing skirt that you can lift it up). I also add a special touch by offering you a meditation while you steam, herbal tea to sip, subdued lighting and gentle music. Some people may prefer to just sit in the still, or some prefer to chat while others like the guided meditation during the session….and all are fine. This is really all about what you feel most comfortable with.
Hygiene
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Brand new toilet seat covers are used for each new session so everything is sterile. You will always be made to feel comfortable and safe.
How does it work?
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A vaginal steam is very much like a facial/nasal steam, except that a woman allows the steam from a pot with boiled water and specially selected herbs to reach the outer lips of her vagina. The tissues of the vagina are porous and absorbent, and the warmth of the steam works to soften and open them. When the herbs are placed in the hot water, their medicinal properties including volatile oils, are released and carried to the surface of your skin, and to the inside of the vagina, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and into to the uterus. The herbal steam is used to increase circulation, thin mucus, and cleanse the entire reproductive system, allowing it to shed unnecessary membranes that may have built up.
What herbs are typically used to steam and why?
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I only use dried organic herbs as oils can be too strong for this purpose.
•Mugwort: In addition to fighting infection through its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, it balances female hormones and helps stimulates the production of hormones that help to maintain uterine health. Mugwort steam opens the pores, allowing the beneficial herbs to penetrate into the blood stream and helps to stimulate menstrual discharge and ease cramping.
•Raspberry leaves: strengthens and tones the uterine and pelvic muscles, and is a pelvic and uterine relaxant.
•Lavender: One of the most relaxing herbs we have is lavender which supports healing, and it also promotes menstrual flow.
•Rose Petals: A beautiful relaxing, feminine, loving and uplifting astringent herb that is wonderful for pampering.
•Calendula: Aids in healing of scar tissue, vaginal tears, or may also help hemorrhoids.
•Oregano: soothing, improves circulation and cleansing to the uterus.
•Rosemary: An aromatic and antimicrobial herb, rosemary treats bacterial infection, speeds wound healing, inhibits yeast growth, and stimulates menstruation.
•Yarrow: Astringent, tones and cleansing, yarrow is great for regulating menstrual flow, treating ovarian cysts and supporting overall uterine health.
•Motherwort: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, motherwort strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases uterine cramping, and may help treat uterine fibroids. Motherwort stimulates uterine tone and blood flow.
The Do's and Don'ts
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Menstruation
Although many turn to vaginal steaming to address menstrual problems, steaming during active menstruation or fresh spotting is not advisable. Steaming while bleeding can be dangerous because the steam speeds up the blood flow and can cause heavy or heavier bleeding. Instead, steaming should be done before and after the period, which will help aid the natural uterine cleanse that occurs during the period.
Pregnancy
Although very helpful to aid in healthy conception and excellent after giving birth, steaming is not advised while pregnant. Steaming while pregnant can be dangerous because the steam relaxes and opens the cervix, which could result in miscarriage or early labour.
After Insemination While Trying to Conceive
For anyone that is trying to conceive, they can steam during the time period after the period… up until the point of ovulation, and then they should stop. Steaming after insemination could interfere with the sperm, fertilization or implantation. This is also true for medically assisted insemination. Steam up until the point of the IVF / IUI transfer and then stop until the pregnancy is confirmed.
Spontaneous Heavy Bleeding
For anyone that experiences spontaneous heavy bleeding (sometimes referred to as two periods per month) steaming is not advised. Because the steam speeds up circulation and opens the cervix, it might cause spontaneous bleeding to occur, which can be dangerous when it’s very heavy. Women with spontaneous bleeding who follow natural ways and want to steam should go to an health specialist first and get herbs to get the spontaneous bleeding under control first.
Hot Flushes
Since steaming introduces heat to the body, it might trigger hot flushes and should probably be avoided when these are occurring. This might not be the case for everyone, as everyone is different. Some women may find that the steaming actually helps to alleviate their hot flushes. But it would be best to proceed with caution if you are prone to hot flushes. The onus is fully on you.
During Miscarriage
Though steaming is very helpful for miscarriage recovery, it is not advised to steam before the pregnancy matter has fully cleared out. In rare cases this might lead to heavy bleeding and can be dangerous. Start steaming after the pregnancy matter has cleared out and the bleeding has turned to brown.
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IUD / Coil
Do not do this if you have an IUD/Coil fitted. Always consult your GP/Doctor/Nurse first. It is not recommended for women with any kind of IUD/Coil, because the medicinal properties of the herbs are intended to cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. When an IUD/Coil is present, the risk is that the steam could cause the uterine tissue to shed or contract in such a way that it could dislodge, shift or expel the IUD/Coil. With that said, some women with these fitted have reported improved results, including reduced cramps during menstruation. However, I still don’t advise steaming with an IUD/Coil, and doing so is fully at your own risk. Do not steam if you have a cervical infection. Wait until the symptoms have passed and it is safe for you to do so.
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