Yoni steaming is an ancient practice that features in traditions throughout history, across the globe. The range of benefits is wide and it can be used to address acute and chronic conditions, as well as improve your general health and wellbeing. Steaming opens up the blood vessels and allows the properties of the steeped herbs to directly enter the bloodstream.
Whether you need to address your hormonal balance, cleanse an infection, tone and moisturise the vaginal tissue or clear stagnation of the uterus and improve blood circulation, steaming can help. It is also a deeply nourishing self-care practice that strengthens your intuitive and loving connection with your sacred womb space.
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How it works
You will need to sit, kneel, or lean comfortably for at least ten minutes, but preferably 20-30 minutes, with the pot about 20-30 cm directly below your perineal area. You can purchase a special yoni steaming stool or box, which is designed specifically for this, but it can also be done by simply propping yourself up in an open, seated position, squatting or kneeling with legs apart, leaning forward over a bed, chair or sofa, or pot placed into the toilet.
It is important to use a small ceramic, enamel, stoneware, stainless steel or glass pot for your steaming, so as to minimise the chance of contamination by harmful metals and plastics into the blend. Cast iron, aluminium, teflon coated and plastic are not suitable. Create as much insulation around the pot as possible, for example with a towel, to prevent it cooling too quickly. It’s also beneficial to use a lid to keep all the beautiful volatile oils safe until you’re ready to use them.
Brew the herbs in your pot of boiling water and once you are comfortably seated over the pot, cover your legs with a towel to trap the steam for the time required.
The gentle heat and moisture of the yoni steam permeates the external perineal region (vulva, clitoris, labia, urethra, vagina and anus) and carries medicinal plant properties into the inner organs and tissues. The resultant vasodilation increases circulation to the exposed area, as well as the uterine blood vessels that connect to the vaginal canal, cervix, and uterus.
When is the Best Time?
This depends on your reason for steaming. As a general guide, steaming once a week is beneficial with an additional three days in a row leading up to your bleed. This is particularly effective in working with a specific pathology and/or intention. It may be indicated to steam regularly over a longer period of time (once a week), or intensively over a shorter time period (i.e. every day for a week). Speak directly to me if in any doubt.
It is important to note that steaming is NOT recommended under the following circumstances:
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During your bleed, steaming could increase blood release because it opens up blood vessels.Wait 24 hours after your period finishes or until there is no more than a brown residual discharge and discontinue if red blood recommences
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If you experience fresh red spotting in-between periods, wait 24 hours before steaming.
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If you experience spontaneous bleeding or if your menstrual cycle lasts 19 days or less. ONLY steam if you haven't had any symptoms of unusual bleeding for at least the past three months. If you would like to use steaming to help resolve this type of issue, please speak with me directly.
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If you are pregnant or hoping to conceive.
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After childbirth, wait for the lochia (postpartum bleeding) to finish. I would recommend the Postpartum Sitz Bath blend. Please speak to me directly about this with any questions.
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Allow six weeks post surgery (e.g. hysterectomy, fibroids, cancer) to allow the incision to heal.
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While you are experiencing active infection with burning / itching symptoms.
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Only steam for 10 minutes maximum if you have a copper or hormonal IUD as steaming for longer might cause displacement.
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Steaming is not likely to affect birth control such as pill, patch or implant but if in any doubt please book in for a free chat.
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Uterine fibroid embolization may be affected by steaming, in which case wait six weeks and then use a personalised blend that I could make for you following a consultation.
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Steaming can be useful in recovery after a uterine ablation procedure, however it’s important to wait six weeks and steam for shorter periods initially and be mindful to choose herbs for healing, rather than to stimulate blood flow. I would recommend you book in for a consultation
Instructions for Steaming:
As with any herbal or alternative medicine, the care and intention with which you approach your healing is a key factor in your body’s positive response.
THE POWER OF YOUR INTENTION WILL BE AMPLIFIED WHEN YOU HOLD CLARITY OF PURPOSE AND TRUST IN THE NEW DIRECTION YOU ARE TAKING.
Yoni steaming can be practised in a group or on your own as a personal ceremony and it is worthwhile preparing an inspiring, relaxing sacred space so you can fully drop in to your womb space and be with the sensations of your experience. You could light candles, burn incense, play soothing music, meditate or journal. It’s important to really honour the journey you are about to commence.
YOU WILL NEED
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Your medicinal herbs.
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A ceramic, enamel, stoneware, stainless steel or glass pot with a lid NB It is important to minimise the chance of contamination by harmful metals and plastics so cast iron, aluminium, teflon coated and plastic pots are not suitable
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Around 1 litre (or 4 cups) of fresh filtered water for the infusion plus a further ½ litre which you can put in a flask and keep aside to top up the steam if it cools quickly
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A towel, skirt or cloak to wrap around your waist in order to funnel the steam and not disperse the heat (this is not necessary if you own a steaming box
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Cushions or blankets for your comfort
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A tea towel to wrap around the pot, to keep it warm and protect your skin
How to Assemble Your THone
In this video, we’ll guide you step by step on how to easily assemble your yoni throne, so you can set it up safely and comfortably for your wellness routine.
