Steam is simply vaporized water. The tiny vapor molecules are able to travel in the air (which is why your entire bathroom fills with steam during a shower) and penetrate hard to reach areas. Many of us are use the cleaning power of steam on other areas of our bodies. We steam our faces to open our pores and clear built up dirt and oils. We steam our sinuses and lungs to help clear congestions when we’re sick much like your nose running during a hot shower. Steam is both comforting and mucus clearing. We even steam our entire bodies in steam rooms! Improving circulation throughout the body by dilating your blood vessels delivering more nutrients and oxygen.
Vaginal steaming isn’t much different!
This practice uses warm steam to clear congestion and increase circulation to the
reproductive organs and surrounding areas. The steam helps to thin mucus, or built up lining allowing for any residue to be released. Adding herbs into the water can introduce therapeutic phytochemical to the surrounding tissues.
Vaginal steaming is a traditional self-care practice whereby someone sits or kneels over a warm pot of boiled water, gently exposing the entire pelvic region to the rising steam.
The individual may choose to kneel over the source of steam or sit on a designated
sauna or seat, specifically designed for this purpose.
Vaginal steaming also has a dry variation that relies on the use of herbal smoke instead of steam.
Find out all the reported benefits under our Vaginal Steaming Section.
Demystifying Vaginal Steaming VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=128QWZAZcyo&t=3s
A video insight into the ancient practice and benefits of vaginal steaming. See the physical set ups and steaming in action!
Featuring Keli Garza, Monisha Garner, Marcia Lopez and Carmel Portillo. Produced and directed by Aria Bruss. More Information: www.steamychick.com
The uterus IS a self cleansing organ. Every time you have your period, your uterus does the work to “cleanse” itself by shedding tissue. The fact that an organ can be self cleansing doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t benefit from support even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Not only can steam assist to achieve optimal self-cleansing, other basic steam benefits such as warmth for improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and uterine release have profound benefits for the body.
“The uterus and the vagina are self-cleansing when they’re operating optimally. But if there’s any type of malfunction or dysfunction in the cycle such as clotting, pain, brown blood etc.- then your uterus and your vagina are not functioning optimally. The object is to get your vagina and uterus to optimal health and wellness. To do that, you are facilitating the process with steam to get them to that point. There are so many uteruses that are just not healthy.”
-Dr. Laurena White OB/GYN when interviewed in regards to steaming.
If you are not familiar with what herbs you are using, using incorrect or herbs that cause you a sensitivity, or if using incorrect protocols such as steaming too long/frequently etc. though not common it is a possibility an imbalance or a once dormant infection may occur.
Not every herbal steam blend is made for every body.
This is why it is recommended to work directly with a certified practitioner or book a consultation if you have specific concerns.
Steam is simply vaporized water. The tiny vapor molecules are able to travel in the air (which is why your entire bathroom fills with steam during a shower) and penetrate hard to reach areas. Many of us are use the cleaning power of steam on other areas of our bodies. We steam our faces to open our pores and clear built up dirt and oils. We steam our sinuses and lungs to help clear congestions when we’re sick much like your nose running during a hot shower. Steam is both comforting and mucus clearing. We even steam our entire bodies in steam rooms! Improving circulation throughout the body by dilating your blood vessels delivering more nutrients and oxygen.
Vaginal steaming isn’t much different!
This practice uses warm steam to clear congestion and increase circulation to the
reproductive organs and surrounding areas. The steam helps to thin mucus, or built up lining allowing for any residue to be released. Adding herbs into the water can introduce therapeutic phytochemical to the surrounding tissues.
Vaginal steaming is a traditional self-care practice whereby someone sits or kneels over a warm pot of boiled water, gently exposing the entire pelvic region to the rising steam.
The individual may choose to kneel over the source of steam or sit on a designated
sauna or seat, specifically designed for this purpose.
Vaginal steaming also has a dry variation that relies on the use of herbal smoke instead of steam.
Find out all the reported benefits under our Vaginal Steaming Section.
This interactive map curated by Steamy Chick shows how many different cultures that currently and historically practice vaginal steaming.
The biggest safety concern is burning or scalding. It is important to always be cautious around hot water. Steam can be beneficial, but if too hot, steam may damage tissue or cause burn. Before sitting or kneeling for your session it is important to hold your hand or forearm over the warm steam. It should feel pleasantly warm and comfortable. If it is too hot, allow the steam to cool sufficiently before sitting or kneeling down.
The duration of your steam session depends on a number of factors. Steaming is very therapeutic and some people only need to steam for 10 minutes to derive benefit.
These steam users would include:
•First Time Users
•Heat Sensitive Users
•Uterine Bleeding Sensitive Users
•Medical Sensitive Users
• IUDs
In situations where someone has a sensitivity, steaming for longer than the 10 minute recommendation may cause undesired side effects.
A 30 minute steam session duration is suitable for anyone who does not have a steam sensitivity. It is best to initially work with a practitioner to do a sensitivity screening and help determine the duration for your steam sessions.
For best results it is typically recommended to steam weekly and/or three times before and three times after your period. For best results dedicate a minimum of 3-6 months to this steam schedule and also consider making it an ongoing part of your self-care routine.
If you are steaming with any of the following situations a more frequent or tailored steam schedule may be advised. Please consult with Ashley on the best schedule for your body.
Vaginal Infections
Uterine Disorders (Fibroids, Endometriosis, PCOS, Polyps, Infertility, Cysts, Cancer)
Early or Late Menarche
Fertility Preparation
Insemination Prevention/Plan B
Labor Preparation
Overdue Labor
Postpartum Recovery
Early or Late Postpartum Period Return
Pregnancy Loss
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Fistula
Hemorrhoids
Rectum Issues
Labial Adhesion
Pain During Sex
Sexual Trauma Recovery
Rape Response
Surgery Alternative or Recovery
Young children through post menopausal all find relief with vaginal steaming. Men are welcome to steam for ailments as well. Protocols, herb selection all vary please consult a practitioner for guidance.
Steam Practitioners are not doctors and cannot advise or consult regarding medical concerns. Steam is warm water that may increase heat, circulation and possibly cause the uterus to naturally open up temporarily (particularly, the cervix and uterine blood vessels). It may be possible that steam could disrupt medical procedures where there is an intentionally thickened uterine lining, intentional scar tissue or a medical device in the reproductive organs that could be interrupted by heat, circulation or water.
If concerned about these or any other situations, please consult a medical doctor.
Please keep in mind that most medical doctors are unfamiliar with vaginal steaming or they know very little about it. Since doctors can be legally responsible if they give a patient advice to try something and the patient is harmed, most doctors will advise against anything that they are unfamiliar with, including vaginal steaming.
For informed medical advice regarding steaming, it is recommended to consult a steam-friendly doctor.
You and your physician may want to use the following questions to consider the effect steam may have in a medical situation.
Is it introducing heat a problem?
Is increasing circulation a problem?
Is it a problem if the cervix or blood vessels naturally open?
Is there a medical device in place that steam could disrupt?
Is there intentional scar tissue in place that steam might clear?
Is there intentional thickened uterus lining that steam might clear?
PHARMACEUTICALS
Steam practitioners are not pharmacists and cannot advise on whether or not someone can steam while taking certain medications.
If you are taking medication it is best to consult a pharmacist to see if there may be any interactions with the herbs you steam with.
Ask your pharmacist:
“Do any of these herbs interact with the medication I take?”
To avoid unnecessary confusion do not ask your pharmacist – “Can I vaginal steam with these herbs while taking my medication?” – which is beyond their scope of practice. Specific medications to be mindful of include blood thinners, diabetic medications and chemotherapy medications since these medicines tend to have some food and herb interactions.
If in doubt, it is okay to steam without herbs.
Vaginal steaming is contraindicated while experiencing the following: pregnancy, menstruation, fresh spotting, genital burning itchiness, recent spontaneous bleeding, post-insemination when trying to conceive, post-surgery. Steaming may also potentially compromise the efficacy of the following gynecological interventions:
Endometrial Ablation
Steam may clear out the intentional scarification of the uterine lining.
Tubal Coagulation
Steam may remove the tubal scar tissue.
Essure
Steam may dislodge the scarification that holds this device in place.
Dermal Birth Control Patches
Steam may shed the thickened uterine lining caused by this product.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Steam may dislodge the gels or coils inserted to block the arteries.
The answer is no! Setting up your steam session at home is very easy. Bare minimum you need a pot of hot water and a towel. To achieve a more therapeutic response you would need a pot of hot water, a towel, Wholesome custom herbs, and a sheet/towel/ or long skirt. If wanting to do a longer steam session, for comfortability reasons an addition of an electric burner and something to sit on (stool/sauna) would be recommended.