Exposure to heat from steam causes vasodilation which increases circulation to the exposed area, as well as the uterine blood vessels that connect to the vaginal canal, cervix and uterus. As with any organ, increasing circulation helps to improve the overall function and vitality so that it can perform its functions more optimally.
Following regular steam sessions users commonly report an increase in the removal of old residue in their menstrual flow. It is not uncommon for users to report the expulsion of black, sticky, tar-like menses, large clots, tissue masses, dried blood chips and scar tissue from previous uterine surgeries or trauma. Once the old residue clears however, steam user periods are often characterized with fresh, red, oxygenated blood from start to finish.
Steaming appears to clear out irregular discharge that is described as thick, yellow, green, or malodorous. Discharge of this nature fosters a hospitable breeding ground for bacteria, yeast and viruses. By draining irregular discharge the vagina is better able to maintain a suitable pH and healthy flora. It is possible that the increase in temperature caused by steaming may kill heat-sensitive viruses such as HPV upon contact.
Steaming helps both external and internal tissue cells to be deeply cleansed and drained, resulting in the reduction or elimination of swollen or inflamed bumps, ingrown hairs, clogged ducts and related issues.
Vaginal Steam directly reaches the external perineum, vaginal canal, the bottom of the cervix, and possibly the uterus cavity. This quality makes steaming a useful tool for gently reaching delicate and sensitive areas without the use of manual tools, instruments, hands, surgery or invasive force.
Vaginal Steam stimulates a meridian point named conception vessel 1 that is located where three of the most powerful yin channels converge on the body — the conception, governing and penetrating channels. These three channels are responsible for all of the qi flow through the upper and lower parts of the body and all of the extremities.
Vaginal steam may be a method of herb administration because of how permeable the vaginal mucus membrane is and how vaginal blood vessels connect to the body’s circulatory system. If herbs are indeed absorbed during a steam session, this may help to target specific health imbalances through administering herbs with specified properties. For example, instead of oral antibiotics to treat infections connected to the reproductive organs and adjacent anatomy, one might be able to observe comparable success with anti-bacterial herbs administered via vaginal steaming.
In contrast to how people feel about most treatments from the gynecologist, steam users describe vaginal steaming as soothing, relaxing, and enjoyable. Such feelings increase the likelihood of benefiting from vaginal steam therapy.
When Vaginal Steaming Doesn’t Work
Vaginal steaming may seem ineffective in some cases due to a misunderstanding of how to interpret efficacy. Some users initially experience an increase in irregular discharge, clotting, cramping, brown or black menses, or vaginal irritation and attribute steaming as the cause of these ‘problems’.
It is critical to understand that steam itself loosens and liquefies old residue and then the menstrual period allows it to fully flow out.
One must understand that steam cannot introduce matter, such as clots or mucus, into the vaginal canal.
Since steam helps to expel, dislodge, and clear out matter, however, vaginal steaming may result in a more intense post-steam period as built up stagnation drains and as the uterus contracts (cramps) to expel it. For this reason, understanding proper period care (how to care for the womb during the period in order to assist and not hinder the cleanse) is vital. It goes hand in hand with introducing a steam practice into someone’s routine.