Ladies, Have you ever tried a Yoni Steam?

By: Terri.

It is very important as Women to understand the importance of our divine connection with our wombs. As women, throughout our lives, our bodies, vaginas and reproductive systems go through numerous traumas and experiences, both good and bad. Some women start menstruating from as early as the ages of 8 to 12. From Monthly menstruation, intercourse, and giving birth, these factors all put a lot of stress on the womb. There are also numerous other issues that women encounter with their vaginas; such as infertility, hormone imbalances, endometriosis, painful intercourse and imbalances that lead to infections. Research shows that there are multiple holistic practices like Vaginal Steaming that can help treat and cure some of these issues.

What is Vaginal or Yoni Steaming?

Vaginal Steaming aka Yoni Steaming is an ancient meditative practice that is proven to be beneficial in cleansing the vagina and uterus, regulating the menstrual cycle, easing the pain of period cramps, bloating and aiding in healing and soothing the womb after childbirth. The "Yoni" in Sanskrit is know as the "sacred temple" or pathway, a place to access our wisdom, and your power. This practice dates back thousands of years to almost every indigenous culture.

Yoni steaming is about women taking back ownership of our personal health and wombs and utilizing our intuition as well as herbs from the Earth, to support and nourish our overall well-being.

The process entails sitting over a steaming pot of intentionally chosen organic herbs which are infused in water, for anywhere between 10-45 mins per session depending on your body's constitution and menstrual cycle history. The steam works by using steam which gently carries the herbs to the exterior vaginal tissues (vulva) offering soothing, healing and cleansing benefits. The warmth and moisture increases circulation to the vulva, causing it to open up and expose the inner labial mucous membranes. The tissues are very porous and absorbent, allowing the herbs to infuse their benefits, resulting in a healthier, more relaxed and balanced connection to yourself.

Benefits of Vaginal Steaming..

There are a tremendous amount of benefits to vaginal steaming. It can be used as a natural and simple method for cleansing and detoxifying the uterus and vagina. It also helps you to maintain reproductive health, increase fertility, balances your hormones which then regulates your periods, eases unpleasant symptoms of menstruation such as cramps, headaches and vaginal discomfort, treats yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, odors, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness and uterine prolapse, restores pH balance and vaginal dryness.

There are also numerous emotional and spiritual benefits of this practice. It can help you reconnect to the ancestral wisdom of your womb, release stored emotions and anxiety, allows access to the feminine energy that gives rise to our vibrant radiance and creative potential as a woman, relieves tension and creates a states of bliss, aids insomnia and especially the healing of sexual traumas.

My Personal Yoni Steaming Experience & Results

Growing up I always had what was considered an "Irregular" Menstrual Cycle; meaning it was not seen as consistent (every month) and so when I got my first period at 16, it did not come again for about another year and it continued like that up until I was 18 and then I started to see it twice a year. I had a talk with my gynecologist at the time and they recommended me starting birth control as a way to introduce more estrogen to my body which would encourage a more consistent menstrual flow.

After about a month, I started seeing my period every month and that came with a lot of uncomfortable heavy flows, mood swings, migraines, nausea, bloating, yeast infections, heavy weight gain and cramps in my body that I was not used to and something just did not feel right within me and so I stopped taking it. I began researching holistic methods for encouraging a healthy menstrual flow and discovered Yoni Steaming. I also looked up local spots that offered this practice and discovered IVY AURAGAMI, a local black woman owned space that provides a safe space for this practice to be done, as well as further knowledge on holistically caring for your vagina. I then did my first steam on my own at home by ordering the steam blend online from their website, brewed the herbs, set my intentions and did it.

The experience was beautiful, the warm sensation of the steam was very soothing and it was as if I could feel it doing the work and healing my womb space. After that first steam, I saw and felt instant results within my body and my flow came the next month with little to no cramping and bloating or migraines. From then I continued doing my steams at home until IVY AURAGAMI opened up a space in 2021 to host the sacred practice. Performing this sacred practice has allowed me to honor and connect with my womb as well as my divine feminine energy as well as expand my creative potential and discover more about my myself.

Herbs Recommended for V Steaming

• Red Raspberry Leaf (strengthening & toning)

• Basil (Cleansing)

• Oregano (Antiseptic)

• Lavender (Anti-microbial)

• Mugwort (All purpose)

• Calendula (Anti-inflammatory)

• Rosemary (Anti- bacterial & Anti-microbial)

• Rose (calming)

• Chamomile

• Witch Hazel

• Aloe Vera Leaf

• Cramp Bark

Yoni steaming can be done in your home or it can be offered as a treatment by a V-Steam Practitioner. I personally get my v steams done locally here in Hartford at IVY AURAGAMI; a Black Woman Owned Small Business that offers this sacred practice in the most beautiful, safe space and offers further knowledge on vaginal health and the practice of Yoni Steaming. You can follow and book their services through their social media @ivyauragami on Instagram.