Yoni Steams

Written by: Tabi Nettles, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

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Vaginal steaming, also known as Yoni steams, have been used as a means to maintain overall uterine health for centuries. It is an ancient practice of sitting over a mild, gentle steam that has been infused with healing, medicinal herbs. ‘Yoni” is the Sanskrit word for vulva, womb, or sacred space. It is related to the power of creativity & in many cultures considered to be the gateway to female health.

The origins of steaming are hard to pinpoint since the practice has been done worldwide, but there is reference to it in many ancient texts under alternative names. In 17th century France for example ‘fumigation’ was a common practice. In the book “Traité pratique et raisonné des plantes médicinales indigènes” by French doctor H. Cazin, he described fumigation as “a decoction of Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) whose steam were directed towards the vulva and was used to induce menses, clear menstrual clots, and promote the flow of lochia after birth for postpartum cares.”

Another example of fumigation goes back to an even earlier time period in 1684 when Aristotle’s Masterpiece was the most popular book about women’s bodies, sex, pregnancy, and childbirth in Britain and America. In said book ‘fumigation’ was prescribed as a way to help women become more fertile.

In places like Japan, South Korea, and Cambodia we can still see this practice of vaginal health practiced today, and now you may even see a steam spa popping up in a shopping center near you.

Vaginal steaming is making a resurgence and I for one am very happy to see it happening. I first heard of v steaming five years ago while listening to a podcast. Once I learned about what it was and the purported benefits I was hooked. I enrolled in a course where I could learn as much about it as possible, as well as how to safely practice and administer it for myself and others. Fast forward to today and it is a practice that I myself do weekly, as well as continue to teach so that all women may take their own vaginal health back into their power.

The reported benefits of yoni steams include but are not limited to:

• Regulating menstrual cycles

• Helping with bad cramps

• Clearing out stagnation (old blood)

• Treating prolapse

• Healing bumps or nicks

• Treating infections such as BV, yeast infections, and STDs

• Dissolving cysts and fibroids

• Helps with HPV

• Treats menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes

• Helps endometriosis

• Increases fertility

• Heightened libido and sensation

• Decreases PMS

• Tightens and lifts vaginal canal

• Helps relieve dryness

• Emotional balance

• Skin beautification

• Deep relaxation

• Improves circulation

Yoni steams and Postpartum recovery

Steaming is recommended immediately once a mother stops bleeding bright red blood postpartum.

After a woman gives birth her body must shed the superficial mucous membrane that lines her uterus during pregnancy; therefore she will have discharge consisting of this membrane, as well as lochia, for weeks.

Yoni steams are a gentle way to assist healing for the new mother, as well as a way to fully cleanse the womb space. It has been reported through anecdotal evidence that mothers who steam immediately postpartum experience

• vaginal discharge/lochia completely disappearing at a faster rate than those who don’t steam.

• their uterus shrinks and goes back into place at a quicker rate.

• Resolved vaginal prolapse.

• Speedy recovery of any vaginal tearing from birth.

By steaming postpartum you are enabling the steam to gently heal any birth injuries, as well as cleanse your womb space and vaginal canal.

According to a recent study of postpartum women using vaginal steam to facilitate healing, the findings of this study show that vaginal steaming has a positive impact on many of the indicators of postpartum recovery, particularly in the areas of lowering blood pressure and pulse, uterine restoration, initiating and expediting waist girth and weight loss, labia healing, the quicker cessation of uterine bleeding through drawing out lochia, alleviating suture discomfort, promoting bowel regularity and haemorrhoid reduction.

Full study available at fourthtrimestervaginalsteamstudy.com

Women of all ages can benefit from steaming. It is a means for a woman to reconnect to her inner self, cleanse, and feel empowered because she is taking charge of her health.

Note: It is not recommended to steam if you are currently on your cycle or have fresh spotting, pregnant, trying to conceive and have already ovulated, or if you experience spontaneous bleeding or two periods within the past three months.

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Tabi Nettles, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Tabi Nettles is the founder of Nettles Herbs, a small herbal supply in Jacksonville, Fl. She has studied clinical herbalism and is currently enrolled in Astro Herbalism to bridge her passion of astrology and plants. She is a certified birth doula CD(DONA), and also holds certifications in Peristeam Hydrotherapy, Aromatherapy, and Incense Crafting. Tabi has three children and a passion for women's reproductive health, motherhood, and holistic living. She created Nettles Herbs to be able to share her knowledge of herbalism and her passion for earth conscious, quality products that truly support the body and it's innate vitality.