Frequently Asked Questions
How does V-Steam Work?
A client sits on a sanitized custom designed "V-Steam Throne" while enjoying a relaxing herbal steam treatment. The tissues of the vagina, and the anus, are especially porous and absorbent, and the warmth of the steam works to soften and open them. When the herbs are placed in hot water, their medicinal properties, including volatile oils, are released and carried to the surface of your skin and to the inside of the vagina where they are absorbed into the bloodstream, and ultimately into the uterus.
Who should get a V-Steam?
Yoni steaming is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your body and reignite your vibrance. We encourage most women to try a yoni steam! You are likely to see great benefit to this ancient remedy if you suffer from irregular or painful periods, infertility, uterine fibroids, perennial tears, bladder and yeast infections, vaginal or ovarian cysts, hemorrhoids or scarring from C-sections, hysterectomies and laparoscopies. Yoni steaming is also recommended even if you are not experiencing any of the above, as it is a great way to soothe and pamper yourself, and is known to relieve anxiety in women.
Who should NOT do a yoni steam?
First and most importantly, women who are pregnant, or think there is any possibility that they might be, should NOT do any type of yoni steam. Doing so may endanger the pregnancy, as many of the herbs used can alter hormone levels and can cause contractions of the uterus. For the same reason, it is also not recommended for women who have an Intrauterine Device (IUD). Women who have any type of internal infection (cervical, uterine or ovarian inflammation), or a fever, are encouraged not to steam until the symptoms have passed. Women also should not steam while menstruating or when open sores or blisters are present.
Why should a yoni steam not be done during menstruation?
During menstruation, the uterus is in its natural process of shedding and releasing. Because this is already an intense, downward moving energy, the added stimulation of a yoni steam may cause heavy bleeding and excess material to flow out. For this reason, it is best to yoni steam on the weeks in which the uterus is in its more restful state.
Why should a yoni steam not be done during pregnancy?
Yoni steams encourage the uterine lining to shed any excess build up each month. This is important to note because, in the case of pregnancy, the uterine lining is built up in order to create a nourishing haven for a fertilized egg and growing fetus. Therefore, anything that causes the uterus to contract and cleanse itself, such as a yoni steam, should be avoided so that the lining stays intact.
What herbs are typically used to steam and why?
• Mugwort: In addition to fighting infection through its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, mugwort balances female hormones and stimulates the production of hormones that help to maintain uterine health as well as protect the uterus from things such as ulcers and tumors. Mugwort steam opens the pores, allowing the beneficial herbs to penetrate into the blood stream. In addition, mugwort helps to stimulate menstrual discharge and ease cramping.
• Rosemary: An aromatic and antimicrobial herb, rosemary treats bacterial infection, speeds wound healing, inhibits yeast growth, and stimulates menstruation.
• Lavender: One of the most relaxing herbs we have, lavender supports healing, and it also promotes menstrual flow.
• Yarrow: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, yarrow is great for regulating menstrual flow, treating ovarian cysts and supporting overall uterine health.
• Motherwort: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, motherwort strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases uterine cramping, and may help treat uterine fibroids. Motherwort stimulates uterine tone and blood flow.
• Calendula: Aids in healing of scar tissue, vaginal tears, or hemorrhoids.
• Rose Petals: A relaxing, uplifting and astringent herb that is wonderful for pampering.
Does yoni steaming really work?
There will always be those who doubt remedies that are not proven by modern science. However, yoni steaming is a remedy that has stood the test of time. For generations, women have shared their success stories among one another, and are only now beginning to share them with the world.
My doctor told me not to try vaginal steaming. Why would this be?
Some Western medical doctors may be resistant to the idea of vaginal steaming. This is not because the treatment is dangerous or ineffective. It is simply because this is an ancient remedy that is not taught in medical schools, and there are no scientific studies to "prove" it's effectiveness, and Western doctors often feel quite uncomfortable about it as a result. However, the women who utilize this treatment understand that millennia of women's wisdom and testimonials are just as valid, if not more valuable, than a scientific study in a lab. We recommend that you ask your doctor his or her reasons for the resistance to the treatment to better understand if the recommendation to not steam is specifically related to your unique body, or is a general statement about the practice itself. Most importantly, listen to your own intuition as your guide.
How often should I do a yoni steam?
As part of an overall self-care regime, we recommend that women steam two to three times per month, always during weeks in which you are not menstruating. Women who suffer from pain, bloating or exhaustion during menstruation should steam two to three times within the week before menstruation. Women who are experiencing fertility challenges should steam once per week, and maybe twice during pre-ovulation, to make sure that the tissue is moist and that the cervical fluids are clear and copious. They should expect to steam for three months before seeing results. For the postpartum, a yoni steam may be done three times per week for four weeks to facilitate healing and toning of the uterus and vagina (please be sure there are no open wounds and that you are no longer bleeding). Women who are experiencing or who have passed menopause should steam at least three times per year for maintenance, but may steam more often if it feels right. If your challenges are chronic, you may want to steam up to three times per week to ensure the greatest results.
When is the best time of the month to steam?
You can steam at any time of the month, as long as you are not menstruating. It is typically recommended that for treating menstrual pain, you do you at least two vaginal steams in the week leading up to your period. After doing so, you will likely see a change in the fluid you pass when your period begins. You may also steam once after your cycle ends, to clear out any excess materials.
How long after birth should I wait to steam?
We recommend waiting until you are no longer bleeding before doing a yoni steam. Spotting, with dark colored blood, is okay. Obviously, in cases of extreme bleeding or hemorrhaging, a yoni steam would be contraindicated. There is not a point at which it is too late, as you will receive the benefits any time you decide to steam. Women who choose to do their first steam 4 or more months after giving birth often report getting their first cycle, even while still breastfeeding.
I am struggling with fertility challenges. Can yoni steaming help?
Yes! Yoni steaming has been seen by many women to support with fertility. There may be many reasons for fertility challenges, but one of those reasons is induration (build-up of material) on the uterine wall. Yoni steaming helps to loosen that material and allow it to release through menstruation, making space for the fertilized egg to successfully attach itself. We recommend combining yoni steaming with abdominal massage therapy – the deep external massage on the uterus - for a dynamic approach that has brought many women success. It is recommended to steam at least once per week, when you are not menstruating, for three months before expecting to see results. Do not try to conceive during the 3 months of yoni steam, as the cleansing action may prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. After the 3 months of yoni steaming and abdominal massage therapy, you may resume trying to conceive and hopefully have successful conception within one to three cycles.
I have a uterine fibroid. How can vaginal steaming help me?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A vaginal steam may support this issue in that the medicinal properties of the herbs would help the uterus to shed the excess/non-essential tissue or cells, in this case the tumorous ones. The Steam contains Motherwort because this plant is thought to be especially useful for treating fibroids and polyps. The blend also contains calendula and pink rose petals, which serve to cleanse and nourish your healthy uterine tissue. The catch is, you should not steam while you are bleeding, especially while bleeding heavily, as is often the case with uterine fibroids. When you are not bleeding, you may try a vaginal steam to gently but effectively encourage the uterus to take care of itself.
Will yoni steaming increase my sex drive?
Yes, yoni steaming can definitely increase sex drive! On an emotional level, yoni steaming supports us to cultivate a profound sense of self-love and increases our self-confidence (especially as it relates to our yonis!), which has great implications for a woman's sex life. On the physical level, yoni steaming increases circulation and increases lubrication, which is clearly great for the libido and sex life as well. In fact, the very act of steaming is slightly arousing, which helps us get turned on!