Despite being the source of all human life, we tend to neglect the vagina when it comes to our self-care routine. It’s no secret that the vagina – often called the yoni in wellness circles – is ridiculously powerful. It literally creates people. But we rarely focus on honoring the yoni and pampering it in the way it deserves. Instead, it accumulates stress from periods, sex, birth, and even beauty treatments like waxes or shaving.
It’s 2022, and it’s time we start being intentional about caring for our whole body and incorporating self-care exercises that prioritize our vagina. One of the easiest ways to do this is yoni steaming.
Vaginal steaming, v-steaming, and yoni steaming are all names for the same thing. Though there are quite a few misconceptions about vaginal steaming, the practice is simple. It’s an ancient technique where someone exposes their vagina to steam infused with herbs.
Basically, it’s a sauna for your yoni. It is not a method of physically cleaning the vagina. Instead, it’s a practice meant to connect someone with their yoni while relieving built-up stress and promoting relaxation.
The herbal elixirs used in yoni steam vary depending on the steam’s purpose. Someone who is hoping to relieve period cramps may use chamomile or calendula, while someone who is struggling with postpartum recovery may choose an elixir with yarrow.
Here are some other combinations for specific treatments:
Basil (cleansing)
Rosemary (anti-bacterial and anti-microbial)
Oregano (antiseptic)
Calendula (anti-inflammatory)
Motherwort (cleansing, pain-relieving)
Mugwort (all purpose)
Lavender (anti-microbial)
Marigolds (anti-inflammatory)
Thyme (anti-bacterial and anti-microbial)
If you’re new to yoni steaming, it’s a good idea to visit a spa that specializes in it. They’ll be create a concoction that’s just right for you and your needs.
People practice yoni steaming for a number of reasons. Healing, relaxation, and regulation are just a few. Yoni steaming encourages circulation to your vagina, increasing sensation, releasing stored stress, and heightening libido. For some, this extra focus on the vagina may even improve recovery after birth and help to regulate the menstrual cycle. By being intentional about caring for the yoni, you may deepen your connection to yourself and your body which can be incredibly relaxing and therapeutic.
The yoni is a sensitive area, and it’s important to be careful when exposing it to steam. Too much steam too often can damage the delicate outer area of the vagina, and we definitely don’t want that. Yoni steaming sessions should only be about 10-30 minutes. If you’re new to the practice, it’s recommended that you go to a professional spa. Depending on your specific needs, they may advise that you steam once a week or that you limit your steams to a few times per year.
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