Yoni Steam Benefits: how steaming changed my life

It all started when I typed “ancient postpartum healing traditions” into the Google search box five years ago.

I was preparing for a postpartum doula training in New York, where I hoped some of my frustration and curiosity around the postpartum healing stage might be addressed. After having children of my own, I was struck by how little attention was paid to my healing process, how lasting the effects of my pelvic imbalance had been. I thought there had to be more available, there had to be ways that women throughout time had honored this sacred stage of life beyond the basic medical care we receive today.

This may surprise you: when information about vaginal steaming first appeared on my screen I was extremely skeptical, even opposed to it. I thought, “vaginas are self-cleaning! Don’t you dare tell me my vagina needs treatment! Women are whole and complete as we are.” I had assumed that vaginal steaming was about “fixing” the vagina, or making it more appealing to men.

I was pulled out of my skepticism and invited back into curiosity when I attended the training, and learned more robust information about the practice of Yoni Steaming - including it’s history, purposes, and many benefits. I was hungry to learn more, and after returning home from the training, I sought out every piece of information available on Yoni Steaming.

Since I was working as a lactation counselor and energy worker at the time, I knew that a practice like Yoni Steaming might fit well into my approach to wellness - for myself and my clients. But I also wanted to fully explore my skepticism and be armed with knowledge before becoming a Yoni Steam enthusiast. I learned that while ice is often recommended for treating the vagina after childbirth, bringing warmth to the area can actually encourage more healing - and that Yoni Steaming can relax pelvic tightness that could take years of physical therapy to relieve. I learned about complementary treatments like Arvigo Maya abdominal massage, which helps to bring the uterus back into place.

While I did tons of reading and research on the topic that built my confidence in the legitimacy and power of Yoni Steaming, there was nothing more persuasive than my own experience Yoni Steaming for the first time.

I was nervous. But as I sat over the pot of warm water and herbs and allowed myself to open to the experience both physically and mentally, I found I could immediately breathe deeper. The anxious thoughts that so often plagued my mind dissipated. I pondered the various sensations I felt and came fully into the present moment. After the steam, I felt reset, cleansed and refreshed in a new way. I was hooked.

When I felt what a difference Yoni Steaming was making in helping with my pelvic floor tightness and anxiety, I realized it wasn’t too late for me to invest in my postpartum healing, even though it had been years since I’d had my youngest child. I got pelvic floor physical therapy and practiced the abdominal massage method I had learned from a trained practitioner (on top of receiving monthly sessions). All this work made me feel better physically and increased my libido.

Since I was already working with women in the postpartum stage, I couldn’t wait to see how I could bring them more healing through this new practice. I got obsessed with the herbs that can be used for steaming - what effect does each herb have? How can they be combined? What’s the best way to source them?

My hunger for knowledge led me to create my own herbal blends for Yoni Steaming, and to collaborate with a woodworker on an ideal design for a Yoni Steam sauna, sometimes referred to as a Yoni Steam seat.

I’ll never forget the first time I provided a Yoni Steam service to a client. I was so nervous - I wanted to make sure I selected the exact right herbal blend for her, that the water temperature was just right, that she didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable. The way I felt that first time is such a contrast to the way I feel now. Though I’m still passionate and attentive to creating the best experience possible, I am confident in my knowledge and abilities. I have seen client after client melt the stress away, get more in touch with their bodies, regulate their cycles, reclaim their sex life, and recover from birth trauma. I trust the practice, and I trust myself.

If you are interested in booking a Yoni Service, please check out my list of services here! You can also shop for Yoni Steaming products to use at home in my Etsy shop.