So it’s been a while since my previous blog post…
It’s taken me some time to gather my thoughts around the occurring affairs and the effects the pandemic had on us; I am grateful that we seem to have moved passed what seemed like the worst of it.
Whilst we were planning on how to corp with what was to come, there were a number of developments happening in the beauty and wellness industries. According to a Yelp report, we saw 13 beauty and wellness trends emerge since the start of the pandemic. Perineal Steaming (aka Yoni Steaming) was reported to have been one of these, trending since 2019, thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow’s post on her lifestyle website ‘Goop’ about her Yoni/Vaginal Steaming experience.
Since the review was published, other celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Busy Philips, Dr. Terry and Heather Dubrow have followed on to try this relaxing ‘loin-warming’ holistic treatment.
In spite of the recent re-introduction of this ancient practice, some medical professionals have criticised and strongly advised against perineal steaming from an alleged increased risk of infection and burns. I believe that this is from a lack of understanding and knowledge of the processes around yoni steaming as it’s a safe noninvasive practice thousands of years old… I’ll let you make your own mind up about what you think about this one!
Before I delve into what Perineal Steaming entails… I would like to bring your attention back to our relationship with the word ‘Vagina’. The word ‘vagina’ immediately translates to sheath or scabbard in Latin. As you might already know, there are many ‘shame producing’ confusing terms used to describe this sacred space. As an intimate waxer, I’ve always personally felt that this naturally creates and encourages a ‘disconnect’ with ourselves as if our vaginas are a shameful thing or a pleasure place for others to enjoy.
Perineal steaming offers an opportunity for women to reconnect with our most sacred space, which in turn helps us connect with the deepest part of ourselves. When we have self love for ourselves, we respect ourselves… and so we can welcome only those who are worthy into this sacred temple. To live connected to the yoni is to be connected to the divine feminine!
So what does Perineal Steaming entail?
I was first introduced to perineal steaming in 2017 after some vigorous research in an attempt to remedy myself of numerous reoccurring BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) infections that were followed by an ectopic pregnancy. My personal experiences led me to quietly search for the answers my gynaecologist and GP could not provide; I learned that as a black African woman I was more prone to conditions like uterine fibroids and PCOS… something my GP and nurses hadn’t mentioned after several health checks. Through perineal treatments, I have been able to restore my intimate health and regulate my monthly cycles over a period of time.
Perineal Steaming involves the use of steam generated from a selection of carefully brewed herbs (e.g lavender, mugwort and rose petals) to permeate the external perineal regions (vaginal and anal). In a typical vaginal steaming treatment, steam is employed to soften the perineal tissues to facilitate the shedding of the uterus lining, in turn…
- Improving circulation
- Regulating normal menstruation
- Easing period cramps
- Clearing abdominal bloating
- Improves the natural internal cleansing processes
- Encourages natural moisture and lubrication
Vaginal Steaming is set to change the way women around the world relate to their bodies and menstrual cycles.
Perineal steaming is a perfectly safe holistic practice that is predominantly provided to women as a noninvasive gentle support and aid for intimate and sexual wellness. I like to think of it like a facial, body spa or nasal steam where steam is generally used in these scenarios to decongest or draw impurities out of the skin.
What are the benefits of Perineal Steaming?
There are a plethora of other health benefits to be experienced from perineal steaming with clear evidence from herbalists and holistic practitioners all across the world! Women from all walks of life are buying into the treatment for many different reasons; the treatment is aimed at encouraging women to reconnect with their bodies using plant medicine to improve their intimate health and reproductive health.
The word ‘Yoni’ itself is taken from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘vagina’, ’womb’, ‘sacred space’ or ‘origin of life’. Although there are more documented findings of perineal steaming in Mayan, African, Indian, Korean and Nepalese cultures, women all over the world have been using this technique as a wellness treatment to preserve their fertility and support pregnancies long before modern gynaecology treatments existed.
Perineal Steaming can be adopted as a natural weekly/monthly wellness ritual in clinic or at home. The treatment typically lasts between 20 to 40 minutes. The frequency of which one can receive the treatment will vary on the results sort however it is common that most women who steam will practice perineal steaming 1 to 3 times a month.
Here are some of the other reasons why women are perineal steaming around the world:
1. Improves the menstrual cycle.
The number one reason that many women practice perineal steaming is because of its ability to significantly reduce pain, bloating and exhaustion associated with menstruation. The treatment also regulates irregular or absent menstrual cycles in that the medicinal herbs used release their cleansing and healing oils into the porous skin of the outer labia where they are absorbed. From there, the healing properties are carried through the bloodstream into the uterus where its help shed the uterus lining in turn relaxing the uterus from discomfort that occurs during menstruation.
2. Heals the womb
As a result of stress, environmental toxins or trauma… many women suffer from challenges such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis. In the same way that perineal steaming supports the uterus shed its lining, it can help the yoni (vagina) expel any non-essential tissue or cells, including polyps, cysts or endometrium growing outside the uterus. The results are a healthier womb, inside and out!
3. Relieves stress creating space for blissful relaxation
Perineal steaming can be a very personal experience in that you can experience a powerful release of stored emotions and stress. As you sit with yourself, allowing the gentle herbal steam to permeate your body, you are presented with time to reflect, meditate, practice some light yoga stretching, pranayama or write a journal. This helps invite a profound sense of relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
4. Deep connection to your divine feminine power
Perineal steaming is an opportunity to celebrate and connect deeply with our bodies, cherishing all aspects of the relationship women have to the powerful feminine energy that each woman holds within. Using perineal steaming as the entry point, many women have learned to channel the potent energy of their wombs to unlock creative potential that serves their true self and life purpose.
5. Detoxification
To truly live in balance, we must detoxify our environment, our relationships, and of course, our own bodies. Perineal Steaming works similarly to the way a steam room is used. Likewise, steaming the exterior of your vagina draws out toxins and clears congestion from the womb. The gentle heat and moisture cause physical toxins to be released from our wombs into the lymphatic fluid, which is expelled from the body as sweat and urine.
6. Improves sexual intimacy and libido
On an emotional level, perineal steaming supports women emotionally in cultivating a profound sense of self love and increases our self-confidence especially as it relates to our yonis! This helps women feel more sensual and more-so, connected to our intimate partners. On the physical level, perineal steaming increases circulation which helps increase natural lubrication. As a result, libido increases making intimacy more enjoyable and desirable. Some women had reported that the act of steaming itself has been slightly arousing for them!
7. May help improve fertility
There may be many reasons for fertility challenges, but one of those reasons is induration (a hardened uterus lining) and a buildup of old material in the venous lakes (folds) on the uterus walls. By breaking up this excess material and releasing it through menstruation, the uterine walls are prepared for a fertilised egg to attach and thrive. In many cases, this is the missing piece to the preparation for a successful pregnancy.
8. Helps speeds postnatal recovery
Perineal steaming has been adopted by some traditional midwives across the world to help heal, cleanse and tone the reproductive system after childbirth. The ancient remedy is thought to clear any remaining material from the uterus after birth assisting with the repair of vaginal tears, episiotomy or C-section scars, and encourage the tissue to tighten. It is best to wait a week or so after birth in such cases before steaming in order to allow the body time to repair itself before introducing warm steam.
9. It feels so good!
Last but not least… perineal steaming feels great. As I mentioned previously, the warmth increases circulation [to the labia and clitoris], and the steam moistens the sensitive tissues resulting in an ever so slightly tantalising sensation. Many women experience pleasure from the simple act of treating themselves to this delightful ritual, and that in and of itself, should be revered.
How to prepare for Perineal Steaming
It is important to note here that although perineal steaming is suitable for women of all age groups, there are a number of things that may contra-indicate the treatment – here are some examples:
- After insemination
- Pregnancy
- During menstruation
- During an active STI
- Taking certain medication
- Immediately after an intimate wax or shaving
- Open cuts and abrasions
- Genital piercings
- Immediately after childbirth
When booking a perineal steam treatment at EHT, a comprehensive consultation is conducted to ensure that you are perfectly safe to relieve the treatment; it is important and paramount that you share as much information necessary during your consultation to ensure your needs are properly met so you can thoroughly enjoy the experience. If ever in doubt about whether it is safe for you to receive the treatment in clinic or at home, we recommend consulting with your GP prior to booking the service.
So if the thought of steaming your yoni at our clinic daunts you, rest assured that Endulge Holistic Therapy now sources some of the best Perineal Steam homecare products from some of the best organic UK suppliers.
On your visit to our premises, you will find an array of organically homemade yoni herbal blends , yoni pearls, yoni wands and much more… created and designed by the renowned Tuesday from WombOn Studios in Norfolk and Nadine from YoniLuv Spa in London, along with our other plant-based and medical-grade skincare products. Whether you’re reading this blog for yourself, or because you know someone who else who could benefit from the treatment… I hope that my blog has enlightened you to open your mind about this wonderful herbal treatment from nature itself, and what it has to offer – I welcome you to try this healing treatment at my clinic or in the comfort of your own home!
