To Steam or Not to Steam? The Benefits (and Risks) of Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming, otherwise known as V-steaming or yoni steaming, is a centuries-old practice with a background in many different cultures that promotes full-body wellness and a way to ease menstruation, increase fertility, and benefit your body and mind in numerous ways. V-steaming has recently grown in popularity after being offered as a service in many spas and being recommended by numerous celebrities (we’re looking at you, Gwyneth Paltrow!) on social media. Scientists and medical professionals have been debating the credibility of this treatment process, so the question remains: does vaginal steaming really work?
Vaginal steaming is the act of squatting or sitting over a hot bowl of water filled with a variety of herbs, some of the most popular being mugwort, wormwood, chamomile, basil, and oregano. Many women will place their hot basin of water in the toilet so they can sit comfortably above it, with a towel wrapped around their lap to trap the steam in. Many users believe that this process enhances blood flow to the vaginal tissue, which can lead to many health benefits.
The supposed benefits of this process are extensive and include an increase of energy, reduced stress and depression, a detoxified uterus, balanced hormones, increased vaginal tightness, relief from menstrual pain and bloating, hemorrhoid relief, increased fertility, and a faster recovery after childbirth.
The earliest roots of v-steaming come from the Greek process of fumigation which was performed on many women in an effort to “treat” hysteria and infertility.
V-steaming is also praised as being another form of self-care, like giving your girl her own personal facial. Many women, especially those in postpartum, find v-steaming to be incredibly soothing, relaxing, and helpful in easing period cramps (it may also help if you battle with pubic hair-bumps, wink).
Before you start heating up the water and going through your pantry for oregano, it’s important to know that vaginal steaming has a number of suspected drawbacks. There’s no scientific or medical evidence that supports v-steaming as being effective or even safe, and there’s plenty of ways it can be done wrong and lead to harm for your body.
The skin of your vulva, or the external part of your vagina, is extremely sensitive and delicate (think about the last time you had sex… you see what I’m saying?). If the water you’re using to steam is too hot or too close to your vag, it could lead to painful burns. V-steaming also has the potential to disrupt the natural pH of the vagina, causing bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections (ouch!). If the equipment you’re using to steam isn’t cleaned properly, it could lead to infections. If you’re getting your steam done at a spa, make sure to ask how they clean their equipment between steams.
To Steam or Not To Steam?
Like we mentioned before, Lady V is self-cleaning-- she doesn’t need a spa day. Since the vagina is naturally self-cleaning, trying to clean it using this process may remove healthy bacteria and disrupt the natural bacteria balance. However, many women do find v-steaming to be a beneficial experience, especially before or after their period, and even after giving birth. There are ways it can be done properly in order to prevent infection or damage to your lady bits. We recommend going to a professional V-Steamer and doing your research on the best place. If you rather do it at home, Steamy Chick Institute has a plethora of articles to help guide you. Some of the subjects include:
Finding the right steam temperature
Heat vs. no heat set up
Steam alternative: herbal soak
Steaming practitioners: how training varies
Where to buy a steam sauna
How to steam
And much, much more. They even have a practitioner directory!
It’s very important to do your homework and consider the risks as well as the benefits when deciding to try v-steaming. Once you try it, let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below. If you’re a current V-Steamer, we want to hear from you! What are the pros and cons? What advice would you give to ladies interested in steaming? Let us know below!
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The author.
Allison Kindley is a Digital Media Production & Journalism student at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. She loves working with Team Happy Girl because she gets to inform others on feminine wellness, learn every day, write creatively, and empower women.