To yoni steam involves sitting on a stool or chair over a pot of steaming herbs. A ritual that has been practiced in Africa, Asia, and Central America for centuries.
Why should I yoni steam?
My yoni steam practice is an incredible tool for connecting to my feminine and intuitive body. This ritual brings the body into stillness and receptivity to our sacred womb. It also harmonizes the menstrual cycle by tuning into the cyclical body with love and care. Finding a ritual to connect me to my sexual organs has brought more ease and trust into my life and softness and surrender into my body.
Women often experience joy, creativity, and gratitude when connecting to their womb. This connection deepens her feminine essence, inviting in more light, love, compassion, and flow.
Although there is little science on its effects, the yoni steam ritual has been used in indigenous cultures around the world for ages. After I explained yoni steaming to a long-time friend, she told me that this is also a popular ritual done by the women in her hometown in Ghana.
What is a Yoni
Yoni is the Sanskrit word for all of the female sex organs. Unfortunately, there is not a word in English that encompasses the entirety of a woman’s sex organs. This area is typically referred to as the vagina, which is simply the canal.
Other words to describe this area include vajayjay, crotch, pussy, and the unfortunate, “private parts.” This comes from the discomfort and shame of the female body based in a patriarchal system that has underemphasized the importance of educating women about their bodies. Something that many women are now working to change.
Contraindications for a yoni steam
It is best to avoid yoni steam while you are bleeding during menses or if you are having irregular periods where you bleed more often than two weeks. It is also suggested not to yoni steam during pregnancy or after ovulation if you are trying to conceive. If you have an IUD inserted it is suggested that you minimize the yoni steaming time to 10 minutes. Otherwise, use your intuition. What are you feeling in your body? Is now the right time, or are you feeling a need to wait? Ask and listen. This is part of the process of connecting to your womb.
Choosing Herbs
There are so many medicinal herbs that you can use for yoni steaming. So I will share with you some of my favorites. Mugwort is known as a powerful women’s herb and can be used to connect to the lineage of woman healers. So I would suggest including this herb when you can get access to it. Others include motherwort, rosemary, lemon balm, holy basil, red clover, marshmallow root, yarrow, lavender, calendula, oregano, dong qui, black cohosh, St. John’s wart, and rosehips. You can pick these herbs fresh or buy them dried. When using them fresh, the prep time for steaming will be slightly longer.
When you are choosing herbs, consider their healing properties and how they fit with your intention. Most importantly, tune in to what is calling you. Listen to your intuition.
*Stay away from stinging nettles, hot peppers, and essential oils.
When taking a walk in nature or going for a hike, bring a bag and scissors and cut pieces of plants that you feel a connection to. Before cutting the stem, always thank the plant for offering its healing powers. Make sure to educate yourself on the appropriate ways to cut so that the plant may heal and regenerate quickly.
Preparing your yoni steam bath
Set your intention
Setting an intention is a powerful practice. I have watched my life change and my body heal through setting intentions with my yoni steaming ritual. Journaling before you prepare the steam could be a helpful way to get clear on your intention.
The most important aspect of intention setting is the language and energy behind your ask. Is it coming from a pure place? Feel it come to fruition in your body as you say your intention out loud.
Contemplate what you are calling into your life? What are you letting go of? What healing are you asking for?
Practicing gratitude is another powerful energy that I suggest bringing into your yoni steaming ritual.
Preparing your herbs
Before you start, turn off all technology and screens. This is your time to relax, so it is best to minimize all distractions and interference.
Bring water to a boil in a large pot (I suggest distilled or spring water). Reduce the pot to a low boil and add one cup of dried herbs. Say your intention out loud as you pour the herbs into the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and leave it on a low boil for 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and let it cool with the lid on for another 5 minutes.
When you are ready, put on some socks to hold the heat in your body. Place the pot over a stool and sit wide-legged with your pelvis tilted to allow the steam to flow up your vaginal canal to reach your cervix. I suggest wearing a long skirt to create a tent so that the steam does not escape. Relax and allow your yoni to soak up the steam.
Meditate
Give yourself this time to drop in and relax. Notice what happens in each moment. Enjoy the sensations of the steam and the aromas of the plants. Notice your mind and let go of whatever mentally and spiritually comes up.
Call in your angels, guardians, and guides to support your healing. Open your heart and cervix to the healing waters and plants. The steam does all of the work for you, so now is the time to let go and receive.
Finishing up
When you are finished steaming, lie down flat and cover yourself with a blanket for at least 5 minutes. Take a savasana. Allow your body to enjoy the healing process and continue to relax. When you feel complete, you may pour your herbs onto the earth to offer gratitude back to the Mother.
Benefits of Yoni Steaming
There are many benefits to yoni steaming, and I have noticed on my path that the benefits vary depending on the woman. I have seen beautiful changes in my life and in my body from the magic and power of yoni steaming, so it is important to keep an open mind. Here are some benefits:
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- Cleanses the womb
- Relieves/reduces menstrual pain
- Reignites libido and sexual sensuality
- Releases trauma
- Postpartum healing
- Restores irregular menstrual cycles
- Revitalizes and energizes your uterus
- Can reduce vaginal dryness (although this can be diet related)
- Reduces yeast (although this can also be diet related)
- Improves overall health
- Eases anxiety
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- If you want to learn more about connecting to your womb, click the link below to learn more
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