Yoni Steaming 101: What is it and why would I do it?

A custom yoni steam sauna.

When I tell people that I facilitate yoni steams I get all sorts of responses from an uncomfortable silence, laughter, or quizzical looks followed by questions such as “what is a yoni?” and “you steam your vagina, doesn’t it hurt?” or my fav, “why would i want to do that?”.

Yoni steaming (aka vaginal steaming or pelvic steaming) is the act of sitting over a pot of herbs heated to a gentle simmer until it gives off a nice and steady steam. The pot is placed in a yoni steam sauna box, stool, or chair and you can also squat over it if you don’t have one.

Traditionally, yoni steaming has been found in use all over the world in many countries. Its exact origin is unknown but yoni steaming is still used today largely as postpartum support for mothers who have recently given birth. Keli Garza, owner of Steamy Chick, and who I became certified Peristeam Steam Facilitator through Steamy Chick and am in the Peristeam Hydrotherapy Program (PHT). This program and my certification has broadened my knowledge of herbs and steaming.

Trusting that yoni steaming can provide and support many gyneologicial symptoms in addition to post-partum support, Keli and Kimberly Johnson funded a study on the efficacy of post-partum steaming on mothers. Find more about the study here.

In addition to supporting mothers all over the world in their postpartum care, yoni steaming has been found to positively impact menstrual cycles. When steaming consistently of a 6 month period, most women noticed a significant decrease in premenstrual syndrome symptoms before their period, decreased severity of cramps, decrease of clots, bright and fresh red colored menstrual blood. Less bloating, back ache, and overall pain with their cycle.

The benefits are truly outstanding.

I am currently taking new clients in the SE Portland area and am offering in person steams as well as custom steam plans, I sell steaming herbs and saunas for at home use.