Vaginal steaming, aka V-steaming, aka Yoni steaming has been described as “a facial for your vagina.” It’s an ancient procedure dating back centuries that has been described in both the Mayan and Central American culture. This alternative health procedure has recently reemerged in spas over the last decade and has been touted by certain celebrities. The procedure consist of sitting or squatting over a bowl of steaming water infused with herbs, some of which might include mugwort, wormwood, basil, and rosemary. The warmth of the steam is supposed to soften and open up the pores of the skin of the vagina so that the herbs can be absorbed into the skin and affect the vagina and reproductive organs, such as the uterus, tubes, and ovaries and impart medicinal effects such as cleansing and revitalization.
What are the proposed benefits?
The procedure is said to improve unwanted symptoms of the menstrual cycle, such as cramping, bloating, heavy and irregular bleeding. Other listed benefits include increased fertility, promoting healing after childbirth, and alleviating menopausal symptoms. I also found reports of the procedure being used to address stress, depression, hemorrhoids, fatigue and headaches.
Does it really work?
There is no scientific evidence to substantiate the reported benefits of vaginal steaming. One potential benefit is that the moist heat may increase blood flow to the vaginal vulvar area, which could potentially increase sexual arousal and function. This has not been well studied.
There are many potential harms.
- Adding moisture or heat to the vagina may facilitate an environment that allows yeast and other vaginal infections to thrive.
- The vaginal skin is delicate, sensitive, and easily traumatized. Adding heat to this area may cause scalding or burning. These types of burns are very painful and difficult to treat.
- We have no idea how this herbal steam may affect you. You could be fine, or it could cause serious irritations. We also have no idea of the effects of this herbal steam on a developing fetus. There have been some reports of herbs that can increase your risk for a miscarriage. This procedure should not be performed while pregnant.
What’s the bottom line?
We do not recommend this practice. In fact, other procedures that tout similar benefits, like douching, have long been discouraged. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, it does not need our help. A healthy vagina has both good and bad bacteria, as well as yeast maintained in their proper balance. Doing things to manipulate this environment, such as douching, steaming, or using certain feminine hygiene products can upset this balance and increase your risk for vaginal infections.
There is no evidence that the herbal steam can penetrate the vulvar vaginal tissues or have any effects on the reproductive organs. In the same token, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate any of the previously made claims. The vagina’s fine just the way it is, leave it alone. To take it even a step further. It’s this type of rhetoric that continues to perpetuate negative self-images of women by insinuating that vaginas are somehow bad, dirty, disgusting, and are in need of outside manipulation to set them right, none of which is true.
So to sum it up, sis, we don’t recommend vaginal steaming. Get your medical advice from medical professionals. Educate yourself with reliable sources of information, know the facts, let’s change the narrative.
That’s all for today folks. As always, I appreciate you, take good care and stay healthy friends. If you enjoyed this video and want to see more like it, be sure and hit the like button and follow us @docwoodus for all the latest updates.
Take care.
