Vaginal Steaming NYC: Benefits for Period Pain, Fertility & Hormone Balance
What is vaginal steaming?
Vaginal steaming is a non-invasive, traditional gynecological practice where women sit or squat over herbal steam. Every culture has a story related to using rising steam or smoke in the vulvovaginal area, introducing circulation to the pelvis and womb. Women have used herbs, fire, and commonly water to support their reproductive health since the beginning of time.
As more conditions plague women’s wombs, there has been renewed interest in vaginal steaming. It has been growing in popularity as a natural alternative to more invasive procedures.
What are the benefits of vaginal steaming?
Benefits of vaginal steaming range from eliminating painful PMS symptoms like cramps and heavy period flow to regulating cycles like shortening long periods, extending short cycles, and ending pre-period or post-period spotting. Many steam users have reported getting rid of recurring conditions like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, as well as reducing or eradicating fibroids and cysts. Steaming has been used to increase fertility and support healthy implantation by clearing old residual uterine lining. In the postpartum phase, it is especially helpful to clear lochia and combat uterine prolapse. Menopausal and postmenopausal women have reported vaginal comfort from increasing libido to alleviating dryness and vaginal atrophy. Women have reported benefits following hysterectomies including improvements with scar tissue and elimination of irregular or brown discharge after the procedure.
What are common misconceptions related to vaginal steaming?
While this ancient practice has numerous potential benefits for women’s health, misconceptions still persist. A common belief is that vaginal steaming is inherently dangerous due to the risk of burns. In reality, risk arises from improper use rather than the practice itself. As with any form of heat exposure, such as a hot shower, sauna, or cooking flame, temperature must be carefully regulated. Vaginal steaming is intended to be warm and soothing, not hot, and should always be adjusted to individual comfort and safety.
Another common assertion is that the vagina is self-cleaning. While it is true that the vaginal canal maintains its own balance through natural discharge and pH regulation, this statement is often applied too broadly. Women suffer from womb conditions that can disrupt the effectiveness of their monthly uterine cleanses. When the body is under stress or not functioning at its optimal level, supportive practices like vaginal steaming that encourage relaxation and blood flow may be beneficial without interfering with the vagina’s natural self-regulating processes.
What herbs are used for vaginal steaming?
The exact mix of herbs and proportions of each depends on a woman's individual make-up and allergies. A standard blend includes stinging nettle to replenish iron in the blood, lavender for disinfecting properties and citrus peel for an uplifting aroma therapeutic effect. Other herbs are not universally used due to their specific properties. For example, motherwort is known as an emmenagogue for promoting menstrual flow. Mugwort is a fascinating herb that depends on the species for its properties. Artemisia Vulgaris, common mugwort, has a similar cleansing effect on the uterus, however, Artemisia Argyi, Chinese mugwort, has the opposite effect, closing up arteries to prevent uterine bleeding. Astragalus root also has hemostatic qualities that aid in lengthening cycles. Mint varieties are used for moisturizing and cooling effects, particularly helpful for dryness and women in menopause. SSS Oasis prefers to use spearmint for the more delicate scent and long time use in PCOS treatment as a tea.
What to expect with a vaginal steam?
Women who are steaming for the first time will have a consultation to discuss their womb health and menstrual cycles. The practitioner will prepare a custom blend and boil water to pour over the herbs. Once the steam is at a warm comfortable temperature, the client will remove their bottom half clothes and take a seat on the disinfected wooden steam box. A robe will be available for modesty and a Turkish towel will be wrapped around their waist and steam seat to direct the steam upward in the vulvovaginal area. It is recommended for first time users to begin with a ten minute steam.
After the steam, a cooling mist will be offered for the vulva to help close the pores. Then the client will lay down in a salt cave with a heating pad on their belly to integrate and soften into a womb meditation.
While even a single steam can offer benefits, a monthly practice is recommended for maintenance. More frequent steaming can be used to address conditions like missing periods, infections, fibroids and cysts. Underlying sensitivities like excess heat will cause some women to always steam for a maximum of ten minutes while others can increase to twenty or thirty minutes as advised by the practitioner.
Vaginal steaming can have immense benefits for women’s reproductive and fertility health if used with the proper herbs, proportions, set up and duration. It can even be used during labor preparation, stalled labor, or active labor.
Discover your individual needs and which herbs can provide benefits to your womb by booking your first steam session.