What should I expect after doing a steam?
It is likely that steaming will change the course of your menses. There is often a great deal of material that is built up and left inside of your womb, which is expelled after doing the yoni steam. The herbs have a powerful effect on the uterus -- cleansing and toning what needs to be healed. Sometimes this means your flow will change and be heavier than usual the first couple steaming sessions, especially if you haven’t had a cycle in a long time. Ultimately, after doing several treatments, your following cycles will be much more consistent, and you'll feel relaxed, rejuvinated, and revitilized. Emotionally, you'll feel your body letting go of past traumas, and you'll feel more connected to your body than ever before.
Does yoni steaming really work?
Modern science would likley say no. However, yoni steaming is a remedy that has been passed on from generation to generation. Women in ancient cultures have shared success stories among one another, and they are just now beginning to be shared with us. I highly recommed reading Red Tent to learn more about the sacred beauty of woman-hood. Steaming has changed my life and the lives of many women that I have been blessed to work alongside in their healing journeys.
How often should I do a yoni steam?
As part of an overall self-care regime, I would recommend that women steam two to three times per month, always during weeks in which you are not menstruating. Women who suffer from pain, bloating or exhaustion during menstruation should steam two to three times within the week before menstruation. Women who are experiencing fertility challenges should steam once per week, and maybe twice during pre-ovulation, to make sure that the tissue is moist and that the cervical fluids are clear and copious. Expect to steam for three months before seeing full results. For the postpartum, a yoni steam may be done three times per week for four weeks to facilitate healing and toning of the uterus and vagina (please be sure there are no open wounds and that you are no longer bleeding). Women who are experiencing or who have passed menopause should steam at least three times per year for maintenance, but may steam more often if it feels right. For chronic challenges, you may want to steam up to three times per week to ensure the greatest results.
When is the best time of the month to steam?
You can steam at any time of the month, as long as you are not menstruating. It is typically recommended that for treating menstrual pain, you do you at least two vaginal steams in the week leading up to your period. After doing so, you will likely see a change in the fluid you pass when your period begins. You may also steam once after your cycle ends, to clear out any excess materials.
How long after birth should I wait to steam?
We recommend waiting at least a week after giving birth, just to give your body some time to heal on its own before introducing the warm steam. Obviously, in cases of extreme bleeding or hemorrhaging, a yoni steam would be contraindicated. There is not a point at which it is too late, as you will receive the benefits any time you decide to steam. Women who choose to do their first steam 4 or more months after giving birth often report getting their first cycle, even while still breastfeeding.
How is vaginal seaming beneficial for women pre- or post menopause?
Teacher of Maya medicine Rosita Arvigo states that women who have gone through menopause should still steam at least three times per year, especially in the year after ceasing menstruation. Doing so, she says, women will still pass some dark colored dryish fluid each time. Rosita sees this as a matter of cleansing the uterus of any leftover materials, and she states, "better out than in!". Of course, this is not to imply that the woman's body is not capable of cleansing itself. Its just another opportunity to support our bodies to complete the miraculous tasks they already know how to do! Other experts, such as the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, say that vaginal steaming can help eliminate pre- or post-menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain with intercourse.
I've had a partial or total hysterectomy. Are there any benefits of vaginal steaming for me?
Yoni steaming is great for all aspects of female health, so it can definitely still be beneficial for women who have had a hysterectomy. Even though the physical uterus may have been removed, the energetic center remains and it, too, can benefit from the warmth and cleansing properties of the herbs. Steaming is also great for increasing circulation, eliminating odor and eliminating bacterial infections such as yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
Can I use essential oils instead of herbs?
Essential oils should not be used in place of herbs as they are far too strong for this purpose and can cause damage. You should only use fresh or dry herbs.
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