About
The vaginal sauna or yoni steam is a natural bath that cleanses the uterus and vagina,
reduces cramps, regulates menstruation and bloating. At least, those who practice it are
convinced of this. This
natural healing technique has even become very popular after the praise of the American star
Gwyneth Paltrow. But beyond the
soothing warmth it offers to the genitalia, does this practice really work? Is it reliable
and safe? We give you all the answers in this
article.
The vaginal bath is considered a healing tool. Most women have a more or less conflicting relationship with their private parts due to painful periods, difficulties in getting pregnant, reproductive system disorders or trauma.
In addition to being an excellent tool for healing, the vaginal sauna is a profound way to reconnect with your feminine essence.
According to the women who have tried it, this practice has the following benefits:
NB: It is strongly advised against using the yoni steam during menstruation and even less during pregnancy. There are also other contraindications:
The vaginal sauna releases steam, which can be infused with herbs, into your genitalia. It's
a very simple process: just squat or sit over a bucket (or other container) that holds the
hot water.
You can get this natural treatment in some spas. It is also possible to do it at home.
The following herbs are commonly used, either alone or in
combination:
Most spas have a special seat with a hole that allows steam to flow freely into the vagina. Otherwise, here are the steps to follow to make the yoni steam at home:
A vaginal sauna lasts on average 20 to 40 minutes. It may happen that the steam cools down earlier, depending on the initial temperature of the water.
At present, there is no scientific evidence to confirm or deny whether this practice works
or not. What is certain is that the steam from the yoni herbs infused in hot water is absorbed by
the tissues of the vagina and the mucous membranes of the womb.
This inhalation of heat promotes blood circulation in the genital tract, thus purifying,
toning and unclogging the tissues at this level. A toned, purified and unclogged
reproductive system is certainly less prone to the disorders that can affect women.
The vaginal bath would therefore be effective in reducing the pain that can occur in the
uterus and vagina. It would also help to relax the reproductive system, which could have a
positive impact on fertility.
There are no scientific studies to date that indicate that the vaginal sauna is safe. On the
other hand, steam cleaning of the uterus and vagina does not meet any medical code.
The vaginal microbiome produces a natural pH that could be disturbed by vaginal bathing. This
would then provide an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria that are the cause
of many vaginal infections.
The skin of the vagina is very sensitive and
delicate. Exposing it to hot steam can burn your genitals.
There are no medical guidelines that recommend steaming the vagina.
While some natural therapies have been studied and proven to be useful, the vaginal sauna has
not yet been used.
You may be exposed to one of the following situations when using a vaginal sauna
Trying to cleanse your vagina with hot steam can burn your private parts as reported in a study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada in 2018. The study looked at the case of a woman in her sixties who tried a steam bath to relieve the pain caused by a vaginal prolapse. Not only did it not help her, but the steam gave her a second degree burn.
According to Dr Vanessa Mackay, there are no health benefits to vaginal sauna
use. This is what she said in an interview with The Independent newspaper, in her
capacity as spokesperson for the Royal College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Moreover, it suggests that this practice can cause an imbalance in the vaginal
flora as a result of
excessive hygiene. This could lead to an increased risk of
inflammation or fungal infections.
So the vagina does not need a thorough cleaning. This is what Dr. Jen Gunther also maintains when
she points out in her New York Times column that the vulva, uterus and vagina are "self-cleaning ovens" and that "douching" should be avoided. She recommends
using only simple, unscented soaps on the outer layer of the vulva.
The practice of steam bathing leads to a change in the ecosystem of vaginal bacteria, which
increases the risk of genital or vaginal infections.
While herbs are natural, it should be remembered that they are also potent. Using
them topically can
therefore cause an allergic reaction.
There are other safer methods of using herbs and heat to soothe period pain and endometriosis. For
example, you can drink a cup of hot herbal tea or very gently massage the pelvic
area.
If you want to try the vaginal sauna, it's best to talk to your doctor or a certified natural health
expert first to understand the ins and outs.