Vaginal steaming (vaginal detox) is all about using steam and a selection of herbs to cleanse the vagina. The concept might sound a bit alien or odd at first, but vaginal steaming should be seen as a part of holistic body care that doesn’t neglect any part of your body. This technique has been compared to body detoxes and facial scrubs and is gaining popularity amongst women of all ages who perform it for different reasons.
What is vaginal steaming?Vaginal steam baths, popularly dubbed the V-steam baths, aim to cleanse, detox and tone up your vaginal lips, vaginal walls, cervix and uterus. You sit over a pot or bowl of herbal infused steam that rises into the vagina.
Although vaginal steaming became popular in the recent years and is now being offered by some more progressive spas and holistic health clinics, this treatment is no novice to the world of health and beauty. It has been known for centuries in Central and South America as ‘bajos’, and as ‘chai-yok’ in Korea. While there is still no scientific evidence to support V-steam benefits, this age-old technique has been widely used by Korean women as stress and infertility remedy. It is now being rediscovered once again.
Health benefits of V-steam bathsVaginal steaming is supposed to help in the treatment of the following conditions and problems according to traditional medicine:
- Bladder and yeast infections
- Vaginal cysts
- Hemorrhoids
- Infertility
- Irregular and painful periods
- Uterine fibroids
- Perennial tears
- Scarring from caesarian section
- Recovery from hysterectomies and laparoscopies
Similar to other forms of steaming, vaginal steaming too helps with stress and anxiety reduction. If you just think about how you feel after taking a soothing herbal sauna, this last benefit rings true.
There is no hard scientific evidence to support the use of vaginal steam baths, yet many holistic and western practitioners are sympathetic to the practice. It is based on natural principles and it is now up to you to decide for yourself if it is something that you would like to try and could work for you. It requires a bit of an open-mind, and then you’ll have your own experience to trust.
How does vaginal steaming work?Vaginal steaming increases
blood circulation to the pelvis, bringing more oxygen to this part of the body and relaxing pelvic floor muscles. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it helps with the symptoms of coldness and stagnation in the body.
If you live in a vicinity of a spa that keeps up to date with the latest trends, you can try a vaginal steam bath there. Alternatively, you can do a DIY version at home, which will give you more privacy and will also save you some money.
How to do a V-steam bath at homeDo your vaginal steam a few days before or after your period. During menstruation or pregnancy, you are discouraged to have one.
Boil about 1 gallon of filtered water and add your selection of dried or fresh herbs. Traditional herbs that are used in V steam include rosemary, lavender, oregano, basil, marigold, rose petals and chamomile among others (more about it later).
Use about 1 cup of dried herbs (or adjust according to your preferences and the strength of the herbs you are using. If you use fresh herbs, triple the amount as dried herbs are generally more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs). Boil for 10 minute and continue to steep off of the stove for an additional 5 minutes. Then pour the herbal water into a bowl. Sit over the bowl comfortably on a slatted chair without your underwear. Put a towel or a blanket around your waist and create a tent over the bowl. Make sure the bowl is placed far enough from your skin, so you don’t burn yourself. If it’s too hot, let it cool for a bit or place it further away. Steam your vagina and the surrounding areas for about 20 to 30 minutes, or even more in some spas, so put aside enough time.
You can also perform some gentle abdomen massage as you are steaming. It is completely normal to experience some cramping or have a vaginal discharge after your steaming, especially if you are doing it for the first time.
Herbs for vaginal steamingHerbs are believed to be the part of the treatment that is credited with the positive health effects. Different combinations can be used and you might want to consult an herbalist, so you get it right and prepare a mix specific to your individual needs. Also, some herbs can work against one another, so you need to consider this before putting them in a pot together.
When you absorb the herbs via your vaginal tissue, you are essentially taking a drug that will be absorbed into your blood stream. You need to be cautious what you put into your steam bath and get informed of any possible side effects beforehand. Try to use organic herbs, so you avoid any toxins entering your body.
Essential oils are not recommended, as they are too concentrated and can be of questionable quality.
Aside from the aforementioned herbs, TCM often uses:
- Mugwort – this herb is commonly used in a TCM treatment called moxibustion. It’s supposed to help with fertility and it increases the blood circulation.
- Wormwood – also known as artemisia herbal, it has antibacterial and antiviral properties, so can be used by women who suffer from chronic bacterial and/or viral infections. Only small amounts should be used, as it containsartemisinin, which is a neurotoxin.
You can include other herbs, depending on the season and your needs. If you are interested in herbal remedies, you can find more useful information in my e-book the
Herbal Remedies Guide. This e-book will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.
Men don’t need to feel completely left out. The practice is not exclusive to women and men can do prostate steaming, which involves steaming of the anus and perineum and is supposed to help with prostate health.
Whether you decide to try this practice or not, it’s always good to feel comfortable with your body, treat it with love and care and pay attention to its needs. Vaginal detox is just one way of doing that. You can get further information on how to naturally detox your body in my e-book
The Detox Guide which will help you to discover the most effective natural methods to neutralize harmful toxins from your body to enhance your vitality and increase your energy levels.
References
http://www.holisticwisdom.com/vaginal-vagina-steaming.htm
http://www.mamaandbabylove.com/2013/05/06/yup-i-am-gonna-talk-about-vaginal-steam-baths/
http://www.blogher.com/steam-your-vagina-obgyn-vaginal-steam-baths
http://natural-fertility-info.com/vagina-steam.html
Post time 8-2-2015 05:23 PM
变色卡
