What is Pelvic Steaming?
Pelvic steaming (also known as vaginal steaming or yoni steaming) is an ancient holistic modality used to balance a woman’s menstrual cycle. It’s a nourishing self-care practice that has a history of being practiced all over the World and is most commonly used today in South Korea, Suriname, Polynesian Islands, East Africa and the Czech Republic.
The process of Pelvic Steaming includes a woman sitting or kneeling over a pot of steaming hot water infused with an herbal blend (similar to a tea) for a specific amount of time. Pelvic Steaming is a safe self-care practice best guided by a trained practitioner. It is recommended to consult with a certified Peristeam Facilitator before practicing at-home steam sessions. Not all steam plans are the same and it’s important to practice a safe steam protocol based on your unique body.
During a Pelvic Steam Consultation, a professional hydrotherapist will evaluate a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine the appropriate steam plan.
The hydrotherapost will evaluate the following information for each client:
- Menstrual cycle length (the time between two periods)
- Menstrual cycle symptoms (e.g. dryness, cramping, discharge and its color, etc.)
- Period length
- Period color
- Period flow
- Spotting between periods
- Allergies or food intolerances
From this information, the hydrotherapist will provide a tailored steam plan which can appear different for many women depending on what they have going on within their body.
Steam plans will provide the following information:
- A detailed analysis about their menstrual cycle
- When to steam
- How long to steam
- The herb selection for their steam protocol
- Instructions on how to prepare the herbs and how to steam without a steam seat
- What to expect during a steam session
- Best practices for clients to follow
- How to properly care for their period
There are a variety of benefits to Pelvic Steaming and the best way to get started is to have a Pelvic Steam consultation with a certified practitioner who will provide you with a customized treatment plan.
Keep in mind that Pelvic Steaming is NOT advised while:
- Pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or after ovulation if you’re trying to conceive
- You have an active menstrual cycle or are bleeding/spotting
- Experiencing an active burning itch
- Using certain birth control methods (e.g. tubal ligation) unless willing to use an alternative birth control method
