To Steam or Not to Steam

A Heated Debate

by LaSonya Roberts-Lopez, MD

January 11, 2025

To steam or not to steam?, that is the question. Sorry, gentlemen, today is for the ladies, but keep reading because you might find it useful (hint hint). Yoni steaming, also known as vaginal steaming, is an ancient customary tradition that has been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world. It has been used in healing and self-care practices in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. In Korea, a similar practice called chai-yok has been used for postpartum care for generations. Yoni steaming is also a part of traditional Mayan medicine and is known as bajos. It has been said that women have utilized yoni steaming as a sacred way to reconnect with the power of the divine feminine, balance their menstrual or moon cycle, increase fertility, cleanse and nourish the womb space, gracefully transition into menopause, and even heal the body, heart, and mind from physical, sexual, and/or cultural trauma. Women are now seeking vaginal detox to treat uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, endometriosis, painful intercourse, pelvic floor spasms, vaginal itching, PMS symptoms, and vaginal lubrication holistically. It involves sitting over a pot of steaming water infused with herbs, typically for 20-45 minutes. She covers herself with a blanket or towel to create a steam tent. It is recommended that loose, comfortable clothing is worn during and after the steam to allow the vagina to breathe and avoid irritation. Most women will go to a wellness center to have their vaginal detox, but there are Yoni kits that can be purchased and used at home. The specific herbs used in yoni steaming vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences, but common herbs used include rosemary, lavender, chamomile, yarrow, calendula, and mugwort. These herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties.

Now what exactly is “yoni”? Yoni is a Sanskrit word that is often used to refer to the female genitalia. In Hinduism, yoni is considered a sacred symbol of the goddess Shakti, representing the creative power and energy of the divine feminine. The word “yoni” can be translated to mean “source,” “womb,” or “vagina,” and is often associated with fertility and childbirth. The use of the term yoni has been traced to ancient Hindu texts, which date back to around 1500–500 BCE. If you are like me, you want to know, “Well, what is Sanskrit? Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-European language that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is considered to be the oldest language in the world, with a history dating back to around 2000 BCE.

Now let’s move on and review vaginal anatomy so that we can gain some perspective on why most medical experts do not support yoni steaming as appropriate gynecologic self-care. The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal that extends from the external genitalia (vulva) to the cervix of the uterus. Its shape, size, and length vary depending on age, hormonal status, and sexual activity. The vagina consists of three layers: the inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer. The inner layer, also known as the mucosa, is a moist, pink, and delicate tissue that lines the vagina. It has numerous folds that enable the vagina to stretch during sexual activity and childbirth. The mucosa also contains glands that produce mucus to lubricate the vaginal canal. The middle layer is made of smooth muscle fibers and is responsible for the vagina’s ability to contract and relax during sexual arousal and orgasm. The outer layer is a thin layer that contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves that supply the vagina. The vagina is surrounded by a group of pelvic floor muscles that play a critical role in sexual function by helping maintain vaginal tone and sensitivity.

When reading about vaginal steaming, most scientific literature refers to “potential benefits” due to the lack of adequate scientific data to support its suggested claims. It’s important to note that yoni steaming is not recommended for everyone, especially pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions such as open wounds, active infection, or an IUD. It’s always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before attempting any new wellness practice, including yoni steaming. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) discourages vaginal steam baths or other vaginal “cleansing” methods, as they can raise the risk of injury or infection.

Concerns about vaginal steaming can be classified as follows:

• Burns or injury risk: Steam is a hot and potentially dangerous substance that can harm the vagina and vulva’s delicate tissues.

• Disruption of vaginal flora: The vagina’s delicate balance of bacteria that maintains its health and protects against infection may be disrupted by vaginal steaming, resulting in an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

• Lack of evidence: Although some people believe that vaginal steaming can help with menstrual cramps, hormone regulation, and fertility, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. Many medical experts believe that vaginal steaming is a potentially dangerous and unproven practice.

• Cultural appropriation: Vaginal steaming is a traditional practice in some cultures, and some people argue that its growing popularity among Westerners represents a form of cultural appropriation that disregards the practice’s cultural and historical significance.

So after all that is said and done, what side are you on? As long as you make an informed decision, I believe it is a personal choice. It is crucial to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any medical intervention you may be considering. This is a judge-free zone. I’m not making a recommendation either way, but if I decide to give it a shot, I’ll share my experience. Nonetheless, it is important to be cautious, wise, and take good care of your yoni!

Please post your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.