Yoni Steam your way to hormone health
Yoni steaming is an ancient practice that has been passed down by women over centuries. Yoni steaming may sound a bit “out there” but it has an abundance of profound and positive effects on the female reproductive system. By the way, yoni in Sanskrit refers to the Womb. So how can yoni steaming support your hormones?
Years ago I trained in womb yoga (now called Well women yoga) with Uma Dilsmore-Tuli and around 5 years ago I took some advanced CPD’s (continual professional training) with my friend Angie Twydall in womb healing. I have been running a clinical practice supporting hormone health as a naturopath and nutritional therapist plus body worker and healer for almost 30 years now. In fact, for 15 years I exclusively specialised in fertility and even wrote my own womb healing practices and oracle cards. Anyway – the point of this is that it seems “normal” for modern day women to feel “dis-connected” from their womb centre. So why is this?
Have you been brought up to consider menstruation as an annoyance rather than an honour?
Suffered with recurrent miscarriage, sub or in-fertility?
Are in the cycle of menstrual pain, fear or trauma (emotional or physical), bleed irregularities, heavy periods, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, poly cystic ovaries, strong peri-menopause symptoms or something else?
For whatever reason you may feel negatively about your womb centre let me explain more about yoni steaming and it’s benefits.
Why Yoni Steam you way to hormone health?
Yoni steaming is traditional healing in the true sense of the word. This sacred ritual practice helps women re-connect with their soul centre which resides in the womb whilst easing menstrual irregularities. In the modern day we take our bodies for granted on all levels and place a huge expectation on its ability to perform on demand. I invite you to take a moment right now and think about your womb and her role throughout your life. Can you connect with her? What is she saying?
Whether you have already conceived children or not she has opened and closed to your very own expectations of her. This is why yoni care and nurturing this creative temple where all things grow is so important. Whether you are wishing to create a pregnancy and child, a new business, creative project or a new beginning (maybe you are adjusting to the end of your menstrual life, recovering from a hysterectomy, redundancy, divorce or separation) they all come from this same place of passion and life force so it’s time to reconnect and nurture her.
I met a beautiful kundalini yoga teacher called Indra Singh once at an amazing event called “Awaken the Goddess” where we were both exhibiting. She explained to me that she regularly yoni steams and taught her children to do so because the benefits are so profound.
Indra offers these words of Yogi Bhajan’s to help your womb journey. “A woman is especially sensitive to the blending of auras. If she blends her aura with one person here and another there, her aura is imprinted, and she cannot hold on to her identity. Her energy is very sensitive, and this merging of auras can have a very destructive effect on her. She can become emotionally weakened. This is very prevalent in our culture.”
A ritual for reconnecting with your womb – yoni steam your way to hormone health
Re-connect to the womb. As you begin to nurture and listen to her through yoni steam meditation/ritual your connection with this vital part of you not only becomes stronger but also life giving in all ways. Like a good friend you get to know her better and your communication becomes stronger.
Reproductive challenges such as peri-menopause menses, endometriosis, fibroids, menstrual cramps and some forms of sub-fertility can be caused when there is excess build up of uterine lining that was not shed in previous cycles. Yoni steams support a thorough cleanse and regular yoni steamers report reduced pain, bloating and exhaustion associated with their monthly bleed. They also report decreased menstrual flow as well as reduce dark purple or brown blood at the onset or end of menses.
Regulates irregular or absent menstrual cycles
Speeds healing and tones the reproductive system. Assists with the repair of a vaginal tear, episiotomy, C-section scar, post hysterectomy, helps reduce hemorrhoids and useful adjunct alongside my seasonal health programmes or Hormone MOT nutrition and lifestyle programme
Regular yoni steams are believed to help reduce uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness, uterine prolapse & endometriosis .
Relieves chronic vaginal/yeast infections especially when combined with probiotics and a Asyra health screening
Eases symptoms of vaginal dryness associated with the oral contraceptive, before your period, during the peri-menopause or if you suffer with Vaginal atrophy (the medical term that refers to the thinning of the wall of the vagina that occurs after menopause (once your menstrual periods have ceased)), vaginitis or pain during intercourse.
Helps to detoxify the womb and remove physical and emotional toxins from the body – this is especially worthwhile post uterine surgery, miscarriage or as you adjust to the end of your menstrual years.
Helps to release stored emotions and tap into the energy that is our creative potential.
How to yoni steam your way to hormone health
“Yoni steaming is a sacred meditation and it should be treated this way so that you can gain the maximum benefit from the experience.”
Simply buy or prepare your ingredients, wash them carefully and then heat about a cup full of the ingredients in 5 litres of water for 10 -30 minutes (will depend on ingredients). Prepare your sacred space carefully and dis-robe from the waist down. Now sit above the bowl of steaming herbal ingredients for about 30 minutes. The gentle heat carries the steam ingredients to the exterior tissues of your vagina/vulva. This increases circulation to the vulva area, allowing the bloodstream to absorb the healing properties of the ingredients into the inner reproductive system, including the uterus. This helps to relax and cleanse the uterus. The result is a healthier, more pleasant cycle and a more connected you. Personally, I find using a bucket or the toilet the easiest way.
When to yoni steam
Begin by choosing ingredients and timing for your yoni steams to support your specific hormone needs. If you are very logical then you may prefer to work with your womb cycle but if you prefer the more “shakti” aspect of moon energy then work with the moon. More of this below.
Irregular menses or during peri-menopause – this works best with moon energy so around each new and full moon.
Post miscarriage: this will depend on post miscarriage bleed. If you are on a “cleanse” then do it weekly until your cycle regulates. If you are actively trying to conceive then between days 1 – ovulation.
Pregnancy: No yoni steams please!
Moon ritual: Traditionally the moon is believed to control water. The new moon is a time for setting intention and many women begin their bleed at this time. The full moon is a time to “let go and release” and for many women they ovulate at this time. Both these times are perfect for yoni steams. If you read my blogs regularly or are already one of my clients you know that I work alongside nature, the wheel of the year, Goddess energy, seasons, rituals, cycles and the moon. I totally recommend working with the moon to support hormones and fertility.
Ask yourself these questions:
Have you ignored the sacredness of your own divine connection with your physical being?
Have you cut off your ability to go within and listen to your creative centre?
Have you turned away and ignored her attempt to communicate?
Are you friends with your womb?
I think that the answer for many of you will be “yes” or “I am not sure”. The sacred womb area represents a woman’s “home”, her “creative centre”. So this month, set your intention to yoni steam and reconnect with your creative centre
8 Botanicals for your yoni steam:
Yoni steaming has never been about just placing herbs in a pan and hoping for the best. Always choose organic and pesticide free.
This month I am offering a selection of the following herbs and flowers from my medicine garden for any yoni steaming clients. All I ask is for post payment. You need about a cupful in total of the ingredients to yoni steam.
Lavender flowers: A truly relaxing herb lavender properties help promote menstrual flow whilst emotionally the aroma soothes & calms those hormone rushes! As a Spagyric practitioner I also see the plant’s properties from a more spiritual perspective. lavender is calming and uplifting, moon balancing and mental clarity. Lavender traditionally is also an anti-depressant, enhances peripheral circulation, aids digestion, eliminates headaches and migraines, and is soothing to the nerves, helps to reduce stress, anxiety, tension, and irritability. Lavender also aids the respiratory system, is a treatment for insomnia, an aphrodisiac, and has also been used as a treatment for diabetes and insulin resistance.
Nettle: (include root but wash well) . Nettle root and leaves are high in minerals, vitamins and chlorophyll. This herb is supportive of gentle cleansing especially for the kidneys and liver so helpful for heavy menstruation and hormone balance. It also protects, tones and acts as a tonic for the nervous system/adrenals. Nettle helps promote and increase milk flow when breastfeeding and is an aphrodisiac. Spiritually it helps protects our auras. It also helps to free negative energies and amazing eliminator – wonderful kidneys/bladder detox. Emotionally nettle helps us to speak our truth and helps to balance the feminine cycle – triggering menstrual flow but simultaneously decreasing heavy periods and menses pain, pms and sugar cravings. It also helps reduce vulva itch and wonderful tonic for the nervous system . This nutritive botanical contains iron, calcium, silicon and potassium. Nettle is alkalizing to the blood, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Nettle has been known to help with arthritis, anaemia, menopause-related problems, osteoporosis, enlarged prostate, rosacea, sinusitis, and ulcerative colitis. It also stimulates the immune system, strengthens hair and skin, aids in respiratory problems, and slows aging. What a fantastic weed!
Peppermint: Antiviral, antibacterial and wonderful tonic for the digestive tract. Mint also supports the nervous system, pituitary gland and genital tract. If you suffer with an itching vulva, irregular, scanty or painful menses, hot flushes during the menopause and negative thoughts then peppermint is a perfect ingredient for your yoni steam. Spagyric medicine connects peppermint with a new perspective and dynamic progression. It acts as a bridge to help cross over to new energy and drives away negative thoughts and old demons!
Red Raspberry leaf: The properties in raspberry leaf encourage the uterus to relax. Within my clinic I recommend my pregnant clients drink it as a tea towards the end of the pregnancy or post miscarriage. Raspberry leaves are high in carotenoids, citric acid, tannins, vitamin A, B complex, C, and E. They also contain iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and silica. Raspberry is well-known by herbalists as a uterine tonic. The leaves contain an alkaloid called fragarine which researchers have found helps to simultaneously tone and relax the uterine muscle helping to balance the muscular action of the uterus. Raspberry also has astringent properties used to tighten lax tissues. Together the fragarine and astringency are thought to be responsible for many of the raspberry leaf benefits for women by helping tighten and tone uterine and pelvic muscles. Hence, infusing or drinking raspberry leaf tea regularly throughout the cycle is considered to support uterine prolapse and excessive menstrual bleeding. It is also used to help soothe painful muscle spasms in the uterus, helping to ease menstrual cramping It is a useful plant for general preparation for pregnancy, post miscarriage or failed assisted conception. I recommend you include raspberry leaf in your yoni steam if you suffer with heavy menstrual bleeding or have had uterine surgery in any form (surgical miscarriage, c-section, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, prolapse, previous uterine hemorrhage) to help recovery and tone the uterus.
Rosemary: This aromatic antimicrobial herb helps treat bacterial infections and speeds wound healing. It is also used to stimulate menstruation so only use a few sprigs if you are wanting your bleed! Spagyrically, rosemary is radiant, warm, uplifting, and energizing. Rosemary dispels dark moods and depression and provides an energy boost. Rosemary is a tonic, astringent, restorative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antispasmotic. It stimulates the liver and gallbladder, improves digestion and relieves cramps and gas, improves circulation by enhancing blood flow, controls pathogenic organisms, and helps to lower high blood sugar levels. It has also been known to treat headaches, fibromyalgia, colds, and rosacea. Rosemary is thought to be effective for Alzheimer’s disease – the phytochemicals in rosemary may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that allows neurons within the brain to communicate with each other. Several laboratory studies suggest that rosemary contains compounds that prevent carcinogenic chemicals from binding to and inducing mutations in DNA. At the Spirit and Soul level, Rosemary is uplifting, cheering, and warm, and so is of great benefit in relieving anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
Rose petals, geranium or jasmine flowers Long a symbol of love and purity roses are an excellent tonic for the womb, calming premenstrual tension, promoting vaginal secretions and regulating the menstrual cycle. Rose helps open the heart and restores balance and sweetness to the body and soul. Rose is one of the deepest remedies for healing the emotional and spiritual heart. Through embodying the essence of Love, rose assists us in healing our past wounding and trauma around the heart and the ability to give and receive Love. Rose assists in the integration of the lessons past relationships presented so we can move forward and not repeat the patterns- brings in the soul mate and life partner. But Rose isn’t all just Love, it is also strength and protection of the heart, which is embodied by the signature of the thorns. She helps us to understand protection not as defending our self, but by standing strong by our own heart and living in the ways of Love. Geranium: Once used as a general healing herb but I have found it to be one of the best balancing oils – harmonising extreme conditions both physically and mentally supporting anxiety, tension, moods and fears. Geranium helps relieves fluid retention and acts as a tonic for the liver. The perfect plant for fertility, menstrual and menopausal issues. Jasmine: The delicate white flowers of this wonderful plant is a valuable remedy for the skin, helps to calm nerves and soothe emotions. Perhaps the most valued oil in childbirth it is considered to hasten delivery whilst relieving pain. A superb hormone balancer jasmine has been used to relieve spasms in the uterus and soothe menstrual pain. The aroma is deeply relaxing and believed to be an aphrodisiac.
Disclaimer: This information is meant for general guidance only and cannot be construed as recommendation. The suggestions do not take into account allergies, sensitivities, pregnancies, medication or any other health issues which may impact on the use of any of the plants. Naturopathic consultations and assessment are recommended on an individual basis. For correct use please request advice from a qualified herbalist, aromatherapist or health practitioner before using.
References: Romm, Aviva. (2010). Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier
Please feel free to explore more articles within my web site!
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How MLD (lymphatic massage) supports your fertility
Taking Control: A positive approach to PCOS
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Justine Evans ND – Hormone Alchemist and Wisewoman offers a multi dimensional approach to hormone integrating functional nutritional therapy with naturopathy. Her clinics are in Stroud, Cotswolds and Twickenham plus online. Call 07747 133170 to schedule a consultation or treatment.