YONI STEAMING - MAYAN BAJOS
Vaginal steaming - also called Pelvic Steaming, Perineal Steaming, Yoni Steaming and Mayan Bajos - is a powerful ancient self-care practice used by women from many cultures globally, which involves the use of herbal infused steam to target the pelvic area.
Vaginal steaming practices are found in many indigenous cultures around the world. They are popular in Central America, India, Eastern Europe, and in China and Korea, where women commonly incorporate them as part of their self-care routines. Yoni, a Sanskrit word for the female genitals, the vagina and uterus, can be translated as ‘sacred place’, ‘womb’, ‘source’ and ‘origin’, symboling our divine nature and the womb as the sacred portal to life. Yoni steaming is called ‘Chai-Yok’ in Korea, and ‘Bajos’ in Mexico (literally meaning ‘down low’).
In traditional Mayan culture the womb and uterus are considered to be the centre of a woman’s power. If her womb was out of balance, her life would also be out of balance. For Mayan women, womb care was prioritised as an act of daily self-care with regular self massage. When the uterus is centred and lifted, circulation is greatly improved, detox of the reproductive organs happens much more effectively, and women are more connected to their power. Mayan women took great care to maintain the health and alignment of their wombs, and as a result, they rarely experienced cramps, fibroids, PMS, or even menopausal symptoms.
How does Yoni Steaming work?
The nourishing, warming steam permeates the vaginal and uterine tissues to nourish and tone the area, bring in fresh oxygenated blood and promote cleansing of the uterus.
Benefits
Improved vaginal health. Yoni steaming has been practiced historically to maintain vaginal hygiene and reduce the risk of infections. Yoni steaming strengthen the uterus, relieves urinary tract infections and increases circulation and lubrication to this area.
Menstrual cycle & hormone balance. This practice is especially beneficial to reduce menstrual pain, prevent menstrual cramps, help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease symptoms of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
Fertility Support. Vaginal steaming can improve fertility by promoting a healthy reproductive system. Steaming the vagina increases blood flow to the pelvic area, improving stagnant fertility conditions such as blood clotting during menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids and cysts, and helps in healing scar tissue from fibroid removal and vaginal tears.
Postpartum Recovery. Yoni steaming is used in postpartum care to assist in healing and rejuvenation of the pelvic area after childbirth. Yoni steaming helps repair damaged tissues from childbirth such as tears, abrasions and haemorrhoids, and speeds healing & toning of the uterus after birth, cleansing and contracting it to its normal size postpartum.
Menopause & hysterectomy. Yoni steaming is beneficial for women who have had hysterectomies and to ease menopause symptoms, and to create cleansing, circulation & lubrication in this area.
Energetic release. This taditional ritual practice is a holistic way to reduce stress & enhance relaxation, release stored emotions and energetic stress & trauma that may be held in the womb-space, energetically restoring harmony to this sacred space.
Traditional herbs for Yoni steaming
A blend of dried herbs is chosen, which differs globally with culture and bio-regional availability. Some of the most commonly chosen herbs for pelvic steaming include -
Calendula flowers are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing to irritated tissues. Calendula helps ease cramping and heavy blood flow. This flower soothes inflammation, supports healing and brings a soft, comforting vibe to your steam. It is perfect for postpartum recovery.
Motherwort is a bitter ‘mother herb’ utilised for its calming properties, easing anxiety and lowering blood pressure. Used traditionally for fatigue, cramps, to aid relaxation, regulate the menstrual cycle and ease symptoms of menopause. A potent heart tonic, effective in supporting the ‘mother wound’. Useful in a Yoni steaming blend for preconception and postpartum cleansing. Read the full Motherwort blog here.
Mugwort is known for stimulating the uterus and balancing hormones. It is also anti-microbial, protective and healing, soothes cramping and calms inflammation. A magical herb and a traditional plant used in this practice.
Yarrow is an astringent herb that is used traditionally for wounds and minor bleeding, and to prevent infection. Yarrow has antispasmodic and analgesic properties which relieve pain, as it relaxes the smooth muscle in the intestine and uterus, providing relief from stomach and menstrual cramps. Helps to restore a regular menstrual cycle, and aids in toning the muscles and increasing muscular activity of the uterus. Yarrow is useful for regulating the menstrual cycle and menstrual blood flow, whether for absent periods (amenorrhea) or heavy periods. Yarrow stimulates circulation, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and helping to heal uterine congestion including PCOS and endometriosis. Excellent in a postpartum Yoni steam for cleansing and toning the uterus, and healing any bruising, tears or haemorrhoids from birthing.
Lavender is a sweet-smelling antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial herb with powerful soothing and cleansing properties for a healthy vaginal environment. In a Yoni steam, Lavender helps relax pelvic muscles, whilst calming and easing tension.
Rosemary is antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. It purifies and stimulates the uterus, circulating out old fluids and blood. Rosemary can help reclaim or remember lost parts of your self after trauma.
Witch Hazel is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory herb with a special affinity for toning and strengthening the blood vessels, veins, mucous membranes, and skin. Helps to tighten pores and tone the skin. Relieves minor pain and irritation in the perineal area.
Rose petals are soothing and toning to the reproductive system, and are a beneficial herb for moving stagnation in the womb. Rose helps to regulate hormones, assisting with period pain & cramping, menstrual irregularities, blood stagnation & excessive menstruation. Considered an aphrodisiac, in both Traditional Chinese Medicine & Ayurveda, Rose is used to increase libido & fertility. Read the full Rose Herbal Monograph here. Beautiful for grief and to nurture the heart.
How to steam your Yoni
Steaming can be done by squatting over the pot of hot water & herbs or by using a steaming seat - a small wooden stool with a hole in the centre. Wrap a towel or blanket around your waist and allow the steam to rise and be held in by the fabric to allow the steam to penetrate the vaginal area and abdominal area.
Cautions & contraindications
Yoni steaming should only be done before and after your menstrual cycle, not whilst bleeding. Steaming while pregnant is not suggested unless you are in your last trimester and under the guidance of a midwife. Yoni steaming is contraindicated for women experiencing a current infection, or with a plastic IUD or the Nexplanon contraceptive implant. (Nexplanon prevents pregnancy by helping create a thick mucus lining in the womb. Yoni steaming helps clear out thick mucus and could cause the birth control method to fail.)