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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about vaginal steaming. I mean, it feels like every fourth sponsored post on my IG feed is basically related to steaming but this is probably related to the fact that I often write about #allthingsvagina. If you’re one of the few women who’ve never heard of a v-steaming, let me give you a quick overview and share my vajayjay steaming experience.
What is Vaginal Steaming?
V-steaming is an ancient practice where you sit over a boiling pot of herb-infused water with the aim of oxygenating and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. This practice is said to help menstrual health and fertility but honestly, I couldn’t find any scientific studies to support these claims. V-steaming can be done at home or a swanky spa. Steam sessions usually last anywhere between 20 and 60 minutes.
Why I Steamed My Vagina
The honest answer is sheer curiosity. After spending a few hours researching local spas offering this service, I was elated when I stumbled upon the Heal Thy Self Atlanta website. Located in the trendy Grant Park neighborhood, this quaint spa offers an array of services to help clients meet their physical and emotional needs. In addition to v-steaming, Health Thy Self Atlanta also offers massages, facials, colon hydrotherapy, and foot detoxes.
My Vaginal Steaming Experience
Exactly one week after booking my v-steam session online, I made my 40-minute drive to their urban location. I entered the lobby and was greeted with soothing music, one of a kind art painting and the friendliest hostess welcoming me to the spa. I completed the necessary consent forms, I was handed a simple but attractive vaginal steaming menu.
Vaginal Steaming Herbs
I chose the 45-minute menstrual balance steam session but the menu also included other steam options like:
- Perimenopause/PMS steam
- Menopause steam
- Fertility steam
- Miscarriage steam, and
- Postpartum steam
My menstrual balance included several herbs like:
- Motherwort
- Mugwort
- Basil
- Rosemary,
- Calendula and
- Chamomile
This blend is said to improve menstrual cycles-making them lighter, releasing clots and improving overall menstrual balance.
After a few minutes, I was ushered into the v-steam room. This room was set up for relaxation- dimmed lights, rock salt lamp, and raindrop sounds playing in in the background. I was given an overview of about the foot sauna and about what to expect with my v-steam. The pleasant hostess then left the room giving me a few minutes to disrobe to put on my relaxation robe (which was a little too small) and to seat myself on what essentially looked like a small toilet -without the water. She reappeared a few minutes later with a glass of chlorophyll infused water which she informed me would help to keep me hydrated. It essentially tasted like cold watered-down mint tea. Not bad and better than I expected.
My Vulva is on Fire
After a few minutes of being seated on the waterless-toilet, I could feel things starting to heat up “down below.” I’m not going to lie, it got hot. Like I had to readjust myself a couple of times for fear of suffering from 3rd-degree burns on my vulva. But sitting there in the dark, with soothing music in the background it was hard not to feel relaxed. And as a mommy, nurse, wife, blogger, it was the perfect opportunity to take a quick nap (y’all know I love naps). It was the first time in several years that I actually got to spend time alone. No interruption, no knocks at the door with a little voice on the other side asking “mommy are you in there?” It was just me, my vagina, and a boiling pot of water. Lol.
Self-Care is a Must
I must say I truly enjoyed my vaginal steam. Often, as women, we spend so much time caring for others, we forget to engage in our self-care. After what seemed like a quick 45 minutes, like clockwork, the perky hostess knocked at my door to let me know my session was finished. She handed me a hand towel so I could clean myself up and then let herself out. I spent a few minutes getting dressed before heading back to the front desk. The cheerful hostess handed me another tall glass of chlorophyll infused water. We chatted a bit about the spa and available services as she checked in other guests. The spa was surprisingly busy for a Sunday afternoon. I thanked the cheerful hostess for the great experience before settling my bill and leaving.
My Thoughts My Spa Experience
I had a great experience with my first v-steam at Heal Thy Self Atlanta. The hostess was professional, courteous and very knowledgeable- she let me know that my next period may be lighter, shorter and that I might have fewer cramps. I’m not sure if it was just a coincidence but about 10 minutes after my steam, I did feel small twinges and little cramping in my lower abdomen. My overall take on vaginal steaming is that it feels hot, your vulva gets sweaty and occasionally have to readjust yourself because of the steam. So you’re probably dying to know if my period symptoms improved. I didn’t see any difference my first day but I will say that overall, I experienced less cramping.
Yoni Steaming Side Effects
The reality is most experts would tell you not to engage in v-steaming. I mean, you are basically aiming hot steaming water into your most intimate space. So if you are going to do it there are a few things to remember to do it safely:
- Make sure the steam temperature is mild to avoid scalding your va-jay-jay.
- If you have a piercing “down there” be sure to take it out before your steam session since it may heat up and possibly cause burning.
- Avoid v-steaming if you are on your period or if you’ve got a baby on board.
Trying Something New
Women around the world have been getting vaginal steams for hundreds of years. By doing your research and taking the proper precautions, you can engage in a little self-care while providing the most important but often overlooked part of your body with a little TLC.