REVIVING THE OLD V-STEAM TRADITION
Women are rediscovering a practice known to Ayurveda and other ancient systems – a practice that is not only believed to help cleanse the body but also to release pentup toxic emotions
The age-old natural way to cleanse the vagina — steaming — is in vogue again, thanks to wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow.
Many celebrities have admitted to trying the intimate ‘detoxifying’ ritual.
Chrissy Teigen posted an Instagram snap of her hovering over a bowl of herb-infused hot water last year. The latest to join the bandwagon are the women of Red Table Talk – Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris. All three women can be seen lowering themselves onto bowls of steam while wearing purple silk dresses.
“What sensation are you guys getting sitting here?” Jada asked her daughter and mom. “Definitely a lot of warmth,” Willow replied. “Yeah. This is real queen throne action right here. This is what I love,” Jada said.
Yoni steams are holistic self-care practices where the warmth of herbal steam is allowed to gently permeate the exterior of the vagina.
“To understand these ancient rituals, one needs to dig a little bit into the ancient times when womanhood was celebrated. Vagina steaming is known in Ayurveda too. It relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, hydrates the skin and giving a cleansing effect,” says wellness expert Megha Dinesh.
Exactly what is the deal with steaming vaginas?
“Frankincense, myrrh and neem are known for antibacterial effects and steam infusions of such items will also add to healthy bacteria. Apart from these benefits, Yoni steaming was a celebration done as a community of women. It was an opportunity for women to touch, feel, see, pleasure themselves, appreciate, and recognise the sacredness and beauty of their bodies, the different shapes and sizes, and celebrate womanhood,” adds Megha.
She however lists some precautions to take.
“The steaming should not last for more than 10 minutes, and care should be taken that the temperature is not excessive, as the delicate tissues can easily be harmed. The exercise should not be repeated more than 2-3 times in a single sitting and not more than once or twice a week. The accessories should facilitate a safe experience. And the steaming should be followed by a cold-water douche.”
THE CONTRARY VIEW
As many experts have noted, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ, making things like douches, jade eggs and other vaginal washes not only unnecessary but potentially dangerous.
“There are no scientific studies on vagina steaming. In fact, there are certain safety concerns associated with it. First, if you’re sitting with the steamer for 20-25 minutes, it can burn the sensitive tissues. The extra moist heat will change the PH in the vagina because of certain additives in the herbs. If the PH becomes more acidic, it could be more prone to infections. If it becomes more alkaline, there is an increased danger of bacterial infections. If the streaming equipment is not kept clean, local infections are possible. And if done while the woman is pregnant, it can adversely affect the foetus,” warns Dr Manjula Anagani, Clinical Director and HOD Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Care Hospitals.