Let’s talk about steaming… again!
By Alexandra Garcia + Kenna Bouvet
A lot has happened since we last wrote a post about steaming. We don’t call it v-steam anymore, we now call it pelvic steam, because vaginas aren’t the only part of the body that steaming can benefit from! The digestive system, urethra, pelvic floor muscles and breasts (while breastfeeding) can be impacted by this treatment.
Ten years ago it wasn’t as easy to find information about it, today with a quick google search, you’ll find wonderful information about the practice, as well as some controversial opinions about it. You might even run into celebrities raving about how it helped them postpartum and how it's now part of their self care routine. No doubt, pelvic steam is going mainstream, but there is great validity to why pelvic steaming should be a part of your self care routine.
So, what is pelvic steaming and how could it benefit you? Steaming is achieved by putting water in a non toxic container, applying heat until it creates steam and then adding loving yet powerful herbs. To hover your pelvis over the container you can lower your body by kneeling (if you’re at home) or sitting on a special steam chair or box. At Earth + Sky we have various pelvic steam seats that make steaming comfortable and relaxing. Lastly, it's best to wrap yourself with a blanket to keep the steam in. Although easily done at home , we recommend seeing a steam therapist to assess the blend of herbs you should be using and make sure the temperature and set up is right for you.
Steaming promotes warmth, which stimulates circulation, and circulation breaks up stagnation. The combination of heat and water thins out tissue and helps break down tissue, allowing the body to either absorb or discard what is no longer needed in our system.
Steaming is an ancient practice and it has been around for a long time, and in many different cultures simultaneously. To name a few, there’s evidence of steaming in Guatemala, various other parts of South America, East and West of Africa, and Korea where it’s called chai-yok.
Steaming benefits are so extensive we could write a whole book about them! But here is a simple list of some of the symptoms steaming can help with:
Menstrual pain, bloating, irregular cycles or missing periods.
Mid cycle spotting, short luteal phases.
Aids menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness.
Recovery of the reproductive organs after giving birth.
Healing of scarred tissue due to birth: vaginal tears, episiotomy, cesarean scars.
Prepare the body for your fertile window, to optimize your body for conceiving (either
naturally or through other methods).
Aids minimizing cyst, fibroids and endometriosis symptoms.
Can I steam at home?
Absolutely! Using water alone can help with promoting circulation. But if you’re looking to use herbs we recommend that you see a steam therapist for better assessment of what your needs are. Herbs are used, according to your cycle and bleed, and how many weeks you are postpartum.
Common herbs that are used for steaming are:
Calendula
Chamomile
Lavender
Oregano
When should I steam?
I think the correct question is when NOT to steam:
If you’re pregnant (or think you’ve conceived)
While bleeding (on your period)
If you have a fever
If you’re miscarrying
If you have an open wound
Consult a steam therapist if:
• You have an IUD
• You have spontaneous bleeding
The best times to steam are right before your menses, to build healthy blood and after your menses, to help clear out old stagnant blood. Ultimately this leads to a healthier endometrium lining in your next cycle.
Earth+Sky has pelvic steam’s available as a stand alone treatment, its specifically great for before or after your massage or acupuncture session. To book, you can head online to our website earthskylic.com or you can give us a call so we can help you book. If you have any questions about pelvic steam, don’t hesitate to shoot us an email to info@earthskylic.com.
