Yoni Steaming for Postpartum Recovery

Here at the Center for Sacred Window Studies, we share voices from many perspectives and backgrounds. We believe that the sacred weeks post birth, and the experience of humanity is experienced in countless ways. We learn by listening to one another and honoring our stories. The views and opinions of our writers do not necessarily reflect the mission, viewpoints or opinions of the Center for Sacred Window Studies.

Yoni steaming is an ancient healing practice that has recently been making a comeback into popular culture. A history of yoni (vaginal) steaming can be found in many cultures all over the world. It was a part of a collective world consciousness; something that was innate wisdom for women all over the world. They knew that yoni steaming is an important tool for women’s health. 

Yoni steaming can help heal many conditions that women may experience throughout their lifetime such as: 

• irregular periods 
• menstrual cramping
• infertility
• fibroids
• cysts
• prolapsed uterus
• vaginal dryness 
• hemorrhoids

However, where I see it really standing out is in postpartum healing.

Beyond the physical benefits, steaming can be a spiritual practice. In your postpartum period, yoni steaming is helpful to open the connection again between you and your body.

Here are 3 benefits of yoni steaming during your sacred window

1. INCREASES HOW QUICKLY YOUR UTERUS RETURNS TO ITS NORMAL SIZE

For postpartum recovery, steaming will help your uterus return back to its normal size at a faster rate. This is important because it means that your other organs get back into place faster and can start working regularly again sooner, thus allowing your body to heal better. This especially impacts your digestive tract, bowel movements, and urinary tract. The uterus gets back to size more quickly because steaming accelerates the elimination of lochia*. Steaming helps your uterus eliminate the lochia completely and allows your uterus to be fully cleansed. Many women suffer from their uterus not fully cleansing after they give birth. Issues can show up a year or two later, or even later in life, when you go through menopause.

* Lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.

2. ENCOURAGES BLOOD FLOW

Steaming supports the entire area of your vulva and vagina by encouraging blood flow, stimulating healing, and relieving pain. Having pain in this sacred area makes it harder for women to get back to normal activity. It makes it harder to feel good in your body again. When you are not in pain, it is much easier to reconnect with your partner, bond with your baby, and get your vitality back. Speaking of pain, steaming can get rid of hemorrhoids, which I know is a big one for new mamas.

3. SOOTHES NERVES + SUPPORTS SLEEP

Yoni steaming is a wonderful form of regular self-care. It helps promote the much-needed rest you should be getting after giving birth. Taking that small amount of time every day for yourself is relaxing and soothing to the nerves. This helps to regulate your nervous system after such an intense experience as giving birth is.

So how does it work exactly?

Essentially, you sit on a stool with a hole in it, over a steaming pot of herbs. The heat from steam opens the pores of the skin so that the medicinal properties of the herbs can be delivered through the bloodstream and to your womb. 

Some of my favorite herbs to use are:

CALENDULA

This beautiful flower helps with painful cramps, promotes ease of menstruation, and helps heal scarring, as it is great for the skin. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antimicrobial.

MOTHERWORT

Is a healer of the heart, and can be very useful after you give birth when you need some mothering of your own. This nurturing herb calms heart palpitations, helps with high blood pressure, and reduces anxiety.

MUGWORT

Is a connector to spirit. This very powerful herb is anti-fungal and hormone balancing to help restore a normal cycle.

LAVENDER

This calming herb is anti-fungal and nourishes the nervous system.

ROSEMARY

This purifying herb increases circulation, and clears out any old blood or other fluids that may have built up in your uterus.

DAMIANA

This herb is for sexual health. She increases libido, reduces vaginal dryness, and helps balance menopause symptoms. 

Please note that you should not steam while pregnant or while you are bleeding on your menstrual cycle. If you are interested in trying yoni steaming, I highly recommend that you consult with a trained professional to find the right regimen for you. 

If you’re interested in reading more about vaginal steaming used for postpartum recovery, here is a link to a recent study.

Writing compliments of

Jamie Meekins

Doula & Yoga Teacher, Guest Blogger

Jamie Meekins is a Maiden to Mother Coach, a certified birth and postpartum doula, and a Khalsa Way prenatal yoga teacher. As a graduate of the Center for Sacred Window Studies Ayurvedic Postpartum Caregiver program, she especially loves working with new mamas throughout their sacred window period. She lives in Oceanside, CA with her husband and Goldendoodle pup.

Book an appointment with Christine HERE!
Link for our free class is HERE!

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