Yoni steaming, also known as choi yok, bajo, v-steam, perri steam, or even the less delicately named “vaginal fumigation”, is an ancient practice that’s been making a quiet but steady resurgence among women, especially within the wellness and holistic healing communities. Once rooted firmly in tradition and cultural ceremony, this practice is now being rediscovered by a new generation of women seeking natural, nurturing ways to heal, balance, and reconnect with their bodies.
What is Yoni Steaming?
Though it may seem like a trendy new spa treatment or a wellness influencer’s latest obsession, yoni steaming is far from new. It has been practiced for millennia, across a range of cultures and continents. From the indigenous women of Central and South America, to regions in Africa, to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda in South Asia. This shared wisdom across the globe reflects not only the universality of this womb care practice but also the long standing desire for gentle, natural forms of care that honor the body’s innate intelligence.
The word “yoni” itself is Sanskrit and carries a rich depth of meaning. Literally, it translates as “womb,” “source,” or “sacred space.” But it also has a much broader, symbolic significance. It represents divine feminine energy, the source of life, intuition, and creativity. In this context, yoni steaming becomes not just a physical act of cleansing or healing, but a spiritual one. An act of self-devotion, an honouring of the place from which all life is birthed, of returning to the womb, both literally and metaphorically.
So, what exactly is yoni steaming? At its core, it’s a very simple process: a woman sits, kneels, or squats over a steaming bowl of water that’s been infused with a blend of medicinal herbs. A large towel or cloak is usually wrapped around the waist or shoulders, to contain the steam and create a sauna. The heat opens the pores and allows the steam and volatile oils from the herbs to be absorbed through the delicate mucosal tissues of the vulva and vagina, where they enter the bloodstream and travel directly to the pelvic organs.
What Are The Benefits Of Yoni Steaming?
Yoni steaming is often used to support a variety of physical concerns, including:
- Postpartum healing – to promote tissue repair, reduce swelling, return the uterus to its usual size more quickly and prevent infection.
- Balancing menstrual cycles – helping regulate long or short cycles, support ovulation, and reduce heavy or painful periods.
- Relieving cramps and bloating – as the steam improves circulation and relaxes pelvic muscles.
- Preparation for pregnancy or labor – Makes the womb a more hospitable place for the fertilised egg. Has recently been introduced to labour wards in the Czech Republic, significantly reducing the instances of episiotomies.
- Easing menopause symptoms – like vaginal dryness, discomfort, urinary tract infections and emotional imbalances.
- Clearing infections – including recurring yeast or bacterial imbalances, though it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before self-treating any infection.
- Ritual use – in some cultures, yoni steaming is used as a ceremonial practice, such as in pre-wedding preparations to cleanse, empower, and nurture the bride as she transitions into a new phase of life.
Beyond its physical effects, yoni steaming can also have a profound emotional and spiritual impact. The womb is not just a reproductive organ. It is often considered an energetic storage space for emotions, especially unprocessed grief, trauma, and suppressed creative potential. The warmth of the steam, combined with the intentional act of care, can help release stuck energy and foster a deeper connection to one’s feminine essence. Many women report feeling lighter, more emotionally grounded, or more in tune with their intuition after regular steams.
The ideal menstrual cycle, according to traditional wisdom, is 28 to 30 days long with a pain-free, 4-day bleed of healthy, vibrant red blood. In modern life, however, many women experience disrupted cycles due to stress, diet, birth control, trauma and disconnection from the body. Yoni steaming is one way to help reestablish this balance, offering warmth, circulation, and healing to an area that’s often overlooked. Until there is a problem.
Common herbs used in a yoni steam include lavender, which soothes the nervous system and helps fight infection; sage, a cooling, antibacterial plant that supports cleansing; and raspberry leaf, known for its ability to tone the uterus and support menstrual health. Depending on the intention of the steam, other herbs like chamomile, calendula, mugwort, plantain, or ladies mantle may also be used.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, yoni steaming is a journey, not just a treatment. It invites us to slow down, tune in, and embrace our bodies as sacred. It honors the generations of women who came before us and the wisdom they carried, their knowledge of healing plants and their connection to the cycles of the natural world.
Whether you’re drawn to it for healing, for self-care, or simply out of curiosity, yoni steaming is a gentle, nourishing way to say: I trust my body. I honor my cycles. I reclaim my power.
It’s important to note that yoni steaming is not a substitute for medical care, especially in cases of serious reproductive or gynecological conditions. But as a complementary practice, that empowers women to feel part of their healing.
Author Bio
Tuesday Simmonds has practised and taught holistic therapies for 3 decades +. She travels the world to learn new skills from ancient traditions. She now specialises in Women’s pelvic health focusing on Yoni steaming, exercise and Mayan abdominal massage. To support in regulating menstrual cycles, postpartum healing and menopause care. Founder of Womb’on Wellness Studio. Former clients have been Golds Sydney Gym, The Lambert Clinic for MS patients, Harley St. and Stanmore College