An important supporting modality in Abdominal Therapy is the vaginal steam. At my Abdominal Therapy, you will be given full instructions on how to perform one in the comfort of your own home It is a healing tool you use for life. But why? Why Steam Your Vagina??
Vaginal steaming is as very popular in Mayan culture In Central America, the remedy is called a bajo, and it is very common among women .. because it works. The warmth of the steam works to soften and open tissues of the vagina which are exceptionally porous and absorbent The medicinal properties of the herbs, including volatile oils, are released and carried to the surface of the skin and to the inside of the vagina, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and ultimately, into to the uterus. The medicinal herbal steam increases circulation, thins mucus, and cleanses the entire reproductive system, allowing it to shed unnecessary membranes that build up. In doing so, the uterus is supported to function at its best, thus reducing the amount of work it has to do, and therefore your discomfort.
The effectiveness of vaginal steams isn't limited to just eliminating cramps and cleansing the uterus. Combined with Abdominal therapy steams support the therapy to allow your body to:
• Significantly reduce discomfort, bloating, and exhaustion associated with monthly cycles
• Decrease menstrual flow as well as reduce dark purple or brown blood at the onset or end of menses
• Regulate irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Increase fertility, especially when combined with Arvigo® abdominal massage
• Speed healing and tone the reproductive system after birth
• Treat uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness, and uterine prolapse
• Assist with the healing of hemorrhoids
• Treat chronic vaginal/yeast infections, and maintain a healthy odour
• Relieve symptoms of menopause
• Help clean out and renew the uterus lining
• Lessen symptoms associated with endometriosis
• Increase libido
• Increase circulation and sensation in the vagina
*Cautions and Contraindications During your menstrual flow. During pregnancy. During an active infection, such as Thrush or Herpes. Don’t use essential oils in your herbal mixture
Here are some suggestions of herbs and plants to use
Oregano: Used to bring on menses. Increases scanty flow. This herb is used for its antiseptic, stimulating and strengthening qualities. Oregano is a wonderful herb for aiding in the prevention of infection.
Marigold: Used to induce perspiration and cleanse the vaginal tissues. It is also used in healing wounds. It aids in the healing of tight scarred tissues of the labia and perineum due to episiotomy, or vaginal tear. Note: Do not steam an open wound, this could cause pain and swelling.
Basil: May reduce painful menstruation. Helps to bring on menstruation.
Mugwort: In addition to fighting infection through its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, mugwort balances female hormones and stimulates the production of hormones that help to maintain uterine health as well as protect the uterus from things such as ulcers and tumours. Mugwort steam opens the pores, allowing the beneficial herbs to penetrate into the bloodstream. In addition, mugwort helps to stimulate menstrual discharge and ease cramping.
Rosemary: An aromatic and antimicrobial herb, rosemary treats bacterial infection, speeds wound healing, inhibits yeast growth, and stimulates menstruation.
Lavender: One of the most relaxing herbs we have, lavender supports healing, and it also promotes menstrual flow.
Yarrow: Astringent, tonifying, and cleansing, yarrow is great for regulating menstrual flow, treating ovarian cysts and supporting overall uterine health. Partridge berry: Revered as a wonderful herb for the female reproductive system, partridge berry treats infertility, regulates menstrual cycles and helps decrease severe menstrual pain.
Motherwort: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, motherwort strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases uterine cramping, and may help treat uterine fibroids. Motherwort stimulates uterine tone and blood flow.
Calendula: Aids in the healing of scar tissue, vaginal tears, or hemorrhoids.
DIRECTIONS: Collect plants using prayer and a clear intention of healing. If using fresh plant; about 1 quart, if using dry; about a cup. In a large pot containing about a gallon of water, place the above plants. Crush the herbs into the water thanking them for helping with your healing. Bring this to a soft boil for 5 minutes; then steep for 10 minutes with the lid on. With the pot under a slatted chair, lawn chair, etc., sit on the chair without underwear. Wear socks to keep your feet warm, draping fully with a blanket around your waist to the floor. Be careful not to allow any draft underneath you. Be sure you are enclosed by the blankets from the waist down, and something warm from the waist up. Sitting quietly over your pot of herbal steam for 20 minutes, meditate, read, enjoy and find pleasure in the herbal healing. The heat should feel warming and pleasant. If it is too warm, remove the pot for a few minutes. After the vaginal steam bath, wrap yourself in the blanket allowing a time of rest and meditation for about 20 minutes or so. Be careful not to allow cool drafts and temperature changes. Depending upon the condition you are treating, vaginal steam baths are done prior to menses or just after. Expect changes in your vaginal discharge and menstruation; these are normal cleansing reactions.
Vaginal steaming is an age-old remedy that has been tested and approved by generations before us, and its time has come in our modern culture. This ancient treatment for women has stood the test of time, and today it has the incredible potential to significantly improve every woman's experience of her beautiful body. Just as it always has.