In this guide, you will learn about the ancient wellness ritual of vaginal steam baths, also called yoni steaming, vaginal steaming, or pelvic steaming. The term pelvic steaming highlights that this practice is not exclusively for women, but can benefit all genders.

Table of Contents:

For midwives, yoni steaming is a traditional and trusted method in birth preparation, especially during the last 4–5 weeks before the due date. In recent years, this ritual has gained popularity for many other wellness applications beyond pregnancy.

What Is Yoni Steaming?

Yoni steaming is a ritual where the pelvic area, especially the genitals, is gently warmed by sitting over a pot of hot water or herbal infusion, similar to an inhalation steam bath for the head during a cold. To avoid accidental burns, it’s best not to squat directly over the pot. Instead, you can place the pot in a toilet or bidet and sit above it. Many people prefer a dedicated yoni steam seat or steam box for a more comfortable and sensual experience.

Benefits and Applications of Yoni Steaming

Yoni steam baths are primarily used for deep relaxation and to awaken sensuality and sexual pleasure, especially when the pelvic area feels tight or tense. The warmth improves blood circulation, relaxes the muscles, and allows energy to flow freely again.

When suitable herbs are added, the therapeutic effects are enhanced. The natural components of herbs and flowers are absorbed through the mucous membranes, reaching the pelvic floor and uterus to promote healing.

• Balances emotions and hormones
• Improves menstrual cycles (too long, too short, heavy or weak bleeding, pain, cramps)
• Reduces fatigue, bloating, and pain before and during menstruation
• Relaxes and softens the pelvic floor muscles
• Helps with ovulation pain and PMS
• Relieves menopause symptoms
• Supports fertility and conception
• Prepares the perineum for birth and perineal massage
• Helps recovery after childbirth
• Assists with scar tissue and birth injuries using FMS dilators
• Helps with infections, cysts, and fibroids
• Promotes healing after sexual trauma
• Supports natural vaginal moisture and cleansing
• Prepares for self-treatment of vaginismus with FMS dilators
• Makes insertion/removal of Viball medical kegel balls easier.

• Better sleep and relaxation
• Increased libido
• Improved pelvic circulation
• Deep regeneration and balance.

How Yoni or Pelvic Steaming Works

Yoni steaming is said to have positive effects on the menstrual cycle, fertility, and vaginal health. It has long been used for cleansing, strengthening, and detoxifying the vaginal and uterine area. It’s beneficial before and after the period, before and after a gynecological exam, and even before sex.

Warm steam increases blood flow and detoxification. Herbs release essential oils, which are absorbed through the mucous membranes, affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva.

Yoni steaming is not about cleaning the uterus because it is unable to self-clean — it is about supporting natural processes with warmth, herbs, and mindful attention to the pelvic area.

Men can also benefit from pelvic steaming — it stimulates sperm quality and reproductive health.

Herbs That Enhance the Effect

The choice of herbs matters! You should never use random herbs — their effect can be powerful and needs to be respected. Depending on your needs, specific herbs are recommended. If you are pregnant or postpartum, always consult your midwife about which herbs, how often, and for how long to steam.

• Rosemary: Calms the nerves
• Thyme: Antibacterial and antispasmodic
• Calendula: Soothing and anti-inflammatory
• Lavender: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal
• Mugwort: Improves blood flow
• Blackberry leaves: Anti-inflammatory and strengthening
• Yarrow: Stimulates blood flow and relieves cramps
• Rose petals: Anti-inflammatory and healing
• Horsetail: Detoxifying and strengthening
• Red clover: Balances hormones
• Lady’s mantle: Reduces itching and discharge

Prepare the herbal infusion like tea: a handful of dried herbs in a bowl with approx. 2 liters of boiling water, covered for 10–15 minutes. For roots, a short boil is useful.

After steaming, some women notice increased discharge or old blood — this is a sign of cleansing.

How to Apply and Practice

Yoni steaming is simple: you need a pot with hot water or herbal infusion to sit over. Test the temperature to avoid burns. Ensure your body remains warm — a long skirt and warm socks can help. For comfort and safety, avoid squatting directly and place the pot in a toilet or bidet if no special steam seat is available.

The Right Clothing

Warm socks and a cozy blanket for your pelvis and legs are essential. Wearing a long, wide skirt enhances the feminine, ritualistic feeling of yoni steaming and is also comfortable. The most important thing is that you feel warm and at ease.

Frequency and Duration

In the beginning, limit your steaming sessions to once a week for no longer than 10 minutes. Over time, you can extend the duration to 20–30 minutes, as long as the temperature remains comfortable. You can place the pot on a heat-retaining surface to keep the steam warm. Avoid overuse — too frequent steaming may disturb your vaginal flora or irritate the mucosa. Trust your own body’s signals.

Mental Focus and Relaxation

Bring your attention to your vagina/yoni and feel the warmth spreading through your pelvic area. Breathe into your pelvis, meditate, hum, or do gentle pelvic floor exercises. Playing soft, relaxing music can make the steaming ritual even more soothing and sensual.

Pelvic Steaming for Men

Pelvic steaming can also be beneficial for men. It supports relaxation and balance in the pelvic region, especially for tension, premature ejaculation, or erectile difficulties. Since male fertility is closely linked to stress, gentle steaming can help improve sperm quality and overall reproductive health. However, the testicles should not be exposed to excessive heat for long periods.

When to Avoid Yoni Steaming

Consult a healthcare professional, therapist, or midwife before steaming if any of the following apply:

• Fertility treatments (IVF or IUI)
• During menstruation or any abnormal bleeding
• Vulvar varicose veins
• During pregnancy (always consult your midwife!)
• Fungal infections
• Active infections with burning sensations (e.g., herpes)
• After fallopian tube sterilization
• With a hormone implant
• When wearing an IUD (e.g., Essure)
• After endometrial ablation
• With fever or severe illness

Criticism and Personal Experience

Steam and herbs only reach the inner organs to a limited extent, but the sense of well-being is a crucial factor. Critics who evaluate yoni steaming purely from a physical or chemical perspective often underestimate the holistic power of relaxation, sensuality, and awareness in healing processes.

Trust your intuition and personal experience — it knows what benefits you better than anyone else.