Pelvic Steaming
Pelvic steaming is an ancient practice found with (slight variations) in countless cultures across the globe. The benefits are numerous for both menstrual health, fertility, postpartum healing, and overall pelvic health.
Pelvic steaming is used in conjunction with other modalities to tend to cycle irregularities such as: menstrual cramps, heavy periods, heavy clotting, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, long cycles, missing cycles, and more.
“The most common and universal use of vaginal steaming around the world is for postpartum recovery. A trial study called the Fourth Trimester Vaginal Steam Study found that postpartum steaming was useful for returning the vulva to it’s pre-pregnancy state more quickly; expelling lochia (postpartum discharge) in a shorter period of time; reducing the strength and occurrence of postpartum contractions; lowering blood pressure and pulse; helping the uterus shrink below the pelvic bone more quickly; accelerating waist girth and weight reduction; alleviating suture discomfort such as itchiness, tightness, pulling or tenderness; improving bowel regularity; and reducing postpartum hemorrhoids.” 1
While steaming has countless physical benefits, the spiritual or energetic benefits are highly prevalent too. Steaming gives you the opportunity to slow down, relax your pelvis, and connect with your body. The steam is warming to both the body, and the spirit. It’s a potent way to connect with plants that nourish your body, womb, and heart. It’s a sacred opportunity for self-care that is simple, affordable, and accessible.
There are many specific protocols that can be followed if you wish, however I prefer a folk approach to pelvic steaming. I believe that simple practices are more accessible. Keeping pelvic steaming simple is a big part of what helps me integrate it into my life, especially as a mother.
Folk Directions:
Place a handful of herbs into a glass or metal bowl and cover with hot but not boiling water. Steep for a couple minutes, then begin your steam. Stay warm, relax your pelvis, and breathe deeply.
Detailed Directions:
Place â…“ cup of herbs into a glass or metal bowl. Heat water to just below boiling. Pour about 5 cups of hot water on top of the herbs. Cover and steep for 3-5 minutes. While steaming, stay warm. Steam until you feel complete.
t’s easiest to steam with a steam box (shown above), especially if you are postpartum. Place the bowl into the box, remove your bottoms, and sit on the steam box. If you don’t have a steam box, find a comfortable position to sit, squat, or kneel over the bowl. Keep the bowl warm by wrapping a towel around it. Wear a long, thick skirt if possible to help retain the heat. Whatever position you steam in, stay warm. Wear socks and keep your chest covered. Wrap yourself in blankets to keep the bowl warm, and to keep the warmth in your body. Steam for 10-40 minutes, starting with 10 minute steams and working up from there if you like.
When to Steam:
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In the postpartum time, once your lochia has stopped or only spotting is present.
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If you’ve had a cesarean, once the incision site has completely healed.
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Any time during your regular cycle, except when bleeding during your menstrual period.
When NOT to steam:
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When actively bleeding, either menstruation or postpartum
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When pregnant
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In your fertile window if you’re actively trying to conceive
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When an IUD is inserted
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When there is an active infection present (you can still steam with an active infection, however it’s recommended to do so with the support of a practitioner)
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