It all started about 6 years ago: severe vulvar pain that felt like iron was burning me! I had no idea what the problem was, and I remember feeling quite ashamed about having issues down there. Therefore, I just had to smile and bear it, as I wasn’t ready to ask anyone for any kind of help.
At that time, I had a promising career, traveling was my number one hobby, and I was getting married and starting a family with my fiance. What I didn’t expect was the struggle that was to come — to cope and function with chronic vulvar pain.
I had to watch my dream life disappear in front of me. I was barely making it through a work day, had to pee every 30 minutes, silently praying that people wouldn’t tell me to sit down because it amplified the pain, and had to deal with the chronic burning that just wouldn’t go away!
During my challenging journey, I met many people who supported me and others who made me feel a lot worse emotionally. One of the most difficult parts of this experience was feeling alone, and most people I encountered didn’t understand how I felt. Finally, I am no longer in pain now, and I want to share my story with the hope of helping other women.
I was beyond nervous and panicked by what was happening to my body and vagina. I visited countless doctors and gynecologists. Some stated the problem was all in my head, nothing was wrong with my body, and some just didn’t have any explanation or solution. I took numerous medications for yeast infections and antihistamines and creams, but nothing worked.
I tried numerous things. Along the way, I met vulvar pain specialists who helped improve the situation. However, the pain and frustration were still there, and I was far away from ordinary life.
At the height of my frustration, while feeling scared to death, I was lucky enough to meet someone who opened up a whole new world for me. To that day, I have never believed in traditional remedies. For me, therapy only made sense when there was a prescription from a specialist doctor and the medication I was getting from a pharmacy.
However, Sama, an experienced practitioner, told me about a traditional technique I had never heard of before –Yoni Steaming. Something similar to a facial but this time for the vagina and using specific medicinal herbs. It seems that the steam of these plants enters the vagina and has extraordinary therapeutic and mental benefits.
Traditional herbal medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating plant and mineral-based remedies, spiritual treatments, techniques, and procedures, applied solo or combined with medical diagnoses to prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.
Herbal medicines include herbs, herbal materials, preparations, and finished herbal products that contain active ingredients, parts of plants, or other plant materials or combinations.
This medicine is inspired by the wisdom, skills, and techniques based on various cultures’ theories, thoughts, and experiences to support well-being and prevent, diagnose, enhance, or cure physical and mental health. One of the famous practices that fall under this type of treatment is the vaginal steaming I mentioned – a modern version of an ancient approach that has a vast history in almost every culture from Africa to Asia to the Caribbean.
Also known as yoni steaming, this method is the holistic practice of using the warmth of herbal steam to enter the exterior part of the vagina. In this alternative health treatment, a woman squats or sits over steaming water containing medicinal specific herbs such as Calendula, Motherwort, Lemon balm, and Basil to cleanse the vagina and enhance the reproductive system’s health. This approach has been used in ancient medicine for centuries. Still, it has re-emerged in spas more recently over the last decade.
Honestly, if it was any other time I would have easily ignored and even secretly laughed at her, but in those days I was so disappointed that I just wanted to get well in any way!
It seems that women do yoni steaming in different ways. Some prefer to squat on a water bowl containing the herbs, while others try the toilet throne method. You can also find yoni seats at different prices and materials on Amazon and Google. Still, Sama advised me not to use plastic seats because the vaginal area is very sensitive, and plastic will not be a good material choice for such products at all.
My choice was a complete yoni steaming package that included an engraved wooden seat, a cushion for better comfort while steaming, a 4-ounce herb package, a handmade smudge to create a sacred space, and a beautiful handmade silk gown and headband.
I tried vaginal steaming for 2 months (once a week – excluding my mensuration weeks) and witnessed with my own eyes that the pain was slowly leaving my body. In my steam sessions, I focused on my body, soul, and my well-being, and I became more and more proud of myself for not giving in to the pain. Because I’m a fighter and here I am today. Pain-free and happier than ever!
My experience with vulva pain and yoni steaming has changed my view on how I approach life. I care much more about my body and health these days and take enough time for my self-care routines.
Often, feminine pain might be also psychogenic and does not respond to the usual medical treatments. My suggestion as someone who has gone through these difficult days is that traditional therapies such as yoni steaming can help improve your mental and physical condition along with the healing process.
Your vagina is the most sacred space in your body. It is the doorway to life, and it is crucial to take good care of it and prioritize its well-being!
Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/-XfOLiTQwPk
Nastaran Heidari is an Industrial Engineer, English Teacher and Digital Marketing Expert. She has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering with a specialty in Engineering Management. She became interested in the concept of traditional health about four years ago. She has always loved writing, so she decided to help others by sharing her experiences.
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