From Ayurvedic Prescription to Modern Ritual: My Journey with Yoni Steaming
I first encountered a practice similar to yoni steaming many years ago during a consultation with Dylan, the founder of Vital Veda. Struggling with a vaginal imbalance after a new sexual encounter, I was prescribed not a yoni steam but a daily Sitz Bath—a ritual involving sitting in herbalized water up to my navel for 20 minutes.
As someone deeply rooted in rituals, I appreciated the intention behind this prescription. Yet, the practicality of sitting over a bowl in my NYC apartment felt anything but inviting.
Fast forward to last week: Now living back in Hawai‘i, I came across an advertisement for a local Día de los Muertos event at a yoni steam spa. Although the event had already passed, my curiosity piqued. Eager to connect with local business owners preserving ancient rituals and celebrating women’s health, I booked a session with Madi, the owner of Yoni Steam Honolulu.
Introduction to Yoni Steaming
What is Yoni Steaming? It’s a time-honored ritual rooted in traditional medicine across cultures—from ancient Egypt to China, Korea, India, Hawai‘i, and beyond. Women have embraced this practice for centuries to support holistic health and wellness.
At its core, yoni steaming involves sitting over a pot of steaming herbalized water to experience a range of benefits, including:
- Relief from menstrual cramps
- Stress relief and emotional release
- Hormonal balance
- Postpartum recovery
This practice is not just about physical health—it’s a sacred way to reconnect with our bodies and the wisdom of our ancestors.
My First Encounter with a Sitz Bath
Years ago, during a consultation with Dylan at Vital Veda, I sought help for a vaginal imbalance that had emerged after a new sexual encounter. Instead of a yoni steam, Dylan recommended a Sitz Bath (sitzen, meaning ‘to sit’ in German): sitting in a container of herbalized water up to my navel for 20 minutes daily. At the time, living in NYC, the practicality of this ritual in my small apartment felt less than inviting.
In comparison, yoni steaming feels far more accessible and nurturing. In Ayurveda, both Sitz Baths and yoni steams are considered sweat therapies, used to address diseases of the genito-urinary system and vata-related disorders such as low back pain and lower body weakness. Ideally, the therapies are combined: the bath first followed by the steam for deeper nourishment.
From Skepticism to Curiosity
Over the years, I came across yoni steaming while living in hippie communities like Ko Phangan, Thailand; Mazunte and San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico; and Pāhoa, Hawai‘i. Flyers for goddess circles promoting the practice were everywhere, but it felt too ‘woo woo’ for me. Without scientific validation, especially from an Ayurvedic perspective, I remained skeptical.
But last week, my perspective shifted. As I deepen my focus on women’s health and holistic wellness, the timing felt perfect. Whilst researching local wellness practitioners for my podcast, I discovered Yoni Steam Honolulu. Their recent Día de los Muertos event immediately caught my attention, even though it had already passed. With curiosity sparked, I decided it was the ideal moment to experience this ancient ritual for myself
My Experience at Yoni Steam Honolulu
Walking into Madi’s salon felt like entering a sanctuary. Her space—far more beautiful than her Instagram photos suggest—exuded warmth, elegance, and serenity. She greeted me with a genuine smile and led me to a locker area to store my belongings and change into a yoni gown, a tent-like garment designed to encase the steam as you sit over the yoni box.
The setup felt regal: the yoni steam box resembled a throne, surrounded by white linen curtains for privacy. Madi explained the process, helped me adjust the gown for optimal coverage, and ensured the steam temperature was just right (I love it hot!). She also offered me tea—a thoughtful touch that reminded me of the throat-yoni connection, a fascinating concept I recommend everyone explore.
Before leaving me to relax, Madi asked if I’d like to pull an oracle card. She handed me the accompanying guidebook and drew the curtain closed, leaving me alone in my cocoon of steam and tranquility.
As the steam rose, I sank into deep meditation. My breath slowed, my nervous system softened, and the tension in my belly—a persistent discomfort that day—began to ease. The soothing heat felt like a warm embrace, melting away accumulated stress and silencing the stories looping in my mind. As time passed, the steam grew more intense, and I could feel my yoni, gently warmed by its kiss, releasing even deeper layers of tension.
The experience was profoundly restorative, akin to the calm I’ve felt in my favorite sanctuary-like spaces, such as Equinox gyms in LA and NYC. But this was different. It felt more intentional, rooted in feminine care and the wisdom of ancient practices.
Reflections on Yoni Steaming
This experience gave me a new perspective on yoni steaming—not just as a wellness practice but as a modern oasis for women’s health. Spaces like Madi’s have the potential to become what Equinox is for fitness: a sanctuary where women can gather, restore, and reconnect with their bodies.
What to Expect During a Yoni Steam Session
- Privacy and Comfort: Yoni spas often prioritize privacy, with individual spaces or curtains separating guests.
- A Sacred Setup: Expect a throne-like box, luxurious fabrics, and perhaps meditative music or calming teas.
- Personalized Care: Practitioners will adjust the steam temperature to your liking and may offer add-ons like oracle cards or guided meditations.
- Deep Relaxation: The steam’s warmth soothes the body, relaxes the mind, and fosters emotional release.
Tips for Your First Yoni Steam
- Hydrate Beforehand: Drinking water helps enhance the detoxifying effects.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Change into loose-fitting garments post-session to maintain the relaxation.
- Set an Intention: Reflect on what you’d like to release or welcome during the session.
- Communicate Your Needs: Don’t hesitate to ask the practitioner for adjustments to ensure your comfort.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to yoni steaming for physical relief, emotional release, or sheer curiosity, this practice offers a profound opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level. It’s not just about the steam—it’s about creating sacred space for healing, restoration, and self-love.
Have you tried yoni steaming? I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation flowing!