Vaginal Hydrotherapy: A Complete Overview
You’ve seen it online, in magazines, and touted on Twitter by celebrities — most notably, Chrissy Teigan’s shoutout to ‘V-steaming’ after the delivery of her second child.
Hydrotherapy has actually been around for centuries!
‘What is it? Is it legit? Should I try it?’
These are all super valid questions that I want to help answer for you in this comprehensive guide to vaginal hydrotherapy.
Let’s do it.
Table of Contents
- What Is Vaginal Hydrotherapy?
- History of Vaginal Hydrotherapy - An Ancient Practice
- How Does Vaginal Hydrotherapy Work?
- Is Vaginal Hydrotherapy Safe?
- Vaginal Hydrotherapy Safety Concerns
- Is Vaginal Hydrotherapy Safe During Pregnancy
- Should You Try Vaginal Hydrotherapy: Who’s It For?
- Vaginal Hydrotherapy Benefits
- Where Can You Do Vaginal Hydrotherapy?
- Vaginal Hydrotherapy at Home
- Vaginal Hydrotherapy by a Professional
- How Chiavaye’s Products Can Help With any Vaginal Discomforts When Used Along With Vaginal Hydrotherapy
What Is Vaginal Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a term that largely refers to the practice of using temperature-controlled water or steam to alleviate pain and provide relief.
Vaginal hydrotherapy is a holistic practice of invigorating, nourishing, and soothing the tissue in and around the vaginal area using hydrotherapy in the form of steam.
The practice has increased in popularity in recent years and has generally been known as an empowering practice that freshens and tightens the vagina.
Modern practices of vaginal hydrotherapy typically go by these names:
- Vaginal steaming
- V-steaming
- Yoni steaming
While there is little out there that can speak to the scientific validity of vaginal hydrotherapy and its effects, the practice has been used and trusted by women for centuries.
History of Vaginal Hydrotherapy — An Ancient Practice
The practice of vaginal hydrotherapy has a fascinating history dating back to ancient times.
According to a 2017 article in the Diversity of Research in Health Journal: This kind of treatment was used “by the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and other civilizations for holistic health.”
Many before us understood the incredible benefits of using natural elements to aid the body.
Egyptian women used steam in their beautification process and the Greeks used the healing powers of hot springs.
Heck, even Plato wrote about the positive benefits of hydrotherapy!
Now, more than ever, women are consulting their ancestors and tapping into the age-old benefits of healthy dieting and natural elements for their sexual and reproductive health.
I used to struggle endlessly with symptoms of stage IV endometriosis and I can honestly say that incorporating some of these holistic remedies into my life has made a HUGE difference!
How Does Vaginal Hydrotherapy Work?
Traditionally, vaginal hydrotherapy entails squatting or sitting over a bowl of warm water filled with herbs. The steam then lifts the nutrients from the herbs into the vagina, infusing the tissue.
Science also tells us that the steam works to cleanse the body’s tissue of toxins and increases blood flow to the area which encourages healing.
If a need for natural healing resonates with you, I encourage you to consider Chiavaye.
Chiavaye has products made with only natural ingredients and designed to provide comfort and healing for your body!
Is Vaginal Hydrotherapy Safe?
Along with Chrissy Teigan, you may remember Gwyneth Paltrow’s nod to the practice of vaginal hydrotherapy in a 2015 issue of Goop, her popular lifestyle magazine.
Since then, medical experts have actually been warning against the use of alternative practices for sexual health.
The consensus?
Vaginal hydrotherapy is generally safe, BUT it is important to exercise a lot of caution due to a number of safety concerns.
Vaginal Hydrotherapy Safety Concerns
The biggest vaginal hydrotherapy safety concerns are:
- Increased risk of yeast or bacterial infections
- Risk of burning the tissue around the vagina
In order to mitigate these risks, you’ll want to make sure to keep the water at a safe temperature to reduce the risk of burns.
And this is a big one: make sure the equipment being used is properly sanitized!
You’ll also want to be careful of the amount of steam and moisture around the vagina.
The vagina does a beautiful job regulating itself - therefore adding too much ‘extra’ moisture can create an environment that breeds harmful bacteria.
Is Vaginal Hydrotherapy Safe During Pregnancy?
In short, no.
Vaginal hydrotherapy is not recommended if you’re pregnant!
Like anything involving high temperatures, such as saunas, hot tubs, and some spa treatments, this treatment isn’t recommended during pregnancy since it can affect a growing fetus.
However, many women have enjoyed the benefits before and after being pregnant!
Vaginal hydrotherapy and steam treatments have been used to promote fertility and reproductive health as well as provide comfort and healing for postpartum women.
Should You Try Vaginal Hydrotherapy: Who’s it For?
Vaginal hydrotherapy is for anyone with a vagina.
BUT...
Every body is unique!
That said, we don’t claim to be doctors so you should always consult your physician or gynecologist before starting a new treatment.
As I mentioned above, vaginal hydrotherapy can actually be damaging if you’re pregnant and shouldn’t be used.
Vaginal Hydrotherapy could be helpful to you if you struggle with:
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Symptoms of menopause
- Discomfort
- Irregular or painful periods
- Womb trauma
- And more!
If you do struggle with any of those items I mentioned above, like vaginal dryness or discomfort, please know that you’re not alone! In fact, half of all post-menopausal women deal with vaginal dryness. If that’s you, click here to learn more about what you can do!
Vaginal Hydrotherapy Benefits
There are lots of potential benefits of vaginal hydrotherapy!
I did some research and a 2016 scientific research article put it this way:
“Vaginal steaming is claimed to offer benefits for fertility and overall reproductive, sexual or even general health and wellbeing.”
I want to highlight the word ‘claimed’ from the statement above.
Please keep in mind that there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence to support these benefits at this point in time. Each body is unique and will respond to treatment in different ways.
Other possible benefits/treatments include:
- Relaxation
- Reduction of bloating, swelling, cramping
- Stress
- Depression
- Headaches
- Hemorrhoids
- Postpartum healing
- Menopausal symptoms
Where Can You Do Vaginal Hydrotherapy?
You can really do vaginal hydrotherapy anywhere!
Some spas offer treatments like Yoni Steaming which is something a provider can now be certified in. More and more spas will likely begin offering hydrotherapy as it grows in popularity.
OR
You can do it at home!
Vaginal Hydrotherapy at Home
Many people are choosing to do vaginal hydrotherapy in the comfort of their own homes (like Chrissy Teigan).
If that sounds appealing to you, read on for my step-by-step guide on how to do this treatment safely at home.
How to Do Vaginal Hydrotherapy at Home
Before we begin: Please remember to always consult your physician or care provider when it comes to your health!
What you’ll need:
Step 1: If you have a steamer, simply add 1 cup of the herbs of your choice to water and pour in the mixture.
*If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a pot to boil 4 cups of water, adding the herbs in before bringing the water to a boil.
Step 2: Once the water has reached a soft boil, turn off the heat and let sit to cool with the lid on.
*Before beginning your at-home vaginal hydrotherapy, be sure to test the temperature of the steam to avoid burns!
Step 3: Place your pot of water or heat-safe bowl under your chair or steam stool.
*I know it sounds a little crazy, but the toilet is a great place to place your bowl without having to purchase or make a steam stool.
ALSO
*If you want to use a steam stool but don’t have a steam stool or are considering doing a DIY steam stool - here are some great tips!
Step 4: Place a blanket over your legs to help keep the steam inside (and to keep you cozy and warm!)
Step 5: Enjoy your steam for 20-40 minutes. Breathe in. Breathe out.
Feel refreshed!
Vaginal Hydrotherapy by a Professional
Since vaginal hydrotherapy can be kind of a tricky thing with a number of safety concerns, I have to recommend consulting professional or certified personnel to conduct your steam.
Keep in mind: If you choose to do a vaginal steaming treatment at a spa, be sure to ask them about their cleanliness procedures!
How Chiavaye’s Products Can Help With any Vaginal Discomfort When Used Along With Vaginal Hydrotherapy
So there you have it! I hope this guide was helpful to you on your journey toward health and wellbeing. Considering vaginal hydrotherapy?
Why not try vaginal hydrotherapy alongside a product with proven benefits?
When I created Chiavaye’s natural vaginal lubricant, I had women like me and YOU in mind.
Our bodies are amazing. They do so much good!
Do your body a favor and try our natural products designed to reduce vaginal discomfort and breathe that sigh of sweet relief.