Yoni is the Sanskrit word for "sacred space" or "sacred temple." It refers to the vagina, vulva and womb space, which to many women symbolize the Divine Feminine within them and their sacred portal to life. 

In our society, women are often conditioned to disconnect from this important part of themselves, mentally and physically, says Jessica Villarreal-Hays, owner and founder of Roots Shoppe, in Fort Walton Beach. But tapping into this power can shift every aspect of a woman’s life, from her creativity and her career to her sex life.

“As women, our power center is our yoni, and it deserves more care than most of us give it,” she says. “Yoni steaming is a powerful and easy way to do just that. All women can enjoy this experience and gain benefits.”

An Ancient Healing Practice 

Yoni steams, also referred to as V steams, vaginal steams, pelvic steams, chai-yok or bajos, are an ancient healing practice that’s regaining popularity in the United States. Originally a Mayan tradition, they’re still popular in Central America as well as in India, eastern Europe and Korea as a common part of self-care routines, Villarreal-Hays says. 

“It’s a gentle way to take the healing properties of the herbs into the womb space by allowing the warmth of an herbal steam to gently permeate the exterior of the vagina,” she explains. “Yoni steaming offers us the opportunity to reconnect with our yoni and our body, bringing release and healing from birth, sexual partners, trauma, abuse, shame and more.”

Between birth, sex, menstruation and menopause, the yoni endures a lot throughout a woman’s life. Add in disconnection from her body, social conditioning, body shame and changing hormones, and the result is “an often uncomfortable vagina,” Villarreal-Hays says. 

“It doesn’t have to be that way though,” she says. “Yoni steaming is a gentle and sacred way to reconnect and heal, bringing us back into our bodies and therefore healing our lives.”

How a Steaming Session Works

During a yoni steam session, herbs are placed in steaming water and the container is placed under the woman. A special steaming gown or blankets are wrapped around her torso or waist to create a steam tent—a sweat lodge of sorts—for her lower torso.

“This self-care practice can help rebalance menstrual cycles and reduce negative symptoms associated with them,” Villarreal-Hays says. “Steaming can increase fertility and speed up healing after birth.” Other potential benefits she cites include reduced fibroids, cysts and uterine weakness; reduced prolapse and endometriosis; relief from chronic vaginal and yeast infections; fewer menopausal symptoms; release of stored emotions; and increased libido. (She notes that her commentary is for general informational and educational purposes only and shouldn’t be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.) 

Roots Shoppe offers in-house yoni-steaming services. Steaming can be done alone or with a friend, Villarreal-Hays says.

“From the handcrafted steaming stools and locally dyed bamboo velvet cushions to the herbal steam blends made in-house, each detail has been carefully curated to create a magical experience for you to reconnect to your body and your power,” she says. “Yoni steaming sessions are experienced overlooking the water, with an option of womb-focused energy work following each.”