Steam at home
How to set up your session
Watch this before your first steam. Everything here stays on this page, so come back to it any time you need a refresher.
Setting up your steam box
Where to place it, how to steady it, and getting the pot seated correctly.
3 min
Preparing your herbs
Following the instructions on your packaging for the blend you were given.
4 min
Cleaning and storing
Caring for your box, pot, and gown so they last.
3 min
How to steam
-
For when you would rather read than watch.
-
Bring water to a boil.
-
Turn off the heat.
-
Follow the instructions on your herbal packaging.
-
Make sure the steam is a comfortable temperature.
-
Place the pot in the steam box.
-
Put the lid on.
-
Sit over the steam, making sure it is targeting the desired places.
-
Steam should feel relaxing and warm. Steam should never be too hot.
Your blend, length, and frequency
Your herbs — gentle, cooling, disinfecting, or cleansing — were chosen at your consult for the imbalances showing up in your cycle. Your session length and how often you steam were set the same way.
Using the wrong herbs, or steaming for the wrong amount of time, can cause issues with your cycle. If anything about your plan is unclear, message me before you steam rather than guessing.
Steaming contraindications
Vaginal steaming is contraindicated while experiencing
-
Pregnancy
-
Recent spontaneous bleeding
-
Menstruation
-
Post-insemination when trying to conceive
-
Fresh spotting
-
Post-surgery
-
Genital burning or itchiness
Make sure you check with a peristeam hydrotherapist if steaming is right for you at this time.
Stop your steam if it stings or burns, you feel dizzy, faint or overheated, or you start bleeding. Stand up, cool down, drink water, and let me know what happened.
Pain is not normal during or after a vaginal steam session. If you feel pain, seek medical attention.
Around your session
Best practices
-
Go to the bathroom directly before you steam.
-
If you get increased discharge after steaming, panty liners help, and a spray bottle or bidet will rinse mucus off the skin.
-
If you have an emotional release while steaming, take care of your emotional body in whatever way you receive comfort. Consider processing what surfaced with a trusted friend, healer, or therapist.
-
Directly after your session, keep yourself warm and covered up.
-
Track your cycle so you are aware of post-steam changes in timing and length.
-
Learn proper period care, so that your post-steam period flushes out the old residue loosened during your session.
Womb cleanse care guidelines
Your period is a natural womb cleanse, and it is common for a post-steam period to clear out old menses. That is why proper period care matters so much while you are steaming. Use these five guidelines during your period to help the process along.
01
Rest
Prioritize rest for the first four days of your period.
04
Hydrate and eat
Adequate hydration and nutrition support the increased blood production your body is doing.
02
Let it flow
Avoid period products that plug the vaginal canal, such as tampons.
05
Go gently
Avoid body inversions and rigorous exercise while menstruating.
03
Stay warm
Keep the abdomen warm to support good circulation and blood flow to the uterus.
Best practices and womb cleanse care guidelines adapted from my training with the Steamy Chick Institute. Full source material at steamychick.institute.
Full screening and safety guidance lives on the Vaginal Steaming page.