If Vaginas Horrify You, Stop Reading This
Gwyneth Paltrow dismayed the world when, a few years ago,
she promoted the ancient practice of vaginal steaming. The response was a full-on
public outcry. Hateful comments flowed, and I remember them well. Misogynists –
both male and female – trotted out their venom.
Paltrow is a has-been, they said – a middle-aged woman (because
it’s a personal failure to exceed the age of 30, yes?) seeking attention by any
means possible. They called her a nut, a slut, a feminist (on no!), a hippie, a
yuppie, a loser, an entitled white woman, and a letdown as a human being. The vitriol was positively disturbing.
Confession: I love and have always loved Gwyneth Paltrow,
and I cannot for the life of me see the bad that others say is in her. She’s
smart, hip, progressive, kind, elevated, and a gifted actress. I’m her biggest
fan, and possibly the only one left standing. ‘Conscious uncoupling’ is a great
idea. More people should practice it – there would be fewer hostile exes in
the world, and we could all benefit from that.
To be frank, I believe the fury that Paltrow haters unleashed
on her over yoni steaming and conscious uncoupling is just an expression of
self-contempt, fear, and sexist prejudice. I find it very, very tiresome.
But let's talk vaginas. Specifically, vaginal steaming. Also called yoni steaming (‘yoni’
from the Sanskrit word for ‘sacred space’)
is an ancient Mayan and Asian form of personal hygiene and energy clearing that
went unnoticed by most until Paltrow brought it out into the light, where it
belongs.
For some reason, just mentioning yoni steaming to some
people sets their teeth on edge. They cringe, jeer, label, and mock. In my
mind, there’s no doubt whatsoever that this response comes from our own fears,
biases, and self-loathing. Freeing oneself from such a prison requires the kind
of deep self-work that I can’t help anyone with, so I’m just going to mention it and
move on.
There’s not much to yoni steaming: cleansing herbs (I use
rosemary, red clover, and lavender) are added to boiling water, and steeped
just like tea. Then you just sit or crouch over the slightly cooled water, and
let the healing steam clean and purify your body.
Vaginal health matters. Spiritual health matters. Yoni
steaming ministers to both. And if you have a vagina, you ought to try it.
Here’s some of its benefits: yoni steaming disperses the
stagnation of energy that often leads to menstrual cramping and irregular
periods that plague many women; it moistens and relaxes the uterus, making orgasm
easier and most intense; it ministers to the root chakra, producing an energy
uptick that even deep meditation can’t top; it cleanses the vagina at the end
of menstruation; it raises the female vibration; and it offers an energetic
release from past sexual partners.
Always use pure distilled water – never tap water – and
certified organic herbs for yoni steaming. Frequency is a matter of taste, but
there is such a thing as too often. I steam once my period ends. Some steam
before and after their menstrual cycles, and that’s fine too. Do not steam when
you’re on your period, or when you’re pregnant, or if you’re trying to get
pregnant. Also, if you have an IUD, ask your doctor if steaming is safe. And
definitely don’t steam if you have an infection.
Part of this is pivoting our minds into a positive way of
thinking about the female body. My husband looked at me sideways when I first
told him a few years ago that I practice yoni steaming. Now, he prepares the
herbal infusion for me. He’s always relived when my period ends: the pain
is done, the body is recovering, and the grumpiness subsides. He also knows
that the fun house is open for fun again. Just saying.
I’ve never had a vaginal or yeast
infection, ever. I credit my mother for this. A registered nurse of the Old
School, she taught her only daughter about personal hygiene and the importance
of that sacred space between my legs. She taught me about oral health and kept
me in orthopedic shoes. The reward for this love she gave me is a great set of
healthy, straight teeth; smooth, callous-free and pain-free feet; and a healthy,
happy vagina that rocks. Thanks, Mom.
Still disturbed or disgusted by yoni steaming? I don’t know
what to tell you – I can’t help you. To everyone else, I say take good care of
the V. The vagina is a seat of power in so many ways. Honor it. Keep it clean
and comfortable, healthy and happy, and it will reward you with years of pleasure
and contentment.
Barbie xo
