Vaginal steaming: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 18:45, 9 March 2017
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Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming, also known as V-steaming or yoni steaming (yoni is the Sanskrit word for womb or vagina)[1], is a hot new alternative health practice whereby a woman squats or sits down over a steaming bowl of water filled with different types of herbs such as basil, oregano and mugwort[2]. This practice was popularized in 2010 and is promoted by various promotors of pseudoscience like celebrity, Gwenyth Paltrow[3]. It is described in spas as an ancient Korean treatment that is used to health reproductive organ ailments as well as has many other positive effects.
There is no scientific evidence to show that this practice is effective or how it works. There is also no empirical evidence to support that any of the claims surrounding vaginal steaming are valid[4]. Dr. Jennifer Gutner, OB/GYN, stated that it is not biologically possible for this treatment to impact vaginal and uterine health the way it's proponents say it will[5].
Claims about the practice
Supporters of vaginal steaming claim that the practice balances female hormones and cleanses and revitalizes the uterus[6]. It is claimed to: reduce the discomfort, bloating and tiredness associated with menstruation, regulate irregular menstrual cycles, treat yeast infections, decrease the menstrual blood flow, increase fertility, relieve symptoms of menopause, treat endometriosis, speed up the after-birth healing process, help with toning, and the herb mugwort is said to help menstrual cramps.[7][8]
There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Side effects and potential dangers
Side effects and potential dangers include: allergic reactions[9], second degree burns if the steam is too close[10], vaginal infections[11], increased risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease[12], pregnancy complications such as increased risk for ectopic pregnancy[13], and the vagina tightening can increase tears and bleeding on vagina and increase risk of contracting STI's.[14]
Scientific Evidence
There is no scientific studies to date that has investigated the benefits of vaginal steaming. There are only testimonials to judge whether this is a beneficial practice. The public should be cautious on using this questionable alternative health practice. The vagina cleans itself and practices such as vaginal steaming are unnecessary. One benefit of this practice is that it may be arousing as heat turns on the blood flow to the vagina[15]
References
- ^ Ghose, Tia. "No, Gwenyth Paltrow, Vaginas don't need to be steam cleaned". LiveScience. LiveScience. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
- ^ Brashear, Sierra. "Vaginal Steaming: What you need to know". MindBodyGreen. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
- ^ "Sex, STI's and specific cultural practices". SOAIDS. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
- ^ Pagano, Trina. "Vaginal Douching: Helpful or Harmful?". WebMD. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
- ^ Oliver, Dana. "I Tried A Vaginal Steam Treatment, And Here's What Happened". Huffington Post. Retrieved 9 March 2017.