Discover a lesser-known technique to tackle menstrual woes

Sakshi Malirsquos menstrual health took a dark turn when she developed a 45centimetrewide cyst in 2022 ldquoI used to suffer from severe midcycle cramping for one and half years and wouldnt do without antispasmodicrdquo the 32yearold tells this writerSeeking remedies she experimented with homeopathy for six months without success Additionally hormonal medicines from gynecologists failed to help It wasnt until 2023 that she discovered the benefits of vaginal steaming which began to alleviate her severe menstrual painldquoI did vaginal steaming for one month and the midcycle pain went away like magic I conceived naturally without any medication in a couple of months Also when I went for my first sonography there were no remaining cysts eitherrdquo shares MaliWhile this may seem too good to be true it appears that more women are opting for the practice of vaginal steaming also known as yonisteaming For Anshula Singhal the problem of severe pain in the pelvis and legs after intercourse had become a norm until she steamed her lady bits ldquoWithin two months ndash I was relieved of the pain and could go about sexual activity without any fearrdquo informs the 40yearoldRecent studies have highlighted potential health risks associated with the longterm use of Meftal Spas a common medication used to address menstrual pain In a recent advisory issued by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission health concerns have been raised regarding the use of this widelyconsumed painkiller The report highlights that the medicine contains mefenamic acid which is known to induce allergic reactionsWhile the medicine can provide temporary relief from symptoms like cramps and abdominal discomfort prolonged use may lead to adverse effects such as gastric irritation kidney damage and increased risk of cardiovascular issues Given these concerns many individuals are exploring natural alternatives like vaginal steaming as a safer option for managing period pain and related symptomsLR Herbs that go into the steam box Dr Prity Maniar Mumbaibased certified vaginal steaming practitionerSo what is vaginal steamingDr Komal Bhadu consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Ruby Hall Clinic informs ldquoVaginal steaming also known as yoni steaming is a traditional practice where a person sits over a pot or basin filled with hot water infused with herbs They typically cover themselves with a cloth or robe to trap the steam allowing it to permeate the vaginal areardquoDr Prity Maniar a certified vaginal steaming practitioner and founder of The Womb Story shares that traditionally herbs were sprinkled on burning coal inside a pot that produced fry smoke meant to warm a womanrsquos genitals This ancient Ayurvedic practice however posed risks due to the use of burning coals which could damage the skin and cause indoor pollution Additionally the unavailability of coals made it difficult to performAlso Read Her lady bits are on strike Misconceptions about female pleasure men need to knowManiar took cues from this practice to devise a newage steam box that addresses the shortcomings associated with the use of coal ldquoNow I use water as a medium instead of coals The hot water bowl goes inside this steam box and you can sit over it and consume the steam comfortably through an opening which is just around the perineal areardquo It can be done right from teenage to menopause and later tooHowever there is limited scientific evidence supporting these claims and additional research is necessary to validate its effectiveness informs BhaduBut why steam your lady bitsManiar remarks that while itrsquos true that the uterus is a selfcleansing organ and periods help to detox cleanse so are our gut and our digestive system yet we still do a gut detox despite eliminating stool every day Similarly a uterus detox needs to be given a thoughtAdvocates of vaginal steaming share that this natural remedy offers a multitude of benefits for a wide range of menstrual and periodrelated issues such as premenstrual syndrome PMS painful periods polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS cysts fibroids endometriosis low libido menopause irregular periods short cycles and postpartum recoveryManiar adds that this practice is not only advantageous for addressing physical symptoms but also plays a significant role in enhancing emotional wellbeing It helps release pentup emotions often unknowingly stored in the womb or uterus Additionally vaginal steaming enhances sensuality making it a holistic approach to womens healthldquoThe practice of vaginal steaming has deep roots in various cultures across India and around the globe including traditions from Ayurveda Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM Mexican and Mayan cultures These traditions have long recognised and scientifically validated the benefits of steaming especially during the postpartum periodrdquo she addsHow safe is vaginal steamingThe safety of vaginal steaming is a topic of debate among medical professionals While proponents claim it offers benefits that have been discussed above there are significant concerns about its safetyPotential risks include burns from hot steam infections from unsterilised equipment and disruptions to the natural vaginal flora which can lead to other health issues Bhadu adds that there are chances of potential irritation or allergic reactions to the herbs used in the steaming processOn the contrary Maniar opines that there are no side effects associated with using the steam box as it uses water ldquoIf one is sitting over the steam box there are no chances of burns as theres no constant source of heat steam And when it comes to the pH of the vagina sexual intercourse and semen would change the pH and not steamingrdquo Maniar claims this after doing the vagina pH tests post using the steam boxGroup session for vaginal steamingHow to prepare for vaginal steamingHere is how you can prepare for a vaginal steaming session at home1 You will need a bowl of hot water and a selection of herbs suited to your needs The container can be made of stainless steel glass or ceramic to ensure safety and maintain the temperature of the water2 Boil water and pour it into your chosen container Add the herbs to the hot water allowing them to steep and release their beneficial properties into the steam3 Place the bowl in a comfortable quiet area where you can relax You can choose to kneel over the bowl or use a steam box designed for this purpose which provides added comfort and support4 Carefully position yourself over the bowl or steam box ensuring that the steam can reach the vaginal area It is important to keep a safe distance to avoid burns and ensure a gentle steam experience5 Drape a blanket or large towel around your waist and the bowl to trap the steam Sit comfortably and relax for 2030 minutes allowing the steam to work its magicAlso Read Endometriosis affects 43 million women in India StudyWhat to expect during the steam session Many women report a variety of sensations and emotional releases during their steam sessions Some describe it as a meltingdown effect feeling as though tension is dissolving away Others feel a sense of release as if something is being let go from within informs BhaduWhat goes into the steam boxExperts list down the herbs that go into the making of the vaginal steam box Dried rose lavender basil rosemary chamomile calendula nettles and mugwort are commonly used in vaginal steaming each offering distinct benefitsSome of these herbs such as lavender and rosemary help increase blood flow while others like chamomile and calendula are known for their infectionfighting properties Additionally herbs like nettles can help reduce menstrual flowManiar emphasises that ldquoItrsquos essential that these herbs are not combined randomly as their effects can vary greatly I customise herb blends after conducting an online consultation to understand each individuals menstrual cycle medical history and specific symptomsrdquoHow often can you steamJust as diet exercise and medication plans vary for each individual so too must steam plans be tailored according to a persons menstrual history Each plan can differ in frequency ranging from 3 to 6 times per month or menstrual cycle depending on the cycles length and specific symptoms outlines ManiarIts essential to avoid vaginal steaming during certain conditions when on periods or spotting during pregnancy if theres an active infection and for those trying to conceive naturally steaming should be avoided until ovulationAlso Read Half of slum girls donrsquot change sanitary napkins in school survey reveals