Wellness spas and beauty studios from California to New Jersey are offering yoni/vagina steaming services to promote vaginal wellness. The v-steam, or yoni steam, is the act of sitting above customized herbs and steam created by heated water to cleanse the vagina.
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Wellness spas and beauty studios from California to New Jersey are offering yoni/vagina steaming services to promote vaginal wellness. The v-steam, or yoni steam, is the act of sitting above customized herbs and steam created by heated water to cleanse the vagina.
For centuries, women from Asia, South America and Africa have been yoni steaming to address menstrual cramps, dryness, breach babies, infertility, infections and to increase sexual pleasure. Mayan midwives are believed to have offered v-steaming, while ancient Greeks enjoyed a “smoking” treatment they called fumigation.
Today, celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Chrissy Teigen and Jada Pickett Smith have all shared their v-steam stories. Teigen even posted pictures of herself to social media with a face mask, neck warmer and robe around her waist!
But, does it work? Is it safe? As with many alternative medical practices, v-steam doesn’t have the scientific proof required to be seen as effective according to Western medicine. But for many, it is a natural way to care for the vagina and vulva, while promoting tranquility.
As we all know—and even Western practitioners agree—stress is our biggest killer. V-steam is a wonderful opportunity for women to create space to relax and have some “me time.”
Some spas, like Coco’s Beauties in Oakland, California, have custom-built “thrones” that allow a woman or group of women to gather, listen to music and enjoy a specialized steam. “The vagina has a lot to do! We expect it to have a monthly cycle, create pleasure, give birth and go back to work,” says owner and esthetician, Laronda Sullivan. She adds that, as a mom, it just makes sense to provide a treatment to care for female bodies.
V-steam spa treatments can take 30 to 45 minutes and range in price from $45 to $225. If you’re considering offering this service to your guests, there are a number of things to consider.
Related: #10Things You Should Know About V-Steam
V-Steam in the Spa
First, know your clientele and consider whether v-steaming works for your current roster. What are the ages of your guests? Do you have the female population to support it?
This is a very personal and nurturing treatment, so you should also think about how your facility can provide that. Create a calm space with relaxing music, soft colors, herbal teas and healthy snacks. If women are able to steam together, robes must also be provided for privacy.
Do your research when choosing the throne, and be sure to test the seat multiple times for different body types. Guests will be sitting for 15 to 25 minutes, so it should be comfortable and easy to clean, with the correct spacing between the pot and the client’s vagina. There are small warming pots that can also be installed under the throne to keep the water warm, but it should not burn. The client should be able to sit comfortably and relax.
Customization is key. Facials, massages and body treatments are all tailored to each guest, and you want to do the same for this service. Spas can purchase premade herbal blends, or you can buy the herbs and create blends (for a cost of course!) in house.
Speaking of which, there are many herbs that may be used during a yoni steam, including: mugwort, basil, rosemary, netter, chamomile, oregano, comfrey, yarrow, raspberry leaf, sage, rose petals, marigold, plantain leaves, wormwood, dandelion leaf, corn silk and red clover. All have unique properties and can be customized for each individual.
Post-treatment, clients should be encouraged to relax and stay warm. Some may feel emotional or even cry; regardless, offer them a quiet place to relax after their session. Encourage them to meditate, drink herbal tea, journal or just chill. It’s recommended that clients to avoid alcohol, heavy exercise and caffeine after any detox treatment.
There are also home kits for woman to transform their own commode into a v-steam. Many pregnancy stores, yoga studios and health stores sell and recommend such kits to clients, and it’s a great retail opportunity for you, too.
Provider Logistics
Currently, there don’t appear to be any state regulations about this service or who can offer it. If your spa is licensed under the local board of cosmetology, massage board or county, you should review the regulations.
If it is not covered, think about posting a sign that says, “This treatment room is not covered under the board of barbering and cosmetology.” This is similar to what some states require estheticians to post when offering permanent makeup. As there are no specific regulations about who can offer the service, this may be a good option for spa attendants and other therapists when they’re not scheduled with a guest. Make sure everyone knows to avoid making medical claims.
In terms of insurance, keep it simple but let them know. You want to make sure you are covered before providing any new services. Keeping the pots and thrones sanitary is very important. Bacteria thrives in dark, dirty, damp environments, so disinfecting steps should be implemented to avoid introducing bacteria to the vagina.
If your spa already has the space, yoni steam could be an inexpensive service to offer. The throne, pots, herbs and marketing costs are low compared to other treatments, although customized blends are more costly. Women are interested in v-steams, but they need information and encouragement to schedule the appointment. To get the word out, share photos of the space and clearly state what the treatment is without promising medical results.
Consider making a space for bridal parties, special events, etc. You can even create a profitable package by providing it as an add-on or a membership. Perform a thorough consultation. Women who are menstruating; six to eight weeks postpartum; or experiencing yeast infections, pelvic injuries or recent surgeries should avoid getting a vagina steam until they are healed. In some cases, they should have clearance from their medical professional.
This ancient treatment has been getting modern press and controversy for years! If your clientele and service providers believe in the treatment and you have the space, this is certainly an interesting offering for your spa or wellness center. Happy steaming!
Deedee Crossett, founder and owner of the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, is an industry pioneer who raised the bar of undergraduate education for cosmetologists and estheticians. She can be reached at www.facebook.com/deedee.crossett.
