Yoni and Me

Walking into Yoni Steam, I was nervous. I’ve done yoga, I’ve done meditation but never yoni steam. The holistic practitioner greeted me with a warm smile, asked me if this was my first time and proceeded to hand me a checklist and paperwork asking “What my yoni was in need of?”

The next 15 minutes consisted of me changing into a full-length gown and putting on comfortable footie socks to walk around in. As I waited for my pot of certified organic herbs that are free of chemicals, pesticides or GMOs to be mixed and warmed to a comfortable steam, I couldn’t help but think, “What have I gotten myself into?” Better yet, “What have I gotten my cooch, vajayjay, PURSE, into?”

In ancient Sanskrit, yoni is known as “sacred temple” or pathway, a place to access our wisdom, our power. Yoni steaming — also known as vaginal steaming — is a practice in which a woman allows the warmth of a mild organic herbal steam to permeate the exterior of her vagina up into the womb.

According to Yoni Steam Honolulu, the yoni (vaginal) steam dates back thousands of years and across many indigenous cultures. In Africa, the practice is described as yoni steam; in Mayan, bajos meaning “down there;” in Korean, it is called chai yok. These cultures have used yoni steaming as a routine ritual to honor and connect with their feminine energy. 

“Yoni steam puts a woman in touch with herself, it reminds her of the profound place she came from,” said Allison Nahoopii, the 59-year-old owner of Yoni Steam Honolulu, which opened in Sept 2017. “We have to get back into recognizing the power we have as women; I believe it is coming back.”

When considering natural remedies for anxiety, stress, vaginal trauma, be it from childbirth or otherwise, physical and emotional healing, perhaps the last option a woman would consider doing is sitting over a pot of fresh herbs in a floor-length gown as steam hits the outside of her vagina. But after a 45-minute session, I am now a fellow believer in the power of yoni steaming.

My experience reached far beyond my expectations. I expected discomfort, awkwardness, and some type of fake holistic clarity, but what I walked away with was the exact opposite of my fears. As a wife, mother, and college student, I often feel anxious and overwhelmed and in need of a break or a quiet space where I can get balanced. After 45 minutes of yoni steaming, I felt restored, worry-free, and ready to take on the day. I noticed how tranquil I felt throughout the remainder of the week, which I can credit yoni steam for. 

From entering the clean, spa-like room to the food, tea, music, and holistic practitioners, I realized I didn’t have anything to be nervous about. The holistic practitioner was very knowledgeable about every herb, blend, and yoni specific remedy and it put me at ease. It was a great, restoring, and empowering experience and I want to bring all my best friends.  

The holistic practitioners answered every question I had with depth and with understandable responses. Catered to my needs, they offered a blanket (for a hotter steam), tea, chocolate, even a soundtrack full of affirmations to listen to during steaming. “You are powerful.” “You are beautiful.” “You are WOMEN.”

After my 45-minute yoni steam experience, I felt great, happy that I gave this experience a chance.

What I’ve learned from yoni steam is to try new and out-of-the-box remedies to life’s troubles, regardless of any prejudgements I may have had. Yoni steam is painless, relaxing, and beneficial to a women’s health. Even though I don’t have the vaginal issues that many women suffer silently through, to have this a part of my vaginal care along with annual check-ups, I see how this can help physically, mentally and emotionally. Please remember yoni steam is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and if you have a medical concern, always consult a doctor first.

At Yoni Steam Honolulu, the Deluxe Yoni Steam is normally $149 but is now $55 (if you pay in cash).