NORMAL CYCLES: For those who have normal, pain free cycles, I recommend a “maintenance” vaginal steam be done once every three months with the changing of the seasons just before menses. If you are so inclined, you may steam two to three times per month, always during weeks in which you are not menstruating as part of you self care routine.

MENSTRUAL DISORDERS: Women who suffer from pain, bloating or exhaustion during menstruation should steam every other day within the week or two before menstruation. To aid shedding of uterine lining, you may drink two cups of oregano tea for three days before cycle begins. After doing so, you will likely see a change in the fluid you pass when your period begins. You may also steam once after your cycle ends, to clear out any excess materials.

FERTILITY CHALLENGES: Women who are experiencing fertility challenges should steam once per week, and twice during pre-ovulation, to make sure that the tissue is moist and that the cervical fluids are clear and copious. They should expect to steam for three months before seeing results. Some even recommend doing a steam every other day all cycle long for more serious conditions, for a more powerful cleanse & detox. This can be very beneficial for women struggling with long term fertility issues, but it is important to note that steaming all cycle long should only be done during a cycle where you are NOT trying to conceive.

POSTPARTUM: Midwives administer steams to postpartum mothers within the first 9 days after childbirth, this is the ideal. It will help with clots and help the uterus to return to its proper position. Healthy woman with a natural birth would have three steams within the first nine days postpartum. Postpartum uterine lavage helps to make sure all the fluids of birth have flowed out of the body. Maya midwives use the number 9 as a spiritual tradition. They usually do three vaginal steams during the first 9 days postpartum. For the postpartum, a yoni steam may be done three times per week for four weeks to facilitate healing and toning of the uterus and vagina (please be sure there are no open wounds and that you are no longer bleeding).

MENOPAUSE: For those going through menopause, a yoni steam is recommended a few times a year in the first couple years of menopause to ensure that the uterine membrane is very clean when it stops menstruating. (Menopausal women have reported passing clots and dark, thick blood even a year after menses has ceased. “Better out than in,” is the Arvigo motto) Women who are experiencing or who have passed menopause should steam at least three times per year for maintenance, but may steam more often if it feels right. If your challenges are chronic, you may want to steam up to three times per week to ensure the greatest results.