The age-old tradition of yoni steaming has been around for centuries. But, only recently has it been coming to the fore, and for different reasons. Johannesburg resident Thembalethu Shezi*, 39, says the pressure of producing the first grandchild for her in-laws was mounting. After years of trying to conceive, the couple decided to undergo fertility treatment.
“I was going through in vitro fertilisation and being injected with inhumane amounts of hormones. A friend, who was studying abdominal fertility massage, suggested that I try cleansing. I didn’t think it would help me fall pregnant, but I thought it would help cleanse, detox and balance my body in-between treatments.” Shezi bought herbs from a stockist of natural and organic products, and a bowl that was big enough to t in the toilet but low enough so as not to burn her. “I lled the bowl with boiling water, steeped the herbs inside, placed it in the toilet, played some relaxing music and sat on the steaming toilet for about 30 minutes.”
Yoni is a Sanskrit word that means vagina, womb or origin of life. Known as bajos in Central and South America where it originated and chai-yok by traditional Korean healers, yoni steaming is an ancient healing and nurturing practice used by women to maintain strong reproductive health. You may have seen model Chrissy Teigen’s Instagram post two years ago, in which she is wearing a sheet mask and sitting on a box.
