By Kayla Keller, Steam Oracle
What if you had a practice in your life that promoted not only extreme relaxation in your
nervous system but also added a rich ritual to your arsenal? There is a practice that is
thousands of years old, where women from various corners of the globe sit or squat
over a pot of herbal-infused steam as a sacred ritual to cleanse, rejuvenate, and nurture
the womb and reproductive organs. This is the ancient practice of womb steaming,
passed down through generations and still alive in cultures today. This age-old tradition
has a rich history and profound significance in Africa, Korea, Central and South
America, Southeast Asia, Europe and Native American Tribes.
De-Colonizing Our Beliefs
There are many different practices that have been suppressed due to colonialism and
the westernization of modern society. The current medical systems that exist today
place a high value in proven scientific research. Although this is valid (and how
medicine has found success) there are many things that have been lost to time due to
prejudice as well as the apparent need to control women. Womb Steaming is a tried-
and-true method used throughout generations. Despite this, it was deemed as
unscientific, primitive, and superstitious by colonizers. Many indigenous practices
including womb steaming were banned and stigmatized. Those that practiced were
persecuted for continuing to exercise their traditions.
Historically, we can see patriarchal systems repeatedly seek to control women’s bodies,
sexuality and reproductive health. It appears womb steaming was one of the practices
that was suppressed. I believe that this is due to its ability to empower women and give
them control over their bodies. I think it is important to remember that a lot of religious
teachings also focus on secrecy and shame around sexual health deeming it improper
or immoral to care for the sacred magical portal that women possess. Furthermore,
womb steaming was labeled as pagan or witchcraft. Those that practiced were
prosecuted because it directly contradicted the religious doctrine at the time. It was
considered immodest, which didn’t align with conservative religious views especially
when it came to the roles of women.
Modern medicine during the 19th and 20th centuries dismissed most holistic health
practices as unscientific despite these practices being effective centuries prior. The
focus turned from the generational knowledge of traditional medicine to the more male-
dominated medical institutions we see today. These institutions focus more on clinical,
pharmaceutical and surgical interventions for the health of women. We see time and
time again these institutions fail to diagnose and truly care for women. Patriarchal ideals
teach women that menstruation, vaginal care, and even childbirth are considered
embarrassing or “unclean”. This untrue stigma has kept modalities such as womb
steaming away from those that need it most. Although birth doulas and midwives still exist today, they have almost been completely eradicated and are often dismissed. This and
other traditional healing practices have been lost in favor of hospitalized and medicated
births.
Time to Reclaim Our Health*
The traditional uses of womb steaming are still valid today. Many women have found
that it helps with postpartum recovery by promoting healing, toning the uterus and
reducing discomfort after childbirth. It also has helped many with menstrual health by
regulating menstrual cycles, relieving cramps and cleansing the womb of stagnation.
When stagnation is removed from the womb it tends to help with fertility issues as well
as removing infection. Herbal selection also aids in the healing process. Many herbs are
known to assist in circulation and help reduce inflammation.
Ritual
Womb steaming is a sacred ritual where women can connect to their bodies, souls and
their ancient ways of knowing. It is also a way to connect deeply with benevolent
ancestors as well as connect to the flow of feminine energy that is within all people. This
ritual allows deeper connection to the herbs selected. Each plant chosen has been used
traditionally for having unique energetic and healing properties. We begin by setting
intentions that allow for grounding, purification and, especially, emotional release. Some
can even tap into the spiritual realm! This allows them to release trauma,
ancestral/generational pain or stagnant energy. Magically, womb steaming is about
transformation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By engaging in this ritual,
women have healed and aligned their reproductive energy. Whether they desire to
encourage fertility, balance their menstrual cycle, or release old emotional wounds.
Steam itself symbolizes the ethereal. Representing the bridge between the material
world and the spiritual realm makes the process both grounding and elevating.
Ultimately, the magic of womb steaming lies in its ability to offer a space of deep care,
intentional healing, and connection to the sacred aspects of womanhood.
Womb steaming also carries a deep sense of ancestral connection. It’s believed that by
participating in this ancient practice, women tap into the innate wisdom and nurturing
energy of the generations of women before them. In this way, the ritual becomes a
bridge between the past and present, honoring the cyclical nature of life, fertility, and
femininity.
Womb steaming is an ancient practice deeply rooted in the traditions of diverse cultures,
designed to offer women a holistic way to care for their pelvic wellness and fertility
vitality. Historically, womb steaming has provided not only physical relief but also
emotional and spiritual healing. It connects women to their bodies and communities.
Like many women's health practices, it faced suppression due to colonialism, patriarchal control over women's bodies, and the rise of modern medicine, which devalued traditional healing practices in favor of clinical interventions.
While womb steaming has regained popularity as part of a broader movement toward
embracing holistic wellness, it is crucial to acknowledge its limitations. While the warmth
and herbal properties may soothe symptoms like menstrual cramps or promote
relaxation, it is not a cure for any medical conditions. These conditions require
professional medical treatment, underscoring the importance of integrating both
traditional wisdom and modern healthcare approaches.
Ultimately, the resurgence of womb steaming symbolizes a reclamation of feminine
autonomy over reproductive well-being. Women today seek to balance the benefits of
ancient rituals with the science of contemporary medicine. Whether used as a spiritual
ritual, a form of self-care, or a complementary therapy, womb steaming remains a
testament to the resilience of traditional practices and the power of women's connection
to their bodies across history.
Below you will find resources regarding the subject of womb steaming:
Cox, Elizabeth. Ancient Healing Practices: A Cultural Guide to Herbal Medicine.
New York: Healing Arts Press, 2017.
Vernon, Rachel. Women's Health and Healing: Rituals and Remedies Across
Cultures. San Francisco: Global Traditions Publishing, 2019.
Cleghorn, Elinor. Unwell Women: Misdiagnosis and Myth in a Man-Made World.
London: Weidenfeld &Nicolson, 2021.
Zhang, Qi, et al. Effectiveness of Herbal Therapy for the Treatment of
Endometriosis: A Systematic Review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
vol. 38, no. 4, 2018, pp. 625–631.
Fraser, Elizabeth. Postpartum Healing: Traditional Practices and Modern
Science. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020.
Johnston-Robledo, Ingrid, and Joan C. Chrisler. The Menstrual Mark:
Menstruation as Social Stigma. Sex Roles, vol. 68, no. 1-2, 2013, pp. 9-18.
Hirsch, Jennifer. The Role of Ritual in Women’s Healing Practices. Journal of
Holistic Health, vol. 25, no. 2, 2021, pp. 75-88.
Federici, Silvia. Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive
Accumulation. Brooklyn: Autonomedia, 2004.
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