A spa in California is offering vaginal steam baths , in which spa-goers squat or sit on open stools over a tub of hot steam, as a cure-all for menstrual disorders, digestion and mood –
The V-Steam. Inspired by an ancient ritual practiced for many years in Korea. The steam from the herbal tea rises and absorbs into your skin & orifice. This steaming treatment stimulates the production of hormones to maintain uterine health, aids regular menstrual cycles, helps correct digestive disorders while soothing the nervous system. The natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties are said to help maintain internal health as well as keeping your skin looking young.
30 min. $50 Series of 6 for $180
It’s a douche, folks.
A $50 douche made with mugwort and 13 other herbs and having a fancy Korean name – Chai-Yok. True, the water gets up there as steam, and if you don’t squat just right over the steam bath, I imagine it may not get up there at all. But in the end it’s a douche.
We docs strongly advise against douching, since we know that women who do it have higher rates of vaginal and pelvic infections. Not to mention that the vaginal mucosa is highly absorptive surface, meaning anything you put in there is likely to end up in the rest of your body. And so I ask – what herbs are they using, at what doses, and what side effects might they have? Not to mention what might be growing in those wooden tubs they have you squatting over…
Fertility aid? Right – Prove it.
The Koreans aren’t the only ones who use vaginal steam baths. In South American cultures it is called Bajos, and it’s being promoted all over the web as a “rainforest” fertility aid, using every possible herbal combination under the sun.
No surprise then, that the owner of the California spa credits Chai-yok for her pregnancy achieved at age 45 after “trying for three years”. I notice she does not say how she “tried” to get pregnant, which makes me wonder if she is leaving out some little detail that may have led to her reproductive success, something like, oh I don’t know, maybe… fertility treatments? Not to mention, she may just have a little itsy-bitsy conflict of interest in making her claim, since she’s the one selling the V-steam? This, however, has not stopped websites from using headlines like “Vaginal Steam Baths Could Cure Infertility and Bad Periods“. Dumb.
The thing that upsets me is that the owner of this spa is an orthopedic surgeon. I can forgive his Korean wife for buying into unsubstantiated folklore medicine, but what’s his excuse? He and his wife can V-steam all they want in the privacy of their home, but where does he get off offering unproven, and potentially harmful, treatments for infertility and menstrual disorders? Shameful.
Bottom Line
I’d avoid the vaginal steam spa if I were you. Especially if you are prone to yeast infections, since yeast love a warm moist environment.
Regarding Vagina Jokes
Now, before you start posting your funny vagina steam comments here, head on over to the Yelp spa review site, where someone has probably already posted your joke. It’s one of the more hilarious comment threads I’ve ever read. And if you do post a comment here, keep it clean, okay? Oh wait….
_______________________________________
More on V-steam from around the web
- Orac weighs in on what he calls “Steamed Vajayjay Woo”, and wonders when Oprah will try it.
- Dr Manny Alvarez at Fox News calls the V-Steam ludicrous and says its health claims “Don’t hold water with me”. Was he trying to make a little joke? You go, Dr Manny!
- Dr. Lisa Rankin starts off on the right side of Medicine and tells us that Wormwood, one of the ingredients in the V-Steam, can be neurotoxic. But then she goes on to tell her readers to ignore her concerns and listen to their bodies instead…. C’mon Dr Lisa. You can’t have it both ways. Are you on or off the wooden stool?
Image from Wikipedia
But think of the leg muscles you’d develop through the squatting!
🙂
THANK YOU, for those two minutes of laughs you provided for me today. I so needed it! LOL
Oh…I could come up with a song parody for this if I was encouraged just the slightest bit…just sayin…
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DrRomanzi, Glenn Laffel. Glenn Laffel said: Great year-end review on vaginal steam baths! –> http://dld.bz/CY6P […]
Oh, for pity’s sake!
Why not let people try it for themselves and see how it works different things work for different people. Not everyone wants drugs that have a thousand side effects. Americans are so sad open your minds beyond your dangerous ass high priced medication dummies
It is a very common thing in India and is in practice since ages. This is usually done on women who have given birth and not on every other woman. The herbs used during this procedure give a soothing effect as well help in fast healing for those who have given birth recently.This is done only for some time, may be for a month after delivery.
We Indians are very familiar with this practice and indeed it is beneficial. It is usually done by a midwife.
As I researched and discussed with a korean friend,my opinion is that it is kind of an aromatheraphy. I know they use specific kind of wormwood(Artemisia princeps ) which has to be picked in very limited season to use for Chai-Yok and it could be used dried or form of essential oil. I don’t know how they do it in the spa in California you mentioned, but in Korea they use special material such as bio ceramic dish for steam bath for personal use. When they use a chair with a hole, they usually wear a big gown -big enough to cover your whole body- around the chair so the steam won’t escape. They use which is similar to wormwood essential oil. It is recommended as cure for yeast infection,for time before and after period and intercourse , cysts, and abdominal blood circulation. It keeps vagina healthy by keeping lactic acid bacteria. They have tested this essential oil on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium breve which indicated being anti-microbial for those harmful ones.(Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli). I’m not a doctor but some website has doctor’s opinion on those products and they actually mention it is not a douche. It is not one time miracle cure for fertility problems, and they might exaggerate on that one, but in Traditional medicine they say cold chi causes all the problem, and poor blood circulation could be one of the reason and cause for fertility problem cause their womb is not warm. I guess that Chia-yok being as fertility aid could be explained in that matter. As I was reading about use of yogurt for yeast infection, I think you need to research more on the topic before make any conclusion. After researching I’m quite interested.
reserch –
Can you give citations for your research? Are these well done studies or just websites touting the benefits of this so called therapy? I found no reliable research to support the claims that this is anything other than a spa treatment being misrepresented as medicine.
You and I may have different standards for what we call research. I’ll stick to mine, thank you.
Peace,
TBTAM
wow, such a strong reaction to vaginal steam baths. if there’s no scientific research, then it’s obvious quackery. You aren’t helping the perception of allopathic medicine as believing in pharmaceuticals as the only answer. Glad I have open-minded practitioners out here in California.
As I said I’m not a doctor, so you have easier access to these academic resources. Like you said I saw a paper about chia-yok or chia-hoon, introduced in a blog and it is in Korean, so I used google translation.-second address
Also there are other papers about wormwood.you can see few pages before paying.
http://www.jisikworld.com/paper/view.html?link=review&no=235928
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ko&tl=en&u=http://kr.blog.yahoo.com/wellnessyoon/23&prev=_t
Here are the references on this paper.
Adams, J. R., & Garcia, C. (2006). Womens’s health among the Chumash. Advance Access Publication 1
February, 3(1), 125-131.
Balint, G. A. (2001). Artemisinin and its derivatives an important new class of antimalarial agents.
Phamacology & Therapeutics, 90, 261-265.
Choi, C. R. (1999). Rethinking Hwang Je Nai Kyung SoMun. Kukhakjaryowon.
Choi, H. J., Lee, D. S., & Yun, H. J. (2002). Functional activities of the oligosaccharide fraction
AIP1 purified from Artemisia iwayomogi. Inje Medical Journal, 23(2), 703-711.
Cha, J. Y. (2000). The study on the experience of Moxibustion therapy in middle-aged woman. Journal
of Ewha Academy of Nursing, 33, 112- 137.
Eisenberg, D. M., Kessler, R. C., Foster, C., Norlock, F. E., Calkins, D. R., & Delbanco, T. L. (1993). Unconventional medicine in the united states. Prevalence, costs, and paterns of use. The New
England Journal of medicine, 328, 246-252.
Hui, J., Yoo, Y. S., & Baek, N. K. (2002). Ethnic custom scientific data series: Dongeuibogam. Woori
MadangTu.i.
Hwang, Y. K., Kim, D. C., Hwang, W. I., & Han, Y. B. (1998). Inhibitory effect of artemisia princeps
parnpan extract on growth of cancer cell lines. The Korean Journal Nutrition, 31(4), 799-808.
Janis, M. M., & Paggy, A. F. (1995). Qualitative research methods for health professionals second edition. Chapman & Hall, London, UK.
Jeon, S. J. (2001). Inhibitory effect of artemisia asiatica on osteoclast formation induced by Treponema socranskii, Unpublished master’s thesis, Yonsei University, Seoul.
Kim, D. J. (2002). Korean mugwort cultural research. Unpublished master’s thesis, Hanyang University,
Seoul.
Kim, H. T., & Lee. D. S. (2005). Effect of Artemisia capillary extracts on the pathogenic microbe which is anti germ effect. Journal of Health Environment Research Center, 15(1), 67-76.
Kim, K. D., & Lee, O. J. (1986). Social survey research method – logic and technique of social research. Park Young Sa.
Kim, S. O., & Jo, S. H. (2001). The effect of Hand acupuncture therapy and Moxibustion heat therapy
on dysmenorrhea. The Journal of Korean Womens’s Health Nursing Academic Society, 7(4), 610-621.
Kim, U. S., & Bae, H. J. (1998). The retrospection of tendency in the Korean nursing research through the journal of Nurses’ Academic society. Journal of Gyeongsang National University, 37, 221-228.
Kurzen, M., Bayerl, C., & Goerdt, S. (2003). Occupational allergy to mugwort. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 1, 285-290.
Kwon, D. J., Ku, Y. J., Kwon, M. Park, J. H., & Yu, J. Y. (1999). Effect of wormwood ethanol
extract on human intestinal microorganisms. Korean Journal of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,
27(2), 102-106.
Kwon, S. J., Park, J. S. (2005). The effect of Chunchu Moxibustion on the constipation of CVA patients. Clinical Nursing Research, 11(1), 179-189.
Lai, H., & Singh, N. P. (2006). Oral artemisinin prevents and delays the development of 7,
12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA)-induced breast cancer in the rat. Cancer Lett, Jan, 8; 231(1), 43-8.
Lee, I. S. (2004). Effect of self Moxibustion on dysmenorrhea and activities of daily living in
female college students. Journal of Korean Society for Health Education, 18(1), 39-49.
Lee, S. I. (1981). Herbal study. Kyung Hee University department of Oriental medicine phytology classroom.
Lee, S. J., Jeong, H. Y, Lee, I. K., & You, I. D.
(1999). Isolation and identification of flavonoids from ethanol extracts of artemisia vulgaris and their antitoxidant activity. Food and Biotechnology, 31(3), 815-822.
Lee, S. D., Park, H. H, Kim, D. W., & Park, B. H.
(2000). Bioactive constituents and utilities of artemisia sp. as medicinal herb and foodstuff. The
Korean Society of Food and Nutrition, 13(5), 490-505.
Lee, S. J. (1988). Bon-Cho-Kang-Mok, ChinaBookstore.
Lee, K. H. (1990). Traditional perineal care practice in Korea the use of mugwort(Artemisia). Nursing Science,2, 48-64.
Lim, S. N. (1995). The study of bioactive constituents of Artemisia sp. Unpublished master’s thesis, Yonsei University, Seoul.
National Oriental Medicine research institute (2006). (The power of nature healing)Wornwood health method of mystery. Bookpia.
Science Encycolpaedia publisher (1999). Ingredient and use of medical plant. Ilwolsugok.
Sin, K. L., Kwak, S. A., & Sin, S. J. (2001). The effects of hand moxibustion therapy on decreasing
pain and relieving coldness of women with a hystetectomy. The Journal of Korean Academic society
of Adult Nursing, 13(1), 159-170.
Sin, K. L., Park, S. Y., & Sin, S. J. (2004). A study on the use patterns of Altenative therapy in the elderly. The Journal of Korean Academic society of Adult Nursing, 16(1), 111-122.
Son, I. S. (2005). The effect of the herb humigation therapy on the relief of premenstrual and dysmenorrhea. Unpublished master’s thesis, Pusan Katholic University, Pusan
Won, H. Y. (2003). Studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia capillaris Thuberg. Unpublished master’s thesis, Wonkwang University, Junbuk
Yoo, S. M. (1962). Herbal study. Dongmyoungsa.
Yoo, Y. J., & Kim, W. S. (2003). Effect of Artemisia asiatica on osteociast formation induced by periodontopathogens and its mechanisms. Hygienic medical treatment engineering research development operation last report, 1-24.
The paper I mentioned was on the Journal of East-West Nursing Research Institute –
host for International Conference on Traditional Nursing in 2004 and participated the same conference in China (2006) and Japan (2008).
The article was on Korean Journal Of Women Health Nursing 15 2:150~159,2009.
“Effects of Artemisia A. moke(Ssukjahun) on Menstrual Distress, Dysmenorrhea, and Prostaglandin F2α”
Lee, Kwang Ok1)․Kim, Sue2)․Chang, Soon Bok3)․Yoo, Ji Soo2)
1) Research Professor, College of Nursing, Seoul University, Seoul
2) Professor, College of Nursing, Nursing Policy Research Institute, Yonsei University
3) Emeritus Professor, College of Nursing, Yonsei University
I have the original article in pdf file, so email me if you want. It has full page of references as well.
I don’t know if you’re still very mad at the spa, but at the end it’s not a clinic.
It’s amazing to me how medical doctors “play God” and believe that artificial substances, such as medications, can actually be more beneficial than what nature provides. Medications, that I suppose is “proven” science, causes more deaths and life destruction than any natural, ancient remedy can.
Kaley – You are quite right – Medications can be quite dangerous. That’s why the FDA oversees their manufacture and use. Unfortunately, many folks assume that “natural” by definition means “safe” – just ask Socrates that – he died from natural hemlock poisoning!
Thanks for reading.
Peggy
So sorry to hear how closed minded you sound especially when you lead a health blog. As a woman you probably own a vagina of your own, so did you gave the steam bath a try or you just thrown your opinions out there cause you are an MD therefore you must know everything about health, right?! Wonder how many of your patients you treated for infertility have actually conceived using scientific methods? Those methods you refer to as quackery have been around for thousands of years and are still being used because they work. If it bothers you do much there is no scientific evidence behind it than why don’t you give it a try then write about it from a more well informed place.
My physical therapist recommended these treatments because I have incontinence and vulvodynia caused by very tight pelvic muscles and trigger points in my pelvic muscles. Do you think this might help? I’m rolling my eyes with you about the fertility claims. But do you think it could have some medical use for pelvic floor dysfunction?
BlueEmpress” you just thrown your opinions out there cause you are an MD therefore you must know everything about health, right?! ”
Funniest comment so far. As an MD, I suspect she knows a hell of a lot more about medicine than you do. Doctors don’t have to try every bloody piece of woo out there before they make an informed decision on it, given their high level of knowledge of how the body actually works, as opposed to just about all woo merchants, I’d say she is quite qualified to call BS on a BS piece of unscientific nonsense. If this works, why aren’t fertility clinics using it as part of their treatment? They would jump at something like this if it were successful. Where did you do your medical degree!
This is got to be the most judgmental and allopathic close minded BS I have ever read. I’m surprised you don’t know the difference between douching and steaming, with a doctorate degree and all. Good luck with your FDA regulated medicine and hormonal torture techniques.
I have never had regular periods in all my life except on birth control, and that FDA-approved contraceptive had some of the scariest side effects I’ve ever experienced. On top of that, they depleted my body’s ability to regulate my own hormones, making my irregularity worse. I’ve been looking into natural treatments for menstrual issues, and I have a friend who swears by v-steams. (I’ve been calling them feminine steams for the sake of our population’s fear of the vagina.) I trust my friend’s testimony, and I promise I will never go on birth control again no matter how adamantly my doctor pushes it without listening to me–so I tried a steam (after reading a lot about them). All I can tell you is that after my first vaginal steam, the acne on my arms that I’ve struggled with since middle school was 50% better overnight, and within two days I got my period for the first time in eight months (not pregnant, I took multiple tests confirmed by a doctor). Maybe it was coincidence or a fluke, but that’s all the proof I need to give it a second try. I’m not expecting it to be a cure-all, but it’s a better start than getting force-fed chemicals and hormones that are liable to give me a heart attack. Oh, and I guess I should mention I did it at home for about $3, so I don’t feel duped by some spa. Makes me wonder, though, if Fox News, MDs and others are actually paid by pharma to turn people off to something like this or if the “fear of the vag” culture is doing that job for them by now. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful — it’s a difficult and worthy job you do. But after more than a decade of bleeding profusely every 4-8 months, it’s only gonna turn me into more of a skeptic of pharmaceutical medicine for this particular issue (you better believe I’m still gonna take antibiotics for, say, an ear-ache) if I have better luck with some oregano tea.
Byrd –
Whenever a menses occurs, one can usually count on ovulation having occurred two weeks previously, so an intervention causing a menses two days later would be coincidental and not causative. It also would make sense that if a woman who was anovulatory began to ovulate, acne might improve as well. I would look into what other things you may have done (diet, exercise) that made things better – you are likely crediting the stem bath for something you did yourself.
Best to you.
Peggy
No, and so I deleted your comment, Sorry. .
Oh puhleez– this article further demonstrates the total arrogance that I have experienced from most doctors. As the above commenter stated, “Good luck with your FDA regulated medicine and hormonal torture techniques”– It’s time to wake up to the reality that allopathic medicine may be good for reattaching a limb or for a severe infection, but knows nothing about how to work with the body’s natural healing abilities. And please show me the statistics on the number of deaths or injury form herbs yearly– I would love to see them and compare them to the deaths and injury from medications and surgery.