Dr. Laurena White Responds:

“There are so many things that need to be treated that aren’t in the uterus. You could have multiple cysts that could be on the external genitalia. You could have areas in the vagina that need treatment or the bottom of the cervix which there’s a straight passageway for the steam to touch.

Another component to consider is that the actual warmth of the steam is relaxing to all of the muscles. The simple effect of relaxing the musculature around the reproductive system is therapeutic.

As doctors, we also prescribe vaginal suppositories that get into the bloodstream because the membrane is more permeable than any other substance. Herbs included in the steam would absolutely get into the bloodstream. Because steam is literally only water, it makes it that much easier for it to permeate those membranes.

Another thing that we have to consider is that the brown and black menses that the body gets rid of after steaming is a sign that the steam may actually be opening the cervical os. That old residue coming out — that’s your healing. That’s you getting better. That brown and black blood is not the adequate color. And you’re getting rid of it in a way that’s healthy and makes room for healthy tissue to regenerate. There was no scraping of your endometrial lining. There were no invasive procedures. Literally, the warmth of the therapeutic steam relaxed the musculature and loosened up all those things that weren’t serving. Just like the lining of your uterus sheds every month, now you’ve gotten rid of old residue that is no longer serving you so that you can have a healthy period — bright red blood for each menstrual period to come.”