Newest Vagina "Fix"

It seems that every new year, right before the advent of Valentine's Day, a new "trend" is being thrown in our face.  And I'm not talking fashion trend.  I'm talking anti-vagina trend.

Well, maybe I'm taking it a bit far.  But I don't know why everyone's always trying to improve the vagina!

In some Los Angeles (which has a large Korean population) spa's and one Manhattan spa, they are offering vaginal steam baths.  The idea is that herbal steams directed toward the vagina help to "reduce stress, fight infections, clear hemorrhoids, regulate menstrual cycles and aid infertility, among many other health benefits." (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/20/health/la-he-v-steam-20101220)

Chai-yok, as it is called, is presumably a traditional Korean health remedy and many women in Korea go for a steam after their periods.

C'mon...I had to use this picture.

The article linked above states that there isn't any actual research to back up the actual health benefits.

To me, it's just too similar to vaginal douching, which is proven not to have any real health benefits.

Firstly, I'm a fan of steam baths and going to the spa.  Big fan of spas!  Naturally, it makes sense for a spa experience to reduce stress.  Also, I understand the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice of putting heat on certain areas to help circulation of energy.

But that reduction and relief of stress in and of itself is a major health benefit that can actually lead to more health benefits (such as regulating the menstrual cycle AND fighting infections).  So, I'm not necessarily surprising that people would assume that targeting the steam to the vagina would them target specific vagina-related health issues.

Not only that, but when will we learn that the vagina is its own self-cleaning oven?  You don't need to douche, you don't need to scrub internally, you definitely don't need a targeted steam bath.

If you're feeling "unclean," I would personally suggest finding out whether the "unclean" feeling is physical or psychological.  There's so many hang-ups related to the vagina, that I'm not surprised that people would see this as a viable health treatment.

Now, I'm all for keeping the vagina area clean.  While the vagina (internal) cleans itself, you can't always rely on tissue paper to keep the external parts clean.  There's nothing wrong with getting a pH balanced feminine wash (preferably gently scented - I used to use Summer's Eve, but the smell is too purfumey!), like Athena's Splash.

I love this product!
Great for every day use in the shower.

Honestly, if you want to spend $50-75 on a spa treatment, you really don't need a vaginal steam.  I highly recommend a body scrub or a milk bath or anything that involves a massage.  You just might find yourself more relaxed, allowing your vagina to do its own thing.