E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSHere at Body Odd, we thought we’d heard it all when it comes to strange spa treatments. But that was before we heard about the latest trend to hit the Manhattan/Southern California spa circuit: vaginal steam baths.
According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, chai-yok (not to be confused with bok-choy, also good steamed) is a “centuries-old Korean remedy that is gaining a toehold in the West,” thanks to its many purported health benefits.
Those benefits – none of which have been studied – are said to include everything from reducing stress to fighting infections to helping with infertility. Not surprisingly, vaginal steams are also supposed to help with hemorrhoids.
Treatments cost anywhere from $20 to $75 (depending on your location) and basically involve perching naked on a bottomless stool over a boiling pot of water infused with mugwort, wormwood and a variety of other herbs.
While some women swear by the “V-steam,” (a 45-year-old woman interviewed by the LA Times says she not only had fewer body aches and more energy, she also became pregnant after just five steams), doctors seem dubious.
“I just don’t understand physiologically how putting steam up the vagina is going to change your fertility or help you relieve stress,” says Dr. Laura Riley, director of labor and delivery at Massachusetts General in Boston. “There’s plenty of data that supports mind-body intervention and how that improves fertility and decreases stress. But steam itself in the vagina doesn’t make any sense for me. It’s not like it’s going to blow up some closed tube.”
This placebo effect might do it for some people, she says, but it wouldn’t do much for her.
“Someone who believes it’s going to work might get some benefit,” she says. “But I’d be more concerned about burning my vagina. That’s a very sensitive area.”
What's the strangest spa treatment you've had? Tell us in the comments.
You can find The Body Odd on Twitter and Facebook.
Want more weird health news? Find The Body Odd on Facebook.
Leave a Comment:
Thanks for the morning laugh.
LOL The for-profit medical industry has been blowing smoke up people's butts for years. So what's new?
THis is a normal way that many nomadic and tribal women keep clean and relatively "fresh" for their husbands. It is just like a steam bath ....the fact that American women have tried to turn it into a spa treatment is hysterical.....just take a bath! silly
Amen, Kallie.
Don't worry.
Pharma will make a drug to simulate this treatment, saturate the public with billions in advertising on how we may need it, bribe the doctors with saleswomen (aka strippers with briefcases), and then expose us to the 30 different adverse side effects it will have.
Just look at the deadly cocktails they've come up with for cancer patients that medical marijuana far exceeds in every category.
Wow. How are those polio vaccines working for you? And do you have any clue what it costs to bring a medicine to market with the kow-towing and genuflecting the Pharmaceutical scientists have to do to the FDA? Hmmm. Guess you're aware that medical marijuana is illegal....wish it wasn't. However, until then, could you just imagine if the Pharmaceutical companies decided to take a couple of years off and no one could get any medicines? I wish they would. Then maybe folks could see how those medicines and the YEARS and BILLIONS of $$$ it takes to get the meds to market (thanks, FDA) have enhanced and improved their lives. And if you want to smoke pot instead of taking meds, it's a free country. No one is forcing you to take meds. And the cheap shot about the sales reps? Have you ever actually talked with some of these former nurses and pharmacists who are now reps? Or have you just watched "Love and Other Drugs" on a loop? Hope you stay well and don't need any meds, D. Man.
"Treatments cost anywhere from $20 to $75 (depending on your location). "
You mean some women have them located in different places? Oh my....LOL
sort of gives an entire new meaning to the phrase "steamed clams", huh?
Carol,
I've dealt with many pharma companies at many locations throughout the East Coast. Each sales rep is more attractive than the next, don't act appalled at the suggestion that these women are mainly hired for their looks. I was at a J&J plant and a group of them got out of a limo and if I was anywhere else I wouldve swore they were pulling up for a porn shoot the way they were dressed.
Ah, and the FDA. I know, what a bunch of obstructive @ssholes. Why, if it wasn't for them, we could just about put whatever we wanted out there, right? Good ole' ones like Vioxx, Lotromex, Palladone, oh, and don't forget-
And I guarantee if you had some qualitative way of measuring the quality of life of people in the 1950s versus now, the 50s would win. Yes, people are living longer, in nursing homes and in lazy boys popping 15 some pills a day to make it through another episode of Jerry Springer. And the 100 billion dollar prescription pain meds industry is single-handedly destroying more lives in this country right now than all other illegal drugs combined. FACT.
So don't stand on your stool and preach to me or anyone else about what a godsend your industry is. I have enough smoke blown up my @ss having to watch the commercials every night.
D.Man,
You address my comment about the "porn qualities" of female pharmaceuticals reps as if you have read their resumes. Do you still live in the '50s? How insulting. Females have the right to dress however they want to when they call on customers. What is your point? Other than exposing yourself as a condescending, male chauvinist. The reps who call on doctors are not hired if they don't know science, the medicinal qualities of the products, the side-effects, the labels. Go look at the labels of medicines. This is what the pharmaceuticals reps of both genders must know, be able to discuss and enlighten. Moving on.
That list of medicines you offer? Wow. Impressive list of medicines that the FDA has approved. As they did Vioxx, Lotromax, etc. Do you realize that? The FDA approved Vioxx. Hello???? What aren't you getting here? The FDA is not "God." Except to the Pharmaceutical Industry. The FDA giveth and taketh away. However, "if" they were so superior to keep all of us children "safe," then none of those medicines that are so "deadly" would have ever made it to market.
And just because you come up with some sentences and state FACT in capital letters doesn't mean you've proven anything. Ever heard of logical fallacies? Look it up. That's what you are doing. A deer was standing by a busy highway. Two drivers see the deer. They crash. Conclusion: The deer caused the wreck. AHA! When, in truth, the crash happened two hours later when the drivers fall asleep while driving. What was left out earlier? The time of the crash and the interval of time between the time of seeing the deer and the event itself.
Your rant about people popping pills today and illegal drugs (which I wish were legal too) does not make a rational argument. It's the same as verbal buckshot killing deer who are innocent. Pharmaceutical companies don't hire "porn star-reps" to wink at doctors and get sales. Doctors are that easily swayed? That easily convinced to prescribe a medicine for a patient? That's criminal and the doctors would be at fault. And the prescription pain meds are not being FORCED on anyone.
However, for those who need them for debilitating pain or for those who need them for mental health issues, thank Pharmaceutical scientists for their discoveries.....and keep smoking pot....which I wish was legal too.
And, by the way, DMan. It's not "my industry." I'm a researcher and writer. I will, therefore, stand on my stool and say what I want. However, I am not preaching. I'm offering opinion as a citizen with First Amendment privileges. Brighten up!
Oh, so are you arguing that the FDA should be more stringent in their trial runs? 10 years perhaps? And are you refuting then the statement that prescription pain/psychotropics pills abuse is more widespread then all illegal drugs in the US combined?
Don't lecture me on the pharma sales reps. They memorize a 2 page punch list on the particular drug they are assigned. Any salesperson knows that half of a successful sale is getting the proverbial "foot in the door", and that is their primary purpose. My contact at J&J quoted a line from "Dazed and Confused" when a line of primped blonds came into the recently renovated (a cool 23 million) cafeteria one afternoon as we had lunch. "I get older, and they stay the sammmme age." And don't get me started on the kickbacks and conventions that are held for the doctors once they start prescribing the drug, it's borderline criminal.
Dman,
My father is a doctor and I have worked in his office for many years. He works with 4 other doctors. I have seen both men and women pharm reps. The females I have seen throughout the years have been dressed very in a very respectful manner. They look like buisness women. They weren't all "stripper looking". Infact, I have yet to see one that looks remotely like a stripper. Most of the females are middle aged medium built ladies in a classy buisness suit, completely covered up. While it may be different in your state and town, just dont assume all are like what you have seen. After I left my fathers office (I got married and moved away), I started a new job in a 19 doctor medical practice....again, mostly men and middle aged respectable women. To actually sit there and stereotype/generalize is a tad bit much. Have a good day.
Thank you, Lindsay. I appreciate your perspective. I find stereotypes unoriginal and tedious. That's true with categorizing a female sales rep as less than professional based on zero evidence and grouping them all together in some absurd "this is how they all dress and this is what they all know" way. It's unacceptable and untrue.
What if women categorized all males as being like D.Man? That wouldn't be fair to the sterling gentlemen in our midst who are not chauvinistic, who do not lump a gender or a profession in one narrow-minded way, who do not denigrate individuals who are required to be college educated, who do not insult individuals for no reason, and who have no bizarre axe to grind.
Thank you, Lindsay. Have a great day.
Furthermore,
Sorry Carol but pharm reps are often ex-cheerleaders or very lovely young women and sometimes men who go out and promote the latest drug line. Beauty, seduction, and exaggerated movement sells products in person to person sales. There is no law against discrimination for appearance. That's why some older people are jettisoned from sales representative positions.
Sorry? Ozzi, are you living in "Ozzie and Harriet" times? Of course, attractive people are hired for positions that are in the public eye. That's not the point. Comparing professionals to "strippers and porn stars getting out of limos" is the focus of disgust on my part. It's chauvinistic and a generalization that can be disputed with logic and fact. Ex-cheerleaders? Really. Name one. Name the team she cheered for. Did you read Lindsay's comment? No. You are towing the stereotypical line. I call foul on this logical fallacy. Please look up "Poisoning the well, Generalizations, etc." You, and others, are engaging in slander. Not acceptable. You have zero proof. So stop the "older people are jettisoned from sales representative positions." Really? Your proof? Have you seen flight attendants these days? The stereotype of the hot, young stewardess in provocative clothing is NOT what is the reality on airlines today. The "in the public eye" professionals are more likely seasoned pros who have years and miles on their resume. They are working and doing their jobs and that is what is important. Maya Angelou once said, "I will not allow anyone to insult another person in my presence." Well, you, et.al., will not be allowed to insult a group of professional sales representatives and college educated professionals in my presence. Stop being so "male." Try being more of a "man." Look the difference up in the dictionary. It's important. And the big difference? A man is defined by his brain. Thank you.
Carol,
Do you work for the pharmaceutical industry?
Carol -
Re: steam treatment comments
When I read your (clever/ humorous/snarky) post that started with a reference to the efficacy of polio vaccines, I probably got a completely different impression than you (I believe) intended...
As a self-described "researcher," are you aware that the first public application (1955) of the first (Salk/"dead virus") vaccine was rushed into place just as researcher Dr. Bernice Eddy warned the Nat'l. Institutes of Health that the vaccine had paralyzed her lab monkeys?
That the original Salk/Cutter Labs vaccine was rushed at the behest of desperate, unstoppable, arrogant, top-of-their-game doctors, such as Dr. Alton Oschner, who innoculated his own grandchildren to press the case, only to watch his grandson die and his granddaughter suffer with contracted polio? That the Secretary of HEW and the NIH Director resigned as a result of the fiasco?
That it resulted in (a-diificult-to-establish-number-of) American childrens' death or crippling from the not-as-dead-as-we-researchers-thought/monkey virus contaminated innoculation?
That the second (Sabin/"weakened virus") round of polio vaccinations were also contaminated by multiple monkey viruses found in the tissues those viral cultures came from?
That in 1960, Dr. Eddy unexpectedly announced that she had confirmed cancer-causing virus contamination of monkey kidney cells used to culture the polio vaccine?
That as early as 1961 big pharma suspended polio vaccine production (7-29-61, NY Times, p 33) until it could assuredly kill the monkey virus (SV-40, which was known to cross the "species barrier" to cause cancer in lab hamsters) that continued present in the vaccines which had already been given to millions of baby-boom children?
That about 33,000 children per year were killed or crippled by the polio epidemic, and five (lung, breast, prostate, lymphoma, & melanoma) soft-tissue cancer rates have inexplicably climbed every year since the 70s?
That just breast cancer in 1994 accounted for 182,000 cases, that just the increase in breast cancer trumped the number of all polio cases at its peak?
That most folks today still don't immediately think of viruses as potential carcinogens, and the research and news establishments do nothing to change that ignorance?
You charged another correspondent with "living in the '50s" relative to his presumably mildly caveman/sexist attitude. Whether you realize it or not, we're all living with (or not) the results of your lauded polio vaccine from the '50s. The continuing industrial-grade ignorance/coverup of it may explain why some folks consider "researchers" to be a source for disinformation as much as good information.
As a "researcher," you should understand that "clever" just ain't the same thing as "correct."
— Beezup
As long as there is a buck to be made and little/no regulation of stuff like this, people will sell snake oil.
A true believer in the nanny state I see. What harm does it do you if some one wants to steam up their ...? Their body, their choice.
Seems to me if this were regulated, we would have big pharma involved and a 10 minute disclosure of all the harmful side effects that can happen from the pharma drugs.
The snake oil salesman are on TV everyday telling the American people what drug to ask you doctor about.
Spoken like a true Tea Partier. The Tea Party playbook these days seems to be to toss out nasty-sounding terms like "nanny state" without producing a single substantitive argument.
The issue (obviously) is whether or not someone should be able to claim that an herbal supplement, drug, or therapy has medical benefits without any evidence to substantiate that claim and without even having to produce any evidence that it is safe.
Currently, it's perfectly legal to mix a naturally occurring chemical into water, claim that it's a "nutritional supplement", and sell it to your kids while claiming that it helps with autism, ADHD, diabetes, stress, rebellious behavior, stomachaches, lowers the incidence of cold and flu and...oh yeah...improves acne. I can sell that product even with absolutely NO evidence that it's safe to consume this naturally occurring chemical. If a "nanny state" is one that has sensible regulations to require evidence that medicinal products and therapies are safe and effective, then sign me up.
Instead of mindlessly tossing out phrases like "nanny state", why don't you tell us whether or not you think we should do away with all regulations that require synthetic drugs to be tested for safety before they are marketed to the public. If you DON'T want to do away with such regulations, then perhaps you could tell us why it makes a difference whether the chemical occurs naturally or was created in a lab by Big Pharma. You see...a few years ago, congress took the illogical step of making that very distinction, which opened the door to countless -- totally untested -- chemicals to be marketed to the public by calling them "natural nutritional supplements".
I recently read about a child that DIED after his parents tried an untested therapy on him in an effort to help his autism. This was by no means the first such story I've read. Sadly, I've seen many similar stories. But some people just keep tossing out those buzzwords like "nanny state" without addressing the issue directly.
The constitution grants the government the power to act for the general welfare. Passing sensible regulations to protect the public against snake oil salesmen obviously qualifies as protecting the general welfare.
No harm - until someone providing this service starts claiming it cures disease, and people forgo actual treatments that work in favor of this because it's "natural and new-age".
@MGinRochester. I got to "Spoken like a true Tea Partier" and realized this was going to be a retarded post, and then I scrolled down and saw five more paragraphs of scripted diarrhea. So my question to you is, WTF DOES THE TEA PARTY HAVE TO DO WITH STEAMED VAGINAS? Crawl back under your bridge or stay on topic you TROLL.
To: wjrust
Remember thalidomide? Our "nanny state" government protected countless children from the heartbreaking side effects of that drug. There are many other examples, and you would know them if you chose to investigate allegations and do your own research.
And I agree with MGinRochester regarding tossing out inflammatory statements that are provocative, but mean nothing.
Read your history about the Republican party's beginnings in the mid-1800's. This gloss-over, simplistic rabble-rousing has been a tactic for some time. If the conservative movement cannot produce better solutions for this country than snappy sloganism intended to sound insightful, then I do not hold much hope for the party. And I believe that most Americans have that view as well.
Why not adapt this and the Nordic custom of Steam baths. Steam your privates, and then have someone lash them with birch branches!!
Maybe you libs like the governemnt to tell you what to do, or not. Alot of us don't. If that's what people want to do, let them. To like to tell everyone what to do (as liberals do), then why do you go so much against anti abortion.
@skiddy: I don't know why you think liberals like to tell people what to do? You must watch too much Fox News.
@McGin: In Illinois a woman was kept apart from her newborn for months after deciding to have a home birth. No, we don't need the mainstream medical establishment deciding what we can or can't do.
wjrust
A true believer in the nanny state I see. What harm does it do you if some one wants to steam up their ...? Their body, their choice.
Good to see that a tea partier is pro-choice.
wjrust and skiddy.
Wow, I've seen all kinds of crazy right wing extremeism on here. But getting all worked up about some women paying someone to steam their V's. That is the absolute tops!! Way to go!!
WOW I wanna know how something as hysterically funny as blowing steam up your kitty kat turned political? I must admit, all you political loons getting riled up, made this all the more amusing
Reminds me of a show a few weeks ago on "the doctors" (and I use that term loosely...). One of the doctors stated that it was medically necessary to get "vagacials", in addition to waxing your privates....yes, a facial for your genitals. Needless to say, I blasted this moron for telling me to shave my privates and then proceed with more "treatments".....and just who is going to pay for this day at the spa, I mean...uh... medical necessity?? Can't wait to submit that claim to my insurance company! Ha, Ha!
I really don't think that was what "the right winger" was trying to say. Just the opposite, as a matter of fact. The band wagon is getting full!
Wow MGinRochester....Out of everything you have to bring up the Tea Party...You don't agree with someone so, of course, it's Tea Party thinking.....
Typical Liberal thinking...Someone doesn't see eye to eye with you MUST be a Tea party member....(see sounds stupid huh)
So how did a very funny article, and some very funny comments, get turned into a nasty political discussion. Lighten up. Laugh once in a while.
Steamed clams, anyone?
Can I get some Plum Sauce and a Pork Bun on the side.
I was giggling about the "gaining a toehold in the West" comment. Hehe ... (camel)toehold
I wonder if 'Stanley Steamer' will try to get a piece of that pie...
"a piece of that pie"? Which one, the cash or the woman?? I like having my privates steamed too, but I'm a guy....
This is almost up there with the golf ball cleaner joke. Any theraputic value is lost in the laughter.....
As someone embarking on menopause, I create my own v-steam (hot flashes!) on a regular basis and have no need to sit on a boiling pot of herbs. Spending good money on such a treatment stikes me as ludicrous. That said, to each her own.
Julie, we southerners call that "Swamp Ass", You don't need Menopause to create the effect. All you need too do is skip your shower and jog around the block in a Southern State at noon in August, Also doesn't make a difference whether your male or female either!
im from the south and i thought swamp ass was when you wear your wet bathing suite all day. *shrug*
OMG Jefferyf... I laughed my head off on that one - thanks!
There are a few women out there who could use a good steam cleaning in that area and I'm sure a number of women on here will reply with the reciprocal statement.....just need a taller stool for the guys, wouldnt want it to hang in the pot of boiling water. OUCH. LOL
So someone explainto me. Why is this a news story. Doesnt matter what you sell there will always be a few out there dumb enough to buy.
You know what they say " they plump when you cook 'em"
You two made my day!!! LOL
This is about all MSNBC is good for reporting wise.
I get on theses message boards for a good laugh every now and then. Laughter is good for the soul. People need not to take life so seriously. Granted there are times when you need to be serious, but I try not to find them.
I've heard of Steamed Snapper, but this is ridiculous!
Hahahaha, good one Jody!
anyone mention steamed clam yet?
It tastes like chicken....
I dont know, but allow me to volunteer some uuhh... research on the topic and get back to you, ok? Hey, no need to thank me... I'm willing to investigate in the name of science. Just the kind of guy I am.
OMG. Talk about a joke-tastic article.
What WON'T women do?
This is nothing new,
I've had my carpet steamed cleaned for years!!!
The steamed clams and snapper were easy targets....
"...my carpet steamed cleaned...." Good form!
Have always heard that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. You don't need to turn the temperature up to 500 degrees as you do on your self-cleaning oven--menopause will heat you up whether you want to or not.
@Heather Meadows
It is about as self cleaning as a semi-closed, moist, warm environment can be.... besides yeast infections and such.... maybe you should check into some easy-off.
This is too funny... but I'm afraid to send a link to anyone.... they might get me for sexual harasement.
This will go as far as the first lawsuit. I feel sorry for the dope that recieves those second degree burns.
I'd have to imagine that pain is like pouring a pot of hot coffe on the top of your toes.
Sounds like it might make me hot & bothered, but, long story short:
Woo-hoo!
That LA Times story was published back on December 20 -- over six weeks ago. I remember reading about this on Jezebel.com back then.
No offense, but ... if you want to write for the Internet, you really need to be more timely with this stuff.
I can see brand new ethnic stereotype emerging from this: Korean vagina cleaner ...
And sideways too!
Travelers beware. By now the airlines are thinking about retrofitting their bathrooms for a "V-Steam" for additional revenue. Credit cards only!!
Probably right! They charge for every other d@*n thing.
Seems like the origin may be more French than 'eastern.' It's called "bidet". Some are now new and improved and not only have nice warm water but also warm drying air. Sounds LOTS more comfortale than perching over a bottomless stool while naked as steam blows up into one's v-spot.
Dude, just get a bidet, problem solved, and it's probably a lot cheaper and no one has to suffer with putting up with your BO.
Do you read the newspaper while undergoing this treatment or file your nails or call someone on your cell phone??
Amazing! The wonders of technology will never cease. Steam baths for the "mounds of venus"! Who would've ever thought it? Cleans both inside and out. Damn!
Was this part of the former US presidents' Bush Doctrine?
You owe me a new keyboard....
LMAO
I remember when a vaginal steam was just called a hot shower.
"gaining a toe-hold in the West"
Would that be a "camel-toe"-hold?????