Vaginismus is a deeply personal experience that involves the involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles, which can cause discomfort, pain, or even make penetration impossible. This condition affects not only physical intimacy but also one’s sense of connection to their body. The journey towards healing vaginismus is not just about addressing the physical symptoms; it’s about unraveling the emotional and energetic knots that may be intertwined with this condition.
In this blog post, I want to explore how womb healing practices can offer a profound path to healing, allowing us to reclaim our sacred space with love, compassion, and understanding.
Understanding Vaginismus Through the Lens of Womb Wisdom
The womb is more than just a physical organ; it is the seat of feminine energy, a vessel of creativity, intuition, and deep wisdom. For many women, vaginismus can be a physical manifestation of past trauma, emotional pain, or even a response to societal repression and conditioning. In my work as a sacred sexuality priestess and somatic sexologist, I have witnessed how emotional wounds, if left unaddressed, can crystallize into physical symptoms that manifest through the vaginal canal.
Vaginismus is often not only a physiological condition but also an invitation to look within, to dive into the emotional and energetic layers of our being. By addressing the root causes—whether they be past traumatic experiences, suppressed emotions, or unspoken fears—we open ourselves to deep healing. The womb, with its capacity for creation and transformation, holds immense potential for guiding us through this process.
Womb Healing Practices for Releasing and Reconnecting
Below are some womb healing practices that can assist in releasing the blocks that contribute to vaginismus while fostering a deeper connection with your yoni and womb.
1. Breathwork and Relaxation
Breath is the bridge between the body and the mind. Practicing deep, intentional breathing can help release tension held within the pelvic area. A practice that I often recommend involves diaphragmatic breathing, allowing the breath to reach all the way down to the womb space.
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Place one hand on your heart and the other on your womb.
- Inhale deeply, visualizing your breath flowing into your womb space, and exhale, releasing any tension or fear.
- With each exhale, silently affirm, “I release what no longer serves me.”
This practice can be done daily to create a sense of safety and relaxation in the body, especially around the pelvic area.
2. Womb Massage
Womb massage is a nurturing way to reconnect with your body and gently release any tension held in the abdomen. This practice helps to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic region and fosters a deeper connection with your womb. Use warm, natural oil (like coconut or olive oil) and massage the lower abdomen in gentle, clockwise motions.
As you massage, you may want to repeat affirmations like:
- “I am safe in my body.”
- “I release all tension and fear from my womb space.”
This loving touch not only releases physical tension but also helps to soften emotional barriers, fostering a sense of safety and comfort.
3. Exploring the 7 Womb Portals
The concept of the 7 womb portals represents different energetic aspects of the feminine body that hold keys to healing and transformation. For vaginismus, focusing on the portal of the vagina (portal of life) and the cervix (portal of love) can be particularly transformative.
- Vagina (Portal of Life): The vagina is the entryway into the sacred inner space of the womb. Visualizing this portal as a place of sacredness and beauty, free from pain and judgment, can help reframe the relationship you have with this part of your body.
- Cervix (Portal of Love): The cervix is connected to deep emotional intimacy and the capacity to receive love. Gently bringing awareness to this space through guided visualization or simply placing a hand on the lower belly can invite a sense of openness and healing.
4. Yoni Steaming
Yoni steaming is a gentle, ancient practice that can help you connect with your womb on an energetic level. It involves sitting over a steaming bowl of water infused with healing herbs like lavender, rose petals, or mugwort. The steam helps to relax the pelvic muscles and promotes circulation, aiding in the release of both physical and emotional blockages.
As you steam, you can set an intention for your session, such as releasing past trauma, inviting in self-love, or creating a deeper connection with your yoni.
5. Sacred Surrender and Emotional Release
Vaginismus often involves holding onto fear or control as a protective mechanism. A key aspect of healing is learning to surrender—not to give up, but to let go. Sacred surrender is about allowing yourself to feel your emotions fully, without judgment. You might cry, scream, or simply breathe deeply through a wave of emotion. Letting yourself feel is an act of deep courage and a gateway to release.
Practicing emotional release techniques, such as sounding (using your voice to release energy) or movement (like shaking or dancing), can help to discharge pent-up emotions and free your body from old patterns of tension.
6. Jade Egg Practice
The jade egg practice can be a powerful tool for reconnecting with the yoni and gently rebuilding trust and relaxation. It involves inserting a small, polished stone egg into the vagina to increase awareness, sensitivity, and connection. This practice should be approached with care and only when you feel ready. It can help you explore the sensation in a safe, controlled way and foster a loving connection with your body.
Note: This practice is highly individual, and it is important to listen to your body. If inserting the jade egg feels triggering, it’s perfectly okay to put it aside until you’re ready.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Sacred Space
Healing vaginismus is a deeply personal journey, one that invites us to confront not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and energetic imprints that lie beneath. Through womb healing practices, we can gently unravel the layers of tension and fear, nurturing a loving connection with our bodies.
The womb is a sacred space that holds the key to deep transformation. By breathing, massaging, steaming, and lovingly surrendering, we reclaim this space—not only to heal but to thrive. Remember, the journey to healing is not linear. It requires patience, compassion, and, most importantly, a deep love for oneself.
Embrace your journey, and remember that your body is wise, resilient, and worthy of love. Through the power of womb healing, you can transform vaginismus from a source of pain into a pathway for profound personal growth and reclamation of your sacred feminine essence.
When combined, somatic sexology and womb medicine create a holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health, often empowering individuals to reclaim their bodies, heal from trauma, and foster a deeper connection with their own sexuality and creative life force. This integrative practice can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with issues like sexual dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, or trauma related to childbirth, sexual abuse or abortion.