Page 62 - Start Up_V. 2

LIFESTYLE

The Yoni oni has Sanskrit origins
and is a word that means
‘womb’ and ‘female organs of
generation.’ The yoni refers to
the vagina, vulva and uterus.
In other contexts, it means origin, abode
or source.

In many ancient cultures and religions,
the yoni is considered a divine symbol
and spiritual icon. It’s also had its share
of controversies over the millennia. In
the Victorian era, Christian missionaries
and researchers described the yoni as
demonic, over-sexualised and licentious.

According to ancient Taoist beliefs, a
strong vagina and pelvic floor intensifies
life-force energy and amplifies chi
energy which is then transformed into
H higher spiritual energy. The tradition of
exercising the pelvic and vaginal floor
muscles with polished stone eggs has
been around for over two thousand years.
T Originally, this practice was exclusively
reserved for emperors’ concubines and
members of the royal circle.

L
To aid this practice, a yoni egg is inserted
into the vagina and is used to strengthen
and tone the muscles. Yoni eggs are
smooth, semi-precious stones that are
A
carved into the shape of eggs. Though
popular today, they date back to ancient
China. Yoni egg practice is described as
holistic because the physical changes
E
that happen to a woman’s body also
positively influence her spiritual, mental
and emotional sphere.
H
The Yoni steam has gained popularity as
a treatment method for:
• Reducing menstrual symptoms
• Improving fertility
• Quickening healing after childbirth
• Stress reduction
• Soothing haemorrhoids
• Improving energy

Though there’s no scientific evidence
to support these claims, many women
swear by these stemming sessions and
cite improved overall health as a benefit.
The yoni and indeed, any other reference
to the female reproductive organs
awakens relevant dialogue on femininity
and society’s perception of the female
body. Throughout history, the vagina
has been harshly labelled, abhorred
and treated like a taboo whose only
redeeming quality is providing men with
pleasure. That narrative has to change.
The Africa and world we want is one
where the yoni is revered as the source
of all life on earth.

59 The Africa We Want