What is it?
Ukugquma (also known as ukufutha) is a Nguni term for steam therapy, specifically herbal steam therapy. What differentiates steam therapy from herbal steam therapy is the incorporation of herbs (or traditional medicine) in the therapy.
Steam therapy is used in saunas (or steam rooms) to promote relaxation by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to affected parts. It is generally used to treat muscle soreness, loosen stiff muscles, alleviate aches and pains, and enhance flexibility.
In Vietnamese traditional medicine, the term Xông hơi which means to penetrate the body with steam describes a long-standing traditional practice of steaming with infused herbs. Similar to Xông hơi, ukugquma is a treatment method that uses hot steam generated from boiling water to administer medicine into the body. With ukugquma, the steam may be from an infusion or a decoction:
- Infusion : The water is first boiled and afterwards infused with herbs. The infusion is then used for steaming.
- Decoction : The water and herbs are brought to a boil and the boiling mixture used for steaming.
Ukugquma is one of several modes of administering traditional medicine into the body. This self-administering method is a pragmatic approach for dealing with a swath of illnesses, aches and pains, as well as emergency situations.
How to guide
This is a step-by-step walkthrough on using infusion and decoction steaming:
- Infusion
Get a clean pot (preferably one designated for just this purpose).
Add clean water to fill about ⅔ of the pot.
Place the closed pot with water on a hot stove.
Heat until it reaches boiling point (100°C).
Turn off the stove.
Add a handful of the herbs.
Cover your face / upper body / whole body with a blanket.
Inhale and exhale deeply and slowly for about 10 minutes.
Dry up and moisturise.
The water to herbs ratio will vary depending on the type of herbs, amount of water, and purpose of use. However, the general rule in apothecary is about one handful of dried herbs or two handfuls of fresh herbs to one pint (about half a liter) of hot water.
- Decoction
Get a clean pot (preferably one designated for just this purpose).
Add clean water to fill about ⅔ of the pot.
Add a handful of the herbs.
Place the closed pot with water and herbs on a hot stove.
Heat until it reaches boiling point (100°C).
Turn off the stove.
Cover your face / upper body / whole body with a blanket.
Inhale and exhale deeply and slowly for about 10 minutes.
Dry up and moisturise.
For measurement refer to the apothecary general rule.
Practical applications
- Cleansing and purifying skin : Ukugquma helps to open pores making it easier to remove dirt from the skin.
- Beautifying the skin : Ukugquma promotes sweating, improving skin appearance (colour and texture).
- Improving absorption : Ukugquma helps to open pores, increasing skin permeability, for better absorption of skincare products.
- Removing bad body odour : Ukugquma can kill bacteria and germs that cause bad adour.
- Treating skin ailments: Ukugquma is used to treat skin-related issues, such as itchiness.
- Treating respiratory ailments : Ukugquma is traditionally used for chest, throat, and nasal-related issues, such as colds, flu, and fever.
- Improving circulation : as mentioned above, steaming dilates blood vessels which increases blood flow.
- Alleviating aches and pains
- Loosening stiff muscles
- Promoting relaxation
Safety precautions:
When administering herbal steam therapy be mindful that the infusion or decoction is scalding hot as such take the necessary precautions to avoid getting burnt. This may be using a dry cloth to handle the hot pot, keeping a safe distance between you and the pot, and not touching the hot infusion or decoction. When you experience irritation, stop and consult a health professional.