Author: Steamy Chick
Published: May 2, 2018
Licensed acupuncturist Holly Leever has added a vaginal steam sauna to her Ventura county clinic based in Newbury Park, CA. In the following interview I delve in with Holly to find out more.
Where did you go to school?
Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA I graduate in 2013
How long have you been practicing acupuncture?
Since 2013
What originally brought you to your field of work?
Holly: As a teenager I was always very interested in holistic health and natural healing remedies. I actually don’t know why, it just felt right to me. I started practicing yoga at 15 years old and found myself surrounded by many natural healthcare practitioners. I had my first acupuncture treatment when I was in college for a running injury and had amazing results. When it came time to get a job or go to grad school after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, I decided to pursue a career in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but my intuition screamed a very strong YES to the idea. I am so grateful that I chose this path!
Why did you choose to focus on women’s health?
The female reproductive system has always fascinated me. I have always had issues with my own cycle. I had an irregular cycle right from the beginning, and was put on hormonal birth control (the pill) at only 15 years old. For almost 10 years, my cycle disappeared and returned at random intervals. When I stopped taking the pill at 24 years old (the year I started acupuncture school) my period was missing for 2 1/2 years. In acupuncture school, I learned that a woman’s cycle is one of the main determining factors of her overall health so it worried me that I rarely (if ever) had cycles.
I have struggled with anorexia nervosa and disordered eating for most of my life and the health of my menstrual cycle suffered as a result. The combination of birth control and poor nutrition, meant my period was missing more often than it was present. From ages 24-32 I had about 10 periods. Getting my period to return at regular intervals has become a passion project, and has taught me so much about the female reproductive system. As a result of my own struggles and journey through this, I have been able to guide other women in navigating their cycles. It is so rewarding to be an educator and healer that enables women to talk openly about their experience and challenges with their cycle.
How did you learn about vaginal steaming?
Through a Mayan abdominal massage therapist and then my own research led me to Steamy Chick!
I only had 3 sessions and they were awesome! I did not have a period at the time and I went to her in an attempt to get my cycle to return. She suggested steaming at the full and new moon to initiate a bleed. Unfortunately, I did not get my period at the time, but this was because I was still underweight for my body.
Later on I found Steamy Chick and took several courses to learn more about using vaginal steam as a therapy for women. I have learned so much over the years studying with Keli! i have used steaming for cramps (I did end up getting my period back!), painful sex (this had been a life long struggle), for labor preparation and in the postpartum phase after my daughter was born. I have also helped many women along the way in alleviating period pain, endometriosis, cysts, postpartum recovery, infections and so much more.
Why did you decide to offer this service to women?
I love offering this service because it has helped me to become so much more in touch with my body, and I want to bring that gift to other women as well. Talking about the practice also seems to open up the conversation around periods, female reproductive health and sexuality. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs and abdominal massage are wonderful practices, but I find the steaming offers a unique opportunity to connect with one’s womb space. I like to mix and match the different treatment modalities that I offer in my practice.
How long have you been offering vaginal steam services?
Since 2017
As a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor what benefits of vaginal steaming have you noticed?
I have noticed that the vaginal steaming herbs compliment the other herbal prescriptions and acupuncture treatments that I offer. Not everyone wants to take herbs internally or be treated with needles. I love being able to offer a number of services to women to ensure that they are receiving the best care in the way that feels the most comfortable to them. I find that for conditions like endometriosis, painful sex or very painful periods steaming offers something that acupuncture cannot get to alone.
How do clients respond when you offer them vaginal steam services?
I usually only mention vaginal steaming if I think it might be relevant to their condition. Some people laugh and look totally awkward, and others think it’s awesome and want to try it even if they don’t have any specific concerns. I have definitely had some haters over the years, but I don’t let that get to me anymore. The proof is in the results and if people think steaming is weird or unsafe, they don’t have to do it 🙂
More information:
Website – www.rosebudwellness.com
Holly’s Blog On Steaming for Labor: https://rosebudwellness.com/2020/03/22/labor-prep-yoni-steaming/
