Author: Steamy Chick
Published: June 27, 2019
Anja holds many titles under her belt. She is one of the first vaginal steam practitioners in the UK, a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner, aromatherapist, and pelvic floor specialist. Deep healing on all levels is what she aims for and one of the reasons she has recently added vaginal steam services to her practice. Excited to share her journey with us we interviewed Anja to learn more.
What is your profession?
I am a Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher with a specialty in women’s health specifically the pelvic floor and pelvis. I practice and use my experience and training in yoga, prenatal and postpartum yoga, Ayurveda (BSc, PGDip), vaginal steam facilitator, aromatherapist and reiki + womb healer. I recognize that each individual person needs a unique treatment plan and I use whichever modalities would benefit the client.
Where did you go to school or get your professional training?
I have several trainings but my vaginal steam facilitator certification is with Steamy Chick. My Ayurvedic training was at Middlesex University in London, UK, as well as apprenticeships in Ayurvedic hospitals in India. I have several yoga teacher certifications and have co-created and been a course leader on yoga teacher training courses specializing in pregnancy and postnatal yoga. Learning and education never ends for me.
How long have you been practicing?
I started offering massage treatments in 2000 and clinical aromatherapy 2 years later. I did have a bit of a break working on the other side as a clinic manager. In 2005 I started teaching yoga and in 2010 I got my postgraduate degree in Ayurveda. Since then I have been in practice full time.
How did you learn about vaginal steaming?
I knew about pelvic health, oleation, fumigation and vaginal douche from Ayurveda. But I never really got to dive into the world of vaginal steaming until 2018 where I learned about it at a Red Tent. I continued to explore more and became certified shortly thereafter.
Do you use vaginal steaming yourself?
Yes definitely. It’s part of my health and self-care routine. I absolutely love it. I use it regularly to keep my cycles healthy. Both on a physical level such as lengthening my (short) cycle and making it less heavy, nourishing my womb space, as well as on a more energetic approach, for example on a full or new moon.
Why did you decide to offer this service to women? Was there an “aha” moment?
As someone who specializes in pelvic health, vaginal steaming makes sense to me. We hold so much tension in our pelvis and steaming is like having a warm comfortable sauna or bath. You finally relax and breathe. It gives us such a great opportunity to connect to our pelvic floor — something most of us rarely do. Our pelvis deserves so much more love and care! And of course, I love the alchemy of the herbs too.
Where do you offer your services?
I offer online consultations and courses. I also have a clinic space and I sometimes do home visits and workshops/talks too.
How do clients respond when you offer them vaginal steam services? Any funny stories?
Many people are a bit apprehensive. It’s not a common therapy and we need to explain and educate. Then everyone who tries it loves it! It may not be for everybody and that’s okay too. But those who try it find it super relaxing and helpful to connect with their pelvic bowl and menstrual cycle again. Having said that, I also have some clients who are come exclusively for steam sessions.
Any favorite quotes from clients either during or after steaming?
Yes! Several people during the steam respond by saying how relaxing it is. That they never knew how much tension they had or how tired they were – not just in the pelvis but in general. A few clients have compared it to having a massage. Feeling so completely relaxed and grounded. On a practical level, the feedback has been how pains or irritations have either stopped or reduced. One woman stopped taking the pill and really loved how her periods were changing using the steam sessions.
Do any vaginal steam success stories stand out where the client had a significant health breakthrough?
One client came in with vaginitis, cystitis-like symptoms including urge to urinate and discomfort. After her first two sessions she had significantly improved. We are still working on healing but it was such a big change in her daily routine, intimate life and well being. A client with endometriosis is already having relief from her pains and a new connection to her womb. It’s such a deep healing on all levels when we work with the pelvic bowl and womb connection. It is always an honor to share this knowledge with other womben and witness the changes it brings.
For more information:
Anja Brierley Lange
www.sacredpelvis.com
Instagram: @anja_yogini