Author: Steamy Chick
Published: August 6, 2019

Deborah Bagg is a Somatic Psychotherapist, mental health counselor, and vaginal steam practitioner based in Brooklyn, New York. She is the co-owner of Spirit Shop where partner Heidi Smith and her specialize in women’s menstrual, sexual and reproductive health. We interviewed Deborah to learn more.

What is your profession?

I am a licensed Somatic Psychotherapist, mental health counselor, birth doula, Flower essence practitioner, and vaginal steam practitioner. I have been teaching yoga for the past 14 years as well as leading women’s retreats and training’s all over the world. I am the owner of Juniper Yoga and healing arts center as well as Spirit Shop in Brooklyn, New York.

Where did you go to school or get your professional training?

I graduated with my masters from Naropa University in Boulder Colorado with a degree in Somatic Psychology. I became my Vaginal Steam Facilitator certification through Steamy Chick.

How long have you been practicing?

I have been practicing somatic psychotherapy in multiple settings and with various populations since 2005. I have been practicing vaginal steaming on myself for 5 years.

How did you learn about vaginal steaming?

I learned about vaginal steaming through a dear student of mine. They sent me an article about 5 years ago, it had very little detail about the practice but something in me said a big fat YES. Since then I have began making up the practice for myself.

What has your personal experience with steaming been?

My personal experience with steaming has been miraculous. My periods used to be an epic painful event with a ton of stagnant blood and clots. I now have happy, “perfect periods.” I also used steaming after my 2 miscarriages as well as for my post-partum healing and fertility process.

Why did you decide to offer this service to women? Was there an “aha” moment?

I think like many women, when you have an experience that works for you, you want to share it, far and wide. To me that was my “aha” moment. I then told everyone about my practice when they mentioned any kind of aches and pains. Even including emotional pain they may be experiencing. It is an incredible way to work with your sexuality and nervous system too as it is so relaxing and nourishing to your whole system.

How long have you been offering vaginal steam services?

I have been offering vaginal steam services through my business Spirit Shop since we opened 9 months ago. We offer group steams using our boxes and blends that we make in house. We take great pride in being a Brooklyn-based store selling vaginal steamers and specializing in herbal and other products to support women in both their body and mind. We make all the blends ourselves based on my partner Heidi’s herbal expertise. I am also a registered Herbalist and mental health counselor and that is something we offer as well. Our vaginal steam suanas are called, “flower pot’s” and are crafted using 100% sustainable cedar and Tung oil.

Where do you offer your services?

I have been offering my services in a rogue form for many years, whether it be going to friends houses to do a pop-up postpartum steam or them coming over to steam and chat. Now that we make our own pots, we hold steam circles at my studio as well private sessions in my treatment room.

What benefits do vaginal steam services have for your clients?

The benefits that a vaginal steam does to our clients is endless. From physical shifts, less cramping and a healthier menstrual flow for deep relaxation and rise in sexual libido. The steam is Queen!

How do clients respond when you offer them vaginal steam services? Any funny stories?

When we offer vaginal steam services our clients are intrigued and curious. At first people may be slightly confused but then their interest piques and they want to try it.

Any favorite quotes from clients either during or after steaming?

This is one of my favorite quotes from a woman who bought our blend and flower pot sauna.

“I have lived with fibroids for many years and even had 2 surgeries to remove large ones. After some research I decided to try vaginal steaming and found the Spirit Shop which was highly recommended. I decided to go in person because I had many questions. When I arrived I was greeted by the women there who were very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable. I explained my situation and was guided in the right direction regarding my plan of care. I had a baseline ultrasound in January. Two weeks after starting vaginal steaming I had another ultrasound with amazing results. All three of my fibroids had shrunk by 1 centimeter. My periods are dramatically better. I do not have a heavy flow and no more pain. Overall, I am completely satisfied and highly recommend. Thank you for your guidance and knowledge.”