Author: Steamy Chick
Published: March 14, 2019
ThaooAishat Hasati of Roots, Heart and Mind, is a Birthworker and Vaginal Steam Facilitator. Through her passion for herbs and natural medicines, and her own journey with reproductive health and wellness, she was inspired to bring the healing modality of vaginal steaming to her community in Los Angeles County. We interviewed Aishat to learn more.
What is your profession?
I am a Full Spectrum Doula and Postpartum Care Provider.
Where did you go to school or get your professional training?
I‘ve gone through a few of doula trainings. The first was a training hosted by Project Concern in San Diego, CA. This was a volunteer program which focused on providing doula services to low income women of color in a hospital setting. Another training was with ToLabor (formerly known as ALACE), and my latest training was through Long Beach Birth Workers of Color which is a POC only collective that I have also been a member of for almost two years. I received my training and certification for being a Postpartum Care Provider through Innate Traditions, with Rachelle Garcia Seliga, and I became a certified Vaginal Steam Facilitator and Herbalist through Keli Garza’s program at the Peristeam Hydrotherapy Institute. I’ve also studied under Traditional Kemetic Healers learning ancient systems of healing and meditation.
How long have you been practicing?
I’ve been a birthworker on and off for eleven years, specifically working as a postpartum care provider for two and a half years and certified as a vaginal steam facilitator for almost a year.
How did you learn about vaginal steaming?
The first time I heard about vaginal steaming was through an article that a friend shared on Facebook. It was a story of a young girl in Guatemala who was having really painful cramping, clots etc. Her mom took her to see a midwife who instructed her how to set up the steam; what herbs to use, additional preparations and what she should expect for her next two periods. The steaming cleared up the issues she was having with her period, and I was amazed. I identified with the story because at that age I had horrible cramps and clotting as well. I would stay in the bed with tea, a hot water bottle and midol. Like most, I thought that was it. I thought that was just how periods were supposed to be. If I had known that I could’ve just steamed with some herbs and it would have cleared up issues that I and so many have dealt with, it would have changed the quality of my life. I was pregnant at the time I read the article, so I had to wait before I was able to steam, but I researched, read more articles and watched videos to prepare myself for my postpartum care healing. After my postpartum steaming experience, I actively sought out talks, workshops and trainings; learning from Marcia Lopez, Rachelle Garcia Seliga and Keli Garza.
Do you use vaginal steaming yourself?
Yes! It’s been a wonderful addition to how I care for myself. An extra bonus is that my daughter, who just turned 7 years old, has seen me practice self care in this way for four years. So, of course she has asked all the questions, specifically when will she be able to start steaming! She has even helped me make herbal blends.
What has your personal experience with steaming been?
I have used vaginal steaming to aid in my healing from chronic yeast infections and ph imbalance, which has been a life changer. It has also helped me to clear out old residue and regulate my own cycle and period. After having my fourth child, my cycles would range from thirty days to thirty six days, leaving me guessing as to when my period would come. With steaming, being mindful of my diet and physical activities, my cycle is consistently between twenty eight and thirty days, and my periods are 3-4 days long, which I have learned is the standard for a healthy reproductive system. I also don’t have cramping or brown blood with my period. I’ve been able to connect with myself on a deeper level and become more grounded. The entire steaming process, from preparing the herbs to sitting with yourself, forces you to slow down and be more intentional. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, that time is yours alone. All of this has also lead me to become more confident. I know my body, I’m connected with my body and I know how to heal my body… and that’s gold!
Why did you decide to offer this service to women? Was there an “aha” moment?
When I find something that works for me I tend go all in, and I had to learn more. My aha moment was steaming for postpartum care and actually experiencing it for myself. I was able to see results with my healing that were different than how my healing was after the birth of my children before I was introduced to steaming. The energy behind reproductive health with modern medicine has never felt right to me. I know that for myself, I truly appreciated having other reproductive care options…and I got results! I want everyone to at least know that there are other options out there. You don’t have to feel trapped in one way of thinking when it comes to you health and well being. That is what has inspired me to bring this traditional modality to others.
How long have you been offering vaginal steam services?
I’ve been offering vaginal steam services with postpartum care for two to three years.
Where do you offer your services?
With Roots, Heart and Mind, I offer an in-home experience for postpartum care clients and special cases, bringing along all of the tools and supplies that are needed. In addition to yoni steaming services, I formulate herbal blends for yoni steaming specific to the healing needs of the client, and I have them available for purchase. I also offer prenatal care and postpartum care to make sure that mothers are properly prepared for this rites of passage. It is a huge transition and there is a lot that goes on physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I want to ensure that regardless of how things go, and no matter what stage they are at in their journey, that mothers and expecting families are well informed so they can make the decisions that are necessary and that they feel supported doing so.
I’m located in Inglewood, CA, and twice a year I’m in Seattle, WA (my home town) and available for services with postpartum and steaming while there. I will also be offering vaginal steam services and future workshops through Women’s True Healing in Redondo Beach, California, which I am very excited about! Women’s True Healing is South Bay’s premiere holistic healing center for Female Reproductive Wellness. We specialize in abdominal and uterine therapy, yoni steaming, herbal consultations, yoga, energetic healing and additional comprehensive modalities to address a broad spectrum of female reproductive health issues.
What benefits do vaginal steam services have for your clients?
I’ve had clients tell me they’ve experienced periods with less cramping and that they “come with more ease”. Also that they’ve noticed a change in their period where they can tell that old residue is clearing out. Some have noticed a difference when they are intimate with their partner by their experience being more pleasurable or even feeling more confident with their body.
It can vary, depending on the state of your reproductive health, what your goals are and if there are other adjustments in addition to steaming, that you may need to be make to assist you. I also believe in the concept of clearing energies and bringing in energies through what we do. This can be attained through healing modalities such as vaginal steaming. Depending on the client, what they are looking to gain from their experience and how deep they want to go, will determine what they will receive. Some may just be curious and want to try it out and see if it is right for them. Some may be looking to address specific things going on with their reproductive health. I’ve had a couple of sessions with clients where I knew ahead of time what they were looking to address and the type of energy they wanted to bring in and or remove. I was able to help guide them with questions, meditations or suggestions such as journaling, and they were able to gain insight on what their focus was from their session.
How do clients respond when you offer them vaginal steam services? Any funny stories?
There is a nice calm and relaxing energy after steam sessions and I’ve also experienced some nice bonding moments. I always try to give clients privacy and the space they need but I’ve had some who really open up and want to talk during the process. For in home clients, they choose where they want to set up….bathroom, bedroom, living room etc, and once everything is ready they can decide how involved they want me to be. There is just something so special about traditional ways of healing that put the person seeking the healing, in the driver’s seat. That on its own is so powerful! It is having the ability to connect with yourself and your healing on a different level, and it’s really amazing to be apart of that as a facilitator.
Any favorite quotes from clients either during or after steaming?
One of my absolute favorite things a client has said was that her yoni steam session “…. felt like a warm hug.” Hands down it has stuck with me more than anything else and has become my scale for how I want anyone who does a yoni steam to feel, because warm hugs are amazing! That means she felt comfortable, safe and secure. It wasn’t too hot or cold, but just right and cozy…..and you would want to experience a warm hug again right? Lol I also love when a client doesn’t know what to expect, and then you can tell when they get comfortable like, “ Oh ok! I like this. I’m good”, by the look on their face. I’ve also been nicknamed the “womb whisperer” by a client and dear friend. #bestcomplimentever #wombwhisperer ❤
Do any vaginal steam success stories stand out where the client had a significant health breakthrough?
I have had success with working with clients dealing with BV and yeast infections. Adding steaming and other lifestyle changes to their routine, they were able to clear them up and have success with them not coming back, which can be HARD work for some. I’ve also used steams to support women who have experienced miscarriage, which also falls under postpartum. When ready, it’s a beautiful way to slow down, still honor your body and to heal on many levels. It’s been very helpful for those who I have been able to facilitate that for. Overall whenever someone is able to experience a healing modality and heal themselves, whether it’s mentally, physically or spiritually, in a way that they feel safe, heard, and cared for …it’s always a win!
For more information:
ThaooAishat Hasati
Instagram: @rootsheart
