Dr. Chekesha Catlin talks “Vaginal Steamings”

Here at USTYLE Magazine we had been hearing so much about these popular “Vaginal Steaming” treatments that women are flooding our local spas getting and it’s leaving them feeling invigorated, fresh and like a brand new woman. We decided to find out alittle more about these treatments,so what better person to ask than none other than the expert herself Dr. Chekesha Catlin, Owner of Panache Wellness Spa right here in Fort Washington, Maryland. Read on and learn about these popular “Vaginal Steamings” and schedule your next “girls day out” with Hookahs and the works!

USTYLE: First of all, what is vaginal steaming?
DR. CATLIN: Vaginal steaming or v-steaming, yoni steaming is a holistic health practice in which a woman allows the warmth of herbal steam to gently permeate her vagina. V steaming is a healing ancient remedy that has been used for centuries by women all over the world. This holistic treatment provides effective support for the female reproductive system, and invites reconnection with the powerful, creative energy of a woman’s temple.

USTYLE: Is there a difference between vaginal steaming vs. vaginal detox?
DR. CATLIN: They are the same

USTYLE: Is this a treatment that has always been around or is this something new. It seems that here lately there has been a surge of women participating in vaginal steaming.
DR. CATLIN: Well it certainly isn’t new but has been featured by several celebrities in the last few years which has shined some light on this holistic experience. It’s actually an old health practice from parts of Africa, Asia and Central America. People in Asia for example, used vaginal steam baths for reproductive health, for example, along with teas and massage. In Korea, steam baths were aimed at reducing infections, getting rid of hemorrhoids, regulating menstruation and helping with fertility — and the practice is still in use today.

USTYLE: What are the health benefits of vaginal steaming?
DR. CATLIN: Some of the health benefits are, reducing menstrual symptoms, such as bloating, cramps, exhaustion, and heavy bleeding, boosting fertility, promoting healing after childbirth, reduces stress, treat hemorrhoids, increases energy levels, and it increases your Libido.

USTYLE: Can you explain the process?
DR. CATLIN: Our process consists of: Using our unique blend of herbs we prepare, a gallon of spring water for boil. Once boiling we add our blend of herbs to the water. Allowing it to boil, we reduce heat for a 4hour steep. Once completed, we fill each of our commercial yoni stools with this blend. When ladies arrive, we show them to the changing room to put on their yoni gown. With the room filled with aromatherapies, women can locate the stool of their choice and prepare for a healing experience.

USTYLE: And I am assuming it is a very safe treatment
DR. CATLIN: I’m an advocate of women checking in with their inner goddess. What does your body tell you? Is this for you? Do you believe this will benefit you? If not, skip it. But if the wisdom of your inner goddess speaks to you and says, “YES! Go for it.
With that said, women who are pregnant, or think there is any possibility that they might be, should NOT do any type v-steam. It is also not recommended for women who have an Intrauterine Device (IUD). Women who have any type of internal infection (cervical, uterine or ovarian inflammation), or a fever, should not steam until the symptoms have passed. Women also should not steam while menstruating or when open sores or blisters are present.

USTYLE: What has been the reaction of your clients that have had this treatment done?
DR. CATLIN: The majority of my clients after their first session become a V-Steam Member. They enjoy this healing experience. They all feel reconnected to their inner goddess, in touch with their yoni, and cheer about amazing sex. Its really funny, how the unknown ends up being an experience that now becomes a priority for some women.

USTYLE: Do you come across a lot of resilience from women that want to try it but are hesitant, scared or maybe even shy?
DR. CATLIN: Women aren’t shy by far. I find they are more curious then anything. It’s amazing they venture into my spa and inquire about the process all the time. From this conversation we talk about the Yoni Eggs, Yoni Pearls, Meditation, Self-Care etc. Through deep conversation, most women decide to give it a try. Some women get lost in the healing experience that they end up staying for hours just to relax and enjoy. This is what excites me the most. Witnessing women open up to their curiosity and become more confident about their inner goddess.

USTYLE: So what herbs are being used for the treatments?
DR. CATLIN: This is my favorite blend. We call it Goddess!
Mugwort: In addition to fighting infection through its antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, mugwort balances female hormones and stimulates the production of hormones that help to maintain uterine health as well as protect the uterus from things such as ulcers and tumors. Mugwort steam opens the pores, allowing the beneficial herbs to penetrate into the blood stream. In addition, mugwort helps to stimulate menstrual discharge and ease cramping.
Rosemary: An aromatic and antimicrobial herb, rosemary treats bacterial infection, speeds wound healing, inhibits yeast growth, and stimulates menstruation.
Lavender: One of the most relaxing herbs we have, lavender supports healing, and it also promotes menstrual flow.
Yarrow: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, yarrow is great for regulating menstrual flow, treating ovarian cysts and supporting overall uterine health.
Motherwort: Astringent, tonifying and cleansing, motherwort strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases uterine cramping, and may help treat uterine fibroids. Motherwort stimulates uterine tone and blood flow.
Calendula: Aids in healing of scar tissue, vaginal tears, or hemorrhoids.
Rose Petals: A relaxing, uplifting and astringent herb that is wonderful for pampering.

USTYLE: Why is this something that you decided to offer at your spa?
DR. CATLIN: My spa is an all detox spa for women and men. Every treatment is for the inner self only. I specialize in inner health and beauty. The whole body for both women and men. V-Steaming is a healing experience I was introduced to over 10 years ago in Korea. As a matter of fact, I wanted to design my spa based on my experience there. Literally, I took the entire process from there and have experimented with it for years. I knew one day I would open a detox spa and this would be a signature service. I want all women to experience this and not be curious about it but to become an expert of their Yoni needs. I also offer A-Steam for Men, and yes several men enjoy this as well.

USTYLE: So when a woman is looking into having this treatment done, should a woman make sure the technician is certified or does it even require certification?
DR. CATLIN: Yes, women should make sure the technician has had formal training. We offer a certification course through our sister company for those looking to make extra part time money educating women in wellness.

USTYLE: How long does each treatment take and how often should a woman have the treatments done?
DR. CATLIN: As part of an overall self-care regime, we recommend that women steam two to three times per month, always during weeks in which they are not menstruating. Our sessions are 25mins or 45 mins. It’s literally up to the women and her yoni.

USTYLE: Do you think every woman should try it at least once?
DR. CATLIN: V-steaming is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your inner goddess and reignite your vibration levels. I encourage it for every woman! V-Steaming is a great way to soothe and pamper yourself, and is known to relieve anxiety in women, and promote healing to your spirit and soul.

USTYLE: Is there any health conditions that would prevent a woman from not getting vaginal steamings, like high blood pressure?
DR. CATLIN: Women who are pregnant or think there is any possibility that they might be, shouldn’t do any type v-steam. It is also not recommended for women who have an Intrauterine Device (IUD). Women who have any type of internal infection (cervical, uterine or ovarian inflammation), or a fever, should not steam until the symptoms have passed. Women also should not steam while menstruating or when open sores or blisters are present.

USTYLE: Now your clients can also purchase V-Steam Home Kits from you as well. How easy are the treatments to do at home?
DR. CATLIN: This is the easiest thing to do in your home. All you need is a quiet space and about 20minutes to fully enjoy the experience. Our yoni technicians consult all the time with women that want to redecorate, and cleanse (SAGE) a space in their home and turn it into a goddess sanctuary. This is a fun, and healing service we provide to our clients.

USTYLE: What’s included in the kits?
DR. CATLIN: Full V-Steaming Instructions
3 Steam Herb Packets
Home Yoni Seat
V-Steam 101 Worksheet

USTYLE: Now you also offer V-Steam Parties with Hookahs and the works. How fun is that. Do you book those a lot?
DR. CATLIN: It’s interesting how many women desire that slumber party effect. I mean REALLY sister girl time is so popular now days. We stay booked with parties. It’s magnetic when you see women come together, the laughter, the conversations. They talk about everything from kids, parenting, sex, to orgasms. It’s really a joy to witness. SISTERHOOD!

USTYLE: What other services does your wellness spa offer? Do you accept walk-ins and where are you located?
DR. CATLIN: Walk-ins are not accepted. We promote an intimate setting for our clients therefore appointments are required to allow for a detoxifying, relaxing, rejuvenating, and rewarding experience.
We offer a host of detox services
V-Steam (Women) and A-Steam (Men)
Herbal Foot Soaks
Steam Sauna Detox
Aqua Chi
Bloat Busting Body Wrap
Ultimate Body Wrap
V-Steam Memberships
Spa Parties

We’re located at
Panache Wellness Spa
10931 Indian Head Hwy
Fort Washington Md 20744
www.panacheboutiquespa.com
(202) 313-2590

USTYLE: You are very big on wellness and self-care. What made you become so passionate about making sure women are “whole” and their well-being are being cared for?
DR. CATLIN: I’m very passionate about this lifestyle. Being an entrepreneur all my life, I spent countless hours working, building my businesses and being a mom. I know for sure if I hadn’t taken care of myself Mind, Body, and Soul I wouldn’t be here today. I learned early on the importance of drinking water, eating fruits and vegetables, detoxing, and cleansing my body often. I’ve modeled this way of living for my children, their friends, my friends. It’s not just about the outer shell its really about what our insides look like. How our organs are functioning, our bone density, our spirit, really all of this matter. Self-Care is something that should be very high on every one’s list. Health is really the true WEALTH.
USTYLE:What have you noticed women are in need of most as far as wellness and self-care?
Quiet Time. That time to listen to your inner thoughts, your heart desires. Stop- destress from the daily grind of life. The need for rejuvenation of the mind body and soul. It’s like remove yourself from your environment and go to a place that cater to your needs. Time for you.

USTYLE: You know in this day and age, African American women are being mothers, employees, business owners, wives, best friends, why are we not taking our own wellness serious?
DR. CATLIN: This is an interesting question. I remember in my twenties being a young mom with young kids, trying to finish college, being a wife and worrying about my nails, hair, and makeup. It was like it never crossed my mind at that time. Wellness or self-care just wasn’t something my mom, or grandma talked about. I’m making an assumption that maybe when everything seems to be working in our lives, we just don’t think of it until a health scare. I also believe when our gorgeous, highly intelligent 1st Lady Michelle Obama started her movement with wellness, that helped to push wellness to the forefront. We as African American women relate to her. She has REALNESS about her, confidence, and beauty.

USTYLE: What keeps you motivated to make sure you are constantly pouring into others?
DR. CATLIN: People keep me motivated. I literally love people. I love to see people grow, win, conquer their desires in life. It gives me life just to know maybe I had a little something to do with it. Trust me it’s all GOD first, but the mere fact that I can say a little something to get someone to start living their best life is pure WEALTH to me. Because of this, I know I will continue to pour into the universe positive thoughts, love for others, and enjoy the smiles radiating through the eyes of someone who discovered living their best life isn’t so hard after all.

USTYLE: You are also a Public Speaker amongst several other service driven roles that you play in your day to day. You always remain very positive and constantly stress the importance of living life to its fullest. When speaking to your audience what positive words of encouragement do you try to leave them with and in closing can you leave USTYLE Magazine’s audience with some words of wisdom?
DR. CATLIN: Yes, just know that life is what you make it. We are dealt all kinds of cards, that become our pre-destined journey. As you travel down your journey daily just know there will always be pot holes, you will get flat tires, a head light might go out, and you may make a wrong turn. All of this is OK. This is where wisdom, character, and determination will start to develop. This is also where you will quickly see your authentic self. It’s these moments in our life that don’t define us, it shows us all of our VICTORIES. It’s the trials that gives us strength to endure, nourishment to our minds, energy into our souls. Relish in all the good, relish in all the bad and LIVE. This is when you will witness LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE.
We are only given one life and according to the BIG GUY we’re only here for a specific amount of time that’s unknown. So, it’s really NOW or NEVER. Look up to the hills and proudly say THANK YOU for your journey, THANK YOU for life, THANK YOU for all the good and DOUBLE THANK YOU for all the BAD.
Our desires in life will be granted in due time, but 1st we must all traveling our pre-destined journey, to become the best version of our self!

Dr. Chekesha Catlin: Thank you so much, you have no idea how grateful, thankful and excited I am to be featured in your magazine. GOD answers prayers, 1st we must give him thanks at all times!
Thank you!

USTYLE: We thank you for taking the time from your schedule to enlighten us on Vaginal Steamings and the benefits it has to offer as well as the other services that Panache Wellness Spa has to offer!