Closing of the Bones is a traditional postpartum healing ritual practiced in various cultures around the world, particularly in Latin America (often associated with Mexican or Mayan traditions) and parts of Africa and Asia. This ceremony is designed to nurture and support a woman’s physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery after childbirth.

 

What Happens During a Closing of the Bones Ceremony?

• The session begins with a soothing herbal tea and a relaxing foot bath.

• During this time you are encouraged to share your birth experience. 

• Once you’re ready, you’ll lie down fully clothed on a comfortable mat as I gently massage an herbal-infused body oil onto your womb space.

• Next, a moxa box will be applied for 20 minutes, using warmth to relax your muscles and support your body’s healing process.

• We then move on to the Rebozo Wrapping: A rebozo (a traditional shawl or long piece of fabric) is used to wrap or bind different parts of the body, such as the hips, abdomen, and shoulders. This wrapping symbolizes “closing” the body after childbirth, helping it return to its pre-pregnancy state and supporting the pelvic area.

• You will remain wrapped and be encouraged to go inward and reflect. During this time I will play my crystal quartz sound bowls, and may apply tuning forks to the areas of the body needing attention. 

• The session concludes with a brief discussion, where I may share observations. Ideally you allow yourself a slower day after the session to integrate the work.

 

Energetic and Emotional Support

The ceremony includes moments of reflection, sound healing, and guided breathing to help the mother release emotions, process her birth experience, and reconnect with her body.

 

Purpose of Closing of the Bones

• Physical Healing: helps the body recover from the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, particularly in the pelvic area and abdomen.

• Emotional Release: Provides a safe space to process the birth experience and release any stored emotions or trauma.

• Energetic Balance: Symbolically “closes” the energetic space opened during childbirth, restoring balance and grounding.

• Support for the Mother: Offers nurturing and care during a vulnerable period, helping the mother feel supported and celebrated.

 

Who Can Benefit?

This ceremony is typically performed in the weeks or months following childbirth but can also benefit anyone seeking closure and healing, whether due to birth, miscarriage, or other life transitions. Closing of the Bones is more than a physical practice—it is a deeply symbolic and healing experience that honors the mother and her journey into parenthood.