Closing the Bones Ceremonies are a way to support recovery after a pregnancy; a way to honour all that your body has been through; and a way to create a moment of stillness, of meditative peace and reflection in the complexity of emotions you are feeling.
You are rocked with a rebozo shawl (known as “an extension of loving hands”), massaged gently with warm oil, and wrapped in shawls, the firm hold of the cloth allowing you to let go and go deep within. Space is then held for you as you return to yourself, physically and emotionally.
Honour yourself and all you have been through.
A Closing Ceremony can have beautiful benefits any time after pregnancy, whether:
🌱 this moment is still fresh and raw
🍂 you bear old scars or glistening tiger stripes
🥀 you carry a broken heart
The body has been through immense transitions to grow and birth a baby,
at whatever stage and in whatever way this happened for you.
Depending on the length of ceremony chosen, the ritual can involve massage of the hips, abdomen and upper body (optional), as well as rebozo (woven cloth) massage and rocking for the whole body (optional), followed by a full body wrapping.
The massage works to relax and remove tightness and tension in the body (particularly in the uterus and bladder which can help to relieve cramping), mobilise and articulate joints, encourage movement of fluid in the body, stimulate blood circulation and the immune system.
The desire to be held and wrapped is universal for humans and is deeply healing and nourishing as it calms the nervous system (similar to a weighted blanket) and brings about feelings of safety and warmth.
Ancient healing ceremonies like this are known to have been performed by women, for women across many different cultures for centuries, to aid in the physical and emotional recovery after pregnancy and birth. The particular technique I have trained in has its roots in Ecuadorian culture.
Having said that, the ceremony can have profound benefits for people of any gender and age who are navigating life transitions, overwhelm, grief or trauma.
“Dani held the space most beautifully for the wonderful bone closing ceremonies. Each ceremony provided a real chance to pause and let sink in all that had happened since, it was a lovely way to honour my body for all of has done for my baby. The initial ceremony was especially grounding and moving because it was the first chance to truly acknowledge the last 9 months; all of the changes, challenges, his and firsts, from body, mind and spirit. It was highly emotional and healing for me. I felt mentally clearer, emotionally more settled and physically better after the ceremonies. All of Dani’s experience makes her a fantastic midwife and I would recommend highly the ceremonial massage with her beautiful soul”
– Sophie
Holistic Tongue Tie Midwife 