Closing the Bones

The word ritual comes from sanskrit, Rta, which means to create stability in times of turbulence. When a baby is born, so is a mother. This seismic transition can be witnessed and honoured though a Closing the Bones ceremony.

Closing the Bones begins with a gentle pelvic massage followed by relaxing and wrapping the whole body using handwoven scarves. I'm trained in a practice which blends Ecuadorian and Mexican traditions. Although postpartum massage and wrapping isn't common in Europe, it's an important part of postnatal care in many cultures worldwide. There's even evidence it was done in the UK back in the 1900s.

I encourage mothers to find a time that feels right for them. It could be shortly after the birth, or many years after. It could be used to mark the end of the first forty days, the fourth trimester or a breastfeeding journey. It can also be a powerful and healing ritual for mothers who have experienced baby loss at any stage of pregnancy.  

On a physical level, massage and wrapping encourages the bones, tissues and organs to return 'home' after the changes they accommodate in pregnancy and birth. The practice also relieves muscle and joint tension, encourages circulation, balances hormones and boosts immune function. 

The ceremony includes guided meditation and a herbal bath, which help mothers to ground, calm, centre and enjoy deep rest. The ritual also provides a welcome space for emotional release, something that might happen during the ceremony or some time afterwards. 

I'm so happy that this offering has been enriched by the love and knowledge of my friends. Rubi has provided ethically sourced rebozos from the San Juan Yaeé community in the northern mountains of Oaxaca, and Jen has helped me refine the combinations of herbs for the bath and tea infusions.