Closing of the Bones

A Ceremony of Integration and Completion

Closing of the Bones is a traditional postpartum ceremony that has roots in many Indigenous cultures around the world. Across these traditions, there is a shared understanding that times of great opening in life require a period of rest, care, and gentle integration afterward.

During pregnancy and birth, the body expands physically, emotionally, and energetically. Closing of the Bones offers a supportive process of coming back to oneself and allowing the body to feel held, contained, and gathered again.

While this ceremony is traditionally offered during the postpartum period, it can also be meaningful after other life transitions such as miscarriage, grief, the end of breastfeeding, or significant changes in life.

It is a time to pause, be witnessed, and allow the body and nervous system to settle.

The Tradition of the Rebozo

This ceremony includes the use of the rebozo, a traditional woven shawl from Mexico that has long been used by midwives to support women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.

Through gentle rocking, wrapping, and holding with the rebozo, different areas of the body are gathered and supported one at a time. This process can help release tension in the joints and tissues, calm the nervous system, and bring a sense of physical and emotional closure after the profound expansion of pregnancy and birth.

The wrapping also symbolizes the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new chapter.

What Happens During the Ceremony

Each Closing of the Bones ceremony unfolds slowly and with great care, creating a space where you can truly rest and be held.

We begin with time for optional sharing. You are welcome to speak about your story, your postpartum journey, or any transition you may be moving through. This moment of listening allows space for your experience to be witnessed and honored. Together we set a gentle intention for the ceremony. A warm cup of herbal tea or cacao may be offered as a way to settle into the space and arrive fully.

You will then be invited to lie down comfortably as traditional rebozo shawls are used to wrap different areas of the body one at a time. The head, shoulders, ribs, hips, and feet are gently gathered and held with the shawls. With each layer, the body is drawn inward and supported more fully until you are completely cocooned.

In this cocooned state, the body can rest deeply, much like resting inside a chrysalis. There is nothing to do and nowhere to go. The nervous system softens, the breath slows, and space opens for quiet integration after times of great expansion and change.

While you are wrapped, I hold the space with care and presence as your own inner process unfolds. Gentle instruments or soft music may be played to support the atmosphere of rest and reflection.

When the time feels complete, the shawls are slowly loosened and unwrapped, allowing the body to emerge gradually from the cocoon. Afterward there is time to rest, integrate, and return slowly, carrying the feeling of being gathered and supported within yourself.

When This Ceremony May Be Supportive

Closing of the Bones is traditionally offered after birth, often within the first forty days postpartum, though it can also be received months or even years later.

It may also be supportive during other life transitions including

after pregnancy loss or miscarriage
at the end of breastfeeding
during times of grief or major life change
when seeking grounding, closure, or emotional integration

There is no specific timeline for receiving this ceremony. It can be offered whenever a moment of completion and integration is needed.

What People Often Experience

Every ceremony is unique, but many people notice

deep physical relaxation
a sense of being held and supported
emotional release or integration
greater connection to the body
a feeling of closure and completion

The ceremony creates a supportive space where the body can rest and integrate at its own pace.