The Healing Power of the “Closing of the Bones” Ceremony: History, Benefits, and Spirituality

The exact origin of the Closing of the Bones ceremony is difficult to pinpoint, as various versions of it exist in multiple cultures. However, it is most closely associated with Latin American, Indigenous Mexican, and Andean traditions, where the ceremony has been passed down through generations of midwives and birth workers.

Historically, women who gave birth were seen as having opened their bodies, physically and energetically, to bring life into the world. After birth, the mother’s body remains in an “open” state, making her vulnerable both physically and emotionally. The Closing of the Bones ritual was developed to help "close" the body, restore energy, and guide the mother toward wholeness and balance. The ritual was typically performed by a midwife or elder in the community, often using specific fabrics, oils, herbs, and traditional healing techniques.

 Physical Benefits

• Healing and Recovery: During childbirth, the bones, particularly the pelvis, expand to facilitate the baby's passage. The Closing of the Bones ritual involves wrapping the body, usually with a long piece of cloth known as a “rebozo,” which gently brings the pelvis back into alignment and provides deep physical support to the postpartum body. This process can help alleviate pain, encourage muscle recovery, and reduce inflammation.
• Improved Circulation: The massage techniques used during the ceremony help improve blood circulation, which can speed up healing and support the body’s return to its pre-pregnancy state.
• Hormonal Balance: By stimulating the body's natural relaxation response, the ceremony promotes the release of oxytocin, the hormone that encourages bonding and emotional well-being. This can be especially important for women experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
• Womb Healing: Specific attention is often paid to the abdominal area, helping the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size.

•  Emotional Closure: Giving birth is a powerful emotional experience, and many women feel vulnerable afterward. The Closing of the Bones ceremony provides emotional closure by allowing the mother to process the intensity of birth and feel supported in her recovery.
• Mental Clarity: The time spent focusing on the body, combined with the calming effects of the ritual, can help alleviate stress and mental exhaustion. It allows mothers to release any pent-up emotions, trauma, or fears associated with childbirth.
• Nurturing Connection: The ceremony is a loving, nurturing experience that helps new mothers feel cared for during a time when they are often focused solely on caring for their new born. This can help with self-esteem, and body image, and create a stronger sense of self.

• Restoring Energy: Spiritually, it’s believed that childbirth opens up a woman's energy channels, leaving her energetically "open." The ceremony helps to restore and seal the energy field, allowing the mother to reclaim her power and strength.
• Sacred Space:  The Closing of the Bones is often conducted in a sacred space with candles, essential oils, and quiet music or chanting. This environment invites deep introspection and fosters a profound connection between the mother and her own body.
• Rebirth for the Mother: Just as a baby is born into the world, the mother is often seen as being reborn after birth. The ceremony symbolizes a rebirth for the mother herself, helping her integrate the experience of giving birth into her new identity.

While the Closing of the Bones ceremony is generally considered safe and gentle, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Physical Limitations:  If a mother has had a particularly traumatic birth experience, severe complications, or a cesarean section, she should consult her healthcare provider before undergoing the ceremony. The physical manipulation involved in the ritual, especially around the abdomen and pelvis, may not be suitable immediately after a difficult birth.
• Emotional Triggers: The ceremony involves deep emotional work, and for some women, it can bring up unresolved trauma or strong emotions related to childbirth. It’s essential that a skilled, compassionate practitioner leads the ceremony, allowing space for any feelings that arise.

The Closing of the Bones is a spiritual practice rooted in the belief that the postpartum body is sacred and that a mother must be honoured for the life she has brought into the world. The process typically begins with a ritual bath, cleansing the body with healing herbs like rosemary, lavender, or rose. The bath is followed by a full-body massage using warm oils, which helps to relax the muscles and calm the nervous system.

Then, the actual "closing" begins. Using a rebozo or similar cloth, the practitioner wraps the woman’s body from head to toe, including her head, shoulders, abdomen, pelvis, and legs. This wrapping is done with deep care and intention, with each part of the body being "closed" to symbolically bring the mother’s energy back to herself. The wrapping process not only provides a sense of security but also encourages the realignment of the bones and muscles.

Some ceremonies include the use of chanting, prayer, or meditation, further enhancing the spiritual nature of the ritual. The entire process is designed to be deeply personal, with a focus on honouring the woman’s unique experience of motherhood and birth.

While the Closing of the Bones ceremony is largely supported by anecdotal evidence and passed-down wisdom, there is growing interest in studying the physiological and psychological benefits of postpartum rituals. The benefits of massage for postpartum recovery are well-documented, including its ability to improve circulation, relieve pain, and reduce postpartum depression. Furthermore, the use of practices like rebozo massage has gained recognition within midwifery and birth support communities as an effective tool for pelvic alignment and relaxation.

Though more scientific studies would provide a clearer understanding of the specific impacts of the Closing of the Bones, the ritual’s emotional and spiritual benefits resonate deeply with those who have experienced it, adding to its credibility and appeal.

The Closing of the Bones ceremony is appropriate for any woman who has given birth, whether her experience was recent or many years ago. While it is most commonly performed within the first 40 days postpartum, some women choose to undergo the ritual years after giving birth to honour their experience and process any lingering emotional or physical issues.

This ceremony is especially beneficial for women who:

• Feel emotionally overwhelmed or disconnected after childbirth.
• Experience physical discomfort or feel that their body needs realignment after birth.
• Are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety.
• Want to embrace the spiritual significance of their postpartum period.
• Are looking for a sacred, nurturing way to close the chapter of pregnancy and birth.

The Closing of the Bones ceremony offers mothers a meaningful way to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually after childbirth. Its rich history, paired with the profound benefits it provides, makes it a powerful tool for postpartum recovery. As women continue to explore holistic, body-cantered healing, this ancient ritual remains a timeless practice of nurturing, closure, and rebirth for the modern mother.