The journey of childbirth is a profound experience that brings forth new life into the world. However, it is crucial to acknowledge and honor the transformative process a mother’s body undergoes during pregnancy and delivery. One powerful postpartum ritual that has gained recognition is “Closing the Bones.”
Understanding Closing the Bones
Closing the Bones is a sacred ritual performed in various cultures worldwide, particularly in Latin America (where it is known as “La Cerrada de Caderas” in Ecuador and “Ritual de Cerrada” in Mexico) Asia, and Africa.
While the specifics of the ritual may vary across regions, its fundamental purpose remains consistent: to honor the woman’s journey through childbirth, help her body recover, and support her emotional and spiritual well-being.
The origins of this practice can be traced back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. In indigenous cultures, it was recognized that childbirth was a profound rite of passage. Women were revered for their strength and resilience during labor, and the postpartum period was seen as a time of vulnerability but also great potential for healing.
In Ecuador, for example, the “Cerrada de Caderas” ceremony involves wrapping the mother’s hips and abdomen with a cloth or rebozo. This ritual is often performed by wise women (midwives, doulas, elders ) or female relatives and includes massage and gentle rocking motions. It is believed to help realign the bones, tighten abdominal muscles, and reduce discomfort after childbirth. More than just a physical practice, it also acknowledges the emotional and spiritual transition a woman undergoes when becoming a mother.
In Mexico, the “Ritual de Cerrada” involves a similar process of massaging and wrapping the postpartum mother. It’s considered a deeply nurturing and supportive practice, promoting physical healing while also allowing the mother to relax and reconnect with her own body.
While these practices have ancient origins, they have not been static over time. With globalization and the blending of cultures, Closing the Bones has found its way into other parts of the world. In recent years, it has gained recognition in Western countries as part of a broader movement toward holistic and women-centered postpartum care.
Physical Healing and Support
Physically, Closing the Bones provides numerous benefits to new mothers. The gentle massage and binding techniques help realign the pelvis, hips, and spine, promoting proper posture and relieving tension. The movements increase blood circulation, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Additionally, the ritual assists in the repositioning of organs that may have shifted during pregnancy, aiding in postpartum recovery.
Emotional and Energetic Restoration
The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging as women navigate their newfound roles and cope with hormonal fluctuations. Closing the Bones offers emotional support by creating a nurturing and sacred space for mothers to release tension and emotional residue accumulated during childbirth. The physical touch and focused attention from the practitioner foster a deep sense of relaxation, safety, and connection.
Furthermore, Closing the Bones acknowledges and honors the spiritual and energetic journey of childbirth. The ritual helps restore the energetic balance within the mother’s body, ensuring a smooth transition from pregnancy to postpartum. It allows the mother to reconnect with her own body, fostering a sense of grounding and empowerment.
The Modern Significance of Closing the Bones
In modern times, Closing the Bones has found its place in the growing awareness of the importance of postpartum care and support for new mothers. In many Western cultures, there has been a shift away from traditional practices of postpartum confinement towards a more holistic approach to postpartum recovery.
The physical benefits of Closing the Bones are clear. It may help alleviate common postpartum discomforts like back pain, pelvic instability, and muscle tension. However, its significance goes beyond the physical. It offers a space for mothers to reflect on their childbirth experience, process any trauma or emotions associated with it, and receive nurturing care and attention.
Moreover, Closing the Bones serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and celebrating a woman’s journey into motherhood. It acknowledges that the postpartum period is not just about the baby but also about the mother’s physical and emotional well-being.
Closing the Bones is a ritual with deep historical and cultural roots that continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of mothers in the modern world. It’s a practice that recognizes the physical and emotional challenges of childbirth and seeks to provide healing, support, and celebration for mothers as they navigate the profound transition into motherhood. In an era where postpartum care is increasingly recognized as crucial, Closing the Bones serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of tradition and the importance of nurturing both the body and the spirit of new mothers.
How it looks like:
The ritual is made of 3 parts. After a welcome conversation, where we discuss the reasons behind this ritual, your birthing journey (or other significant event that lead you to this moment) and expectation, we will proceed with the first part: The Cleansing.
The Cleansing is a physical, energetical and emotional cleanse. It will take place in the form of a cleansing bath or yoni steaming. Either way, you will be pampered in a personalized herbal experience.
Then we move on to the Rest.
The mother is massaged, and pampered with the gentle touch of the wise women. This is to promote relaxation and awareness of the journey the mother has made.
The last part if the Bunding.
The mother is wrapped around scarves (or Mexican rebozos). The bunding includes gentle rocking and firm tightening. This is to close the bones (and the energetic space) that have been open during pregnancy and birth. The wrapping and unwrapping symbolizes the death and rebirth of the mother, moving from one stage of life to the next, with confidence and strength.
