What is closing the bones?
Closing the bones is a deeply healing and nurturing ceremony, honouring your body and marking transitions in your life. It is an ancient practise originating in South America, traditionally carried out by women who love and care for you. This sacred ritual holds space for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, allowing you to feel held, supported and honoured.
This ceremony is for any woman or girl experiencing change – whether its birth, loss, menarche, menopause, marriage, separation, a career shift, or any moment where you feel the need for closure, reflection, and renewal.
We can be part of the circle of women who hold this space for you, or we can facilitate the ceremony with those closest to you. Either way we will always ensure each woman supporting you is offered their own holding space session beforehand, and we check in with everyone after the ceremony.
The ceremony
Each closing the bones ceremony is unique, but often includes:
Sharing your story – This is a space for you to reflect, speak, or simply be held in silence as you honour your journey. Whether you choose to share your thoughts, emotions, or experiences, you will be met with care, love and deep listening.
A warm bath – A time to pause, cleanse, and prepare. You can wear a swimsuit, remain clothed or bathe freely – whatever feels right for you. Herbs chosen specifically for you will be used in the bath.
Massage – A gentle, loving massage helps to release tension, encourage circulation, and stimulate energy flow. The womb, in particular, is known to hold unresolved emotions and trauma, through massage, the process of release gently begins.
Rebozo wrapping – One by one, your head, chest, abdomen, womb, thighs, calves and feet are wrapped using a traditional Mexican scarf called a rebozo. Each part of your body is carefully held in place, as we pour love, warmth, and intention into you. The wraps act as a container for your emotions, allowing you to feel safe, held and whole.
Food and reflection – Nourishment is an important part of the ceremony. After the wrapping, we share food, giving space to talk, reflect and integrate the experience. This is a powerful and emotional process for all involved, often bringing to the surface feelings and experiences that have been deeply buried.
Your ceremony, your way – Every ceremony is different. You do not have to include every element if it doesn’t feel right for you. We will be guided by your comfort, needs, and wishes, ensuring that the ceremony is a reflection of what feels most supportive for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you hold the ceremony?
Closing the bones ceremonies take place wherever you feel safe and held – your home, a familiar space, or anywhere that brings you comfort.
Do I need to have given birth to experience this ceremony?
No, this ceremony is for any woman or girl going through a transition. Whether that is postpartum, loss, menopause, or a personal shift.
What if I don’t have a group of women to support me?
We can be part of that circle for you, or we can facilitate a ceremony with the women closest to you.
Is it painful?
No. The rebozo wraps are applied gently to support, not constrict. We are always mindful of any physical discomfort you may have.
Do I have to be undressed for the wrapping, massage or bath?
The choice is completely yours. You can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable or nothing at all.
Honouring your story
Closing the bones is more than a ceremony – it is an act of deep love, recognition, and healing. Whether you are honouring birth, loss, transition, or simply seeking a moment to reconnect with yourself, this sacred practice allows you to step forward feeling whole, supported, and ready for what’s next.
Feeling drawn to this ceremony?
We’d love to hold this space for you.
Book an initial chat with us to share a little about yourself and your vision for your ceremony. This is a chance to get to know us, explore what feels right for you, and begin shaping a ceremony that honours you in the way you need.