Closing of the Bones: A ritual for coming back home to your body
The Closing of the Bones ritual is a poignant and transformative ceremony, especially tailored for those who have given birth, experienced a birth release, or a miscarriage. However, this ritual can support many people, including anyone with Vata imbalance, anxiety, stress, or nervous system disregulation. Additionally, it is a powerful ceremony to mark any big time of transition and can help bring grounding and a sense of freedom in times of change.
The History and Cultural Significance:
The Closing of the Bones ritual has deep historical roots, with origins traced to various cultures around the world. In essence, it is a ceremonial practice designed to provide closure and support to individuals after significant reproductive events. In many cultures, particularly in Latin American, Northern European, African, and Asian traditions, similar rituals have been observed for generations, reflecting the universal need for healing and renewal during pivotal life moments. I am grateful to my dear friend Bashari George, who is an Ayurvedic Pracititoner and Doula, for sharing the practice with me.
The ceremony typically involves a series of nurturing and symbolic acts. Central to the ritual is the physical and energetic closing of the pelvic bones, which is believed to help restore balance and bring about a sense of closure. During the ceremony, two practitioners wrap the receiving person in Seven sacred scarves along the full length of the body and then hold space while the recipient rests and relaxes in the scarf “cocoon”.
Support for Reproductive Events:
Postpartum Healing: The Closing of the Bones ritual has been widely embraced as a powerful tool for postpartum recovery. The process of childbirth, though miraculous, can leave a person's body and spirit in need of restoration. This ceremony offers a sacred space for acknowledgment, healing, and closure, as the pelvic bones are symbolically closed to support the physical and energetic transition into motherhood.
Birth Release and Miscarriage: Acknowledging the complexity of reproductive experiences, the Closing of the Bones extends its comforting embrace to those who have undergone birth releases or miscarriages. The ritual becomes a compassionate ceremony, aiding in the process of letting go, honoring the journey, and providing a sense of closure and support during times of grief and loss.
Beyond Reproductive Events:
Vata Imbalance and Nervous System Disregulation: The Closing of the Bones ritual is not limited to reproductive events alone; it offers profound support for individuals dealing with Vata imbalance or nervous system disregulation. The gentle and nurturing aspects of the ceremony, coupled with the focused attention on the pelvic area, work to ground and stabilize the energy within the body. The calming effect of the ritual helps alleviate anxiety, restlessness, and supports overall nervous system harmony.
Universal Healing Principles: As with many traditional ceremonies, the Closing of the Bones reflects universal healing principles. The focus on ceremony, community support, and the intentional use of herbs and rituals transcend cultural boundaries. This timeless practice has the potential to bring solace and rejuvenation to anyone seeking a deep sense of closure, renewal, and healing.
In the gentle folds of the Closing of the Bones ritual, we find a timeless and universal practice that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Rooted in history and shared experiences, this ceremony offers solace and support during vulnerable times.
The information provided in this digital content is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. Abbey Cmiel, Abbey Joy Healing, and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.
