Postpartum Massage Therapy
Closing the Bones

Closing the Bones: A Healing Practice for Postpartum Recovery

The postpartum period can be a transformative time for new mothers, full of joy, excitement, and challenges. However, it can also be a time of physical and emotional healing as the body adjusts to the changes brought on by childbirth. Closing the bones is an ancient healing practice that can help women in this transitional time to reconnect with their bodies, promote healing, and find a sense of closure after giving birth.
 

What is Closing the Bones?

Closing the bones is a postpartum healing practice that originated in Ecuador and has been passed down through generations of midwives and healers. The practice involves the use of a series of massage and binding techniques that are designed to support the physical and emotional healing of the postpartum body.
 

The massage techniques used in closing the bones involve the use of warm oils and gentle pressure to massage the abdomen, hips, back, and other areas of the body that are affected by childbirth. The binding techniques involve the use of a long piece of cloth, known as a rebozo, to wrap and bind the body in a way that promotes support and stability.
 

The practice is called closing the bones because it is thought to help the body "close" or come back together after childbirth. It is also seen as a way to honour and celebrate the powerful journey of childbirth and to provide a sense of closure and healing for women who may be feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from their bodies after giving birth.
 

The Benefits of Closing the Bones

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• Physical Healing: The massage and binding techniques used in closing the bones can help to promote physical healing in the postpartum body. This can include reducing swelling, improving circulation, and supporting the body as it heals from childbirth.

• Emotional Healing: The postpartum period can be a time of intense emotions, and closing the bones can help to provide a sense of emotional support and grounding. The practice is often seen as a way to honor the journey of childbirth and to provide a sense of closure and healing for women who may be feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from their bodies after giving birth.

• Reconnection with the Body: Giving birth can be a transformative experience, and closing the bones can help women to reconnect with their bodies and feel more grounded and present in their physical selves. This can be especially important for women who may be feeling disconnected from their bodies after giving birth or experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.