90 minute 'cerrada' / closing the bones

Service Description

'Closing the bones' is a traditional ceremony originating from South America but now practised all over the world. It is used to process and honour the immense changes that a person experiences following birth, pregnancy loss or termination. This ritual offers closure and re-balancing, whilst also honouring what your body has achieved and gone through. Closing The Bones is not limited to new parents. It can be received at any stage of a person's life, to help to process change or grief. It is a beautiful, ceremonial way of helping you return physically, emotionally and energetically back to yourself after a time of change and/or trauma or loss; bringing a sense of closure, renewed energy and support in letting something go. What happens in a 'cerrada'? The space is prepared with relaxing music and lovely scents, and dimmed lighting. We begin with a warming footbath filled with sweet-smelling herbs while we chat about your experiences and what you are hoping to get from the session. After this, you lie on my couch or my soft futon mattress on the floor, on top of several 'robozos' or mexican woven scarves. I will use the scarf under your hips to rock your hips which soothes the central nervous system and offers release for your sacrum. Then, I will massage you - normally your whole body including abdomen, but this is up to you. I use a specially blended sweet smelling, warming oil and techniques used to relax and rejuvenate you. Next, comes the wrapping. I will use the robozos to wrap your body up tightly - like a new swaddled infant - to make you feel warm and held. I leave your arms out in case you have an itch! Whilst you lay there, I add elements that fit your circumstances, reading a poem, playing music, or simply keeping our hands on your body, whilst you relax and sink deeper into the process. At the end, I prepare you a warming drink and there is a chance to chat about the experience for a while. Can I bring my baby? Yes! This ritual can be a really special way to bond with your baby, and a lot of the ceremony can be performed while you are cuddling or breastfeeding. However, I recommend bringing a close friend or partner to help if the baby needs jiggling. A nice option is to book two of these back-to-back with a friend who also has a baby, and you look after eachother's. Where? This normally takes place in my home, but I may be able to travel to you for an additional fee. Please say so when booking.