Closing of the Bones Ceremony
A sacred and ceremonial process that allows you to embrace acceptance, gratitude and stillness. A ceremony that offers you the opportunity to heal yourself, to tune into your own needs and move forward into the next journey.
As a Midwife, Sasha has completed Jenny Blyth's Birthwork Workshop and during this training, Sasha learned the art form of 'Closing of the Bones'. Jenny Blyth who is a Spinning Babies Trainer, has been trained in how to hold 'Closing of the Bones Ceremonies' by traditional women and was given permission to pass on this knowledge to other birth workers.
Sasha has been providing Closing of the Bones Ceremonies for women since 2021 and offers this service as a standard of care to her midwifery clients post birth as she believes it can have a great impact on the woman, honouring her and the journey she has been on. Facilitating this ceremony for women has been an incredible experience for Sasha as she gets to witness the woman feel into the emotions and rawness, within a safe space where she is held. This ceremony can be done at any time and may also support healing for women who have experienced the following: loss of a baby, friend or family member, hysterectomy, fertility issues, loss of a job or relationship or a significant transition in life. This ceremony is for anyone that feels called to have a Closing of the Bones. Sasha shares that is an honour to work with each woman that allows the space and time to come home to her body.
Closing of the Bones Experience:
A Closing of the Bones Ceremony is approximately 1-1.5 hour session, held in your home that includes the following:
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Room set up and cleansing (sage and incense are used for this).
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Explanation of what to expect and discussion on your relationship with your womb and body.
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Setting your intention for the ceremony eg. calling in more self-love, “me time”, pleasure etc.
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Breath awareness and hands on touch to following areas: head, feet, shins and thighs.
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Reboso cloth wrapping and body movement.
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Further hands on touch and hugging.
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Medicine drum played over your body, focusing on your main chakra locations.
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Stillness wrapped in Reboso's whilst listening to music.
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Unwrapping of cloth with hands on touch.
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Awareness and coming back to room.
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Debrief and discussion.
Benefits of Closing of the Bones:
The bone closing ceremony is used all over the world and its purpose is to support the closing of cycles, energetic fields and returning heat back to the body. Traditionally it is offered to women after birth, as birth (both vaginal and caesarean) can be energetically opening, and Yang energy can be expelled during birth. This practice allows for stillness which is associated with Yin energy and warmth which is associated with Yang energy, offering a balance of the two. With firm wrapping it is believed that this practice on a regular occurrence can assist the bones and joints to realign post birth, as well as assist the pelvic organs to shift, the uterus to shrink back down and stimulate blood flow.
Along with the physical benefits this is a spiritual/energetic process. It allows the woman to stop and reflect on her experience and may assist with emotional healing. It may assist a mother to feel closure after birth and reconnect to her own body and her needs. Some women have reported that they felt held and nurtured and some have been able to release emotions linked to a birth or postnatal experience. Birth is a rite of passage and a deep transformational journey which continues into motherhood.
Frequently asked questions:
Do you offer a debrief?
Yes, we can discuss your experience after the ceremony however if you need to discuss further we can organise another debrief within 1-2 weeks of your ceremony.
How do I book a Closing of Bones Ceremony?
Please contact Sasha via the contact page and she will let you know her next available dates, please note this service is currently offered in your home however if you choose to book a Sacral Somatic Session or Connection Touch massage as well then it will be provided to you at Sacred Moon Midwifery in Bray Park. The service area is within 30km of Narangba, additional travel time will require a fee.
Images captured by https://www.nicoleannbirthkeeper.com.au/