ceremonial altar with white sage for closing of the bones ritual
Close-up of a person's hand with a red rebozo, standing against a blurred background of other people in a closing of the bones ceremony setting.

Closing of the Bones

La Cerrada

Why Closing of the Bones?

Birth opens us—physically, hormonally, emotionally, spiritually.
In modern culture, there is often no clear moment of closure or integration.

This ceremony offers:

  • Grounding and containment after the expansiveness of birth

  • Support for postpartum healing and nervous system regulation

  • A sense of completion, sealing, and embodied presence

  • Emotional processing and honoring of your birth journey

  • Deep nourishment, rest, and remembrance of yourself

Many women describe feeling lighter, clearer, deeply held, and more at home in their body afterward.

Closing of the Bones

A Postpartum Sealing Ceremony

A sacred ritual of integration, nourishment, and honoring the threshold of motherhood

The Closing of the Bones (La Cerrada) is a traditional Mexican postpartum sealing ceremony offered to women after birth—most often around the end of the first 40 days (La Cuarentena), though it can be deeply beneficial at any time postpartum, even months or years later.

This ceremony supports the physical, emotional, and energetic closure of pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. It offers space to be witnessed, tended, and honored as you integrate the profound transformation of becoming a mother.

This ritual was taught to me by my mentor Angelina Miranda Martinez and by my dear friend Nadya Tierny. It is rooted in traditions carried by Mexican midwives and curanderas. I hold this work with deep respect, reverence, and gratitude for the lineage from which it comes.

Angelina Miranda Martinez giving womb massage in a closing of the bones class
Closing of the bones ritual with Angelina Miranda Martinez and Revital Carroll
Closing of the bones work with heart and chest care

Closing of the Bones Ceremony Structure

Approximately 4-6 hours total

Each ceremony is customized to the mother’s unique needs, energy, and postpartum stage. The ritual unfolds slowly and intentionally, incorporating carefully selected and prepared flowers, treats, herbs, oils, blessings, and implements to facilitate each mother’s journey of transformation and integration with warmth, care, and nourishment.

The Four Phases of the Ceremony

1. Opening & Intention Setting

  • Opening smudging and energetic clearing

  • Check-in and sharing of your birth and postpartum experience

  • Setting intentions for release, integration, and closure

  • Ceremonial Cacao

2. Cleansing & Nourishment

  • Optional vaginal steam (as appropriate postpartum)

  • Enclosed ritual herbal bath infused with healing plants

  • Traditional limpia (plant cleansing)

  • Herbal teas and warm nourishment

3. Womb & Body Work

  • Womb oil massage

  • Optional: Moxa therapy / Cupping / Gua Sha

  • Belly binding

  • Full-body rebozo wrapping using traditional Mexican rebozos

  • Slow, rhythmic tightening and closing of the body—from head to feet

  • Offerings of blessings and gratitude.

4. Closing & Integration

  • Rest, grounding, and integration

  • Gentle reflection and sealing of the ritual

  • Closing prayer, blessing, or intention

Optional additions:

  • Full Body Lymphatic Drainage Massage 

  • Shared meal

Ritual Packages

Sliding scale options may be available for ongoing clients or as part of a postpartum care package. Please inquire.

(All packages include two facilitators: Revital + an expereinced assistant)

🌹 Closing of the Bones – Full Sealing Ceremony

4  hours | In-Home
$575

Includes:

  • Full ceremonial experience as described above

  • All herbs, oils, rebozos, and ritual supplies

  • Personalized preparation and integration support

  • Herbal teas or ceremonial cacao, & healthy treats served during the ritual

🌹🌹 Closing of the Bones + Full Body Abhyanga (Nourishing Oil Massage) Add-On

5  hours | In-Home
$725

Includes:

  • Full ceremonial experience as described above

  • All herbs, oils, rebozos, and ritual supplies

  • Personalized preparation and integration support

  • Herbal teas or ceremonial cacao, & healthy treats served during the ritual

  • Extended full body Abhyanga / lymphatic drainage massage (about one hour of additional bodywork)

🌹🌹🌹 Extended Sealing Ceremony - Deep Integration + Nourishing Meal

6  hours | In-Home
$850

Includes:

  • Full ceremonial experience as described above

  • All herbs, oils, rebozos, and ritual supplies

  • Personalized preparation and integration support

  • Herbal teas or ceremonial cacao, & healthy treats served during the ritual

  • Extended full body Abhyanga / lymphatic drainage massage (about one hour of additional bodywork)

  • Freshly prepared, warming postpartum meal (per your dietary needs)

Care & Consent

This ceremony is always offered with:

Clear consent

Trauma-informed care

Respect for your physical readiness and boundaries

Cultural reverence and humility

You are always in choice.

Gift Certificates available

A beautiful baby shower or blessing way gift

Revital by the ocean.

Ready to Book?

1. Connect — Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone chat.
2. Book — Select your package, finalize details, and confirm your care timeline.
3. Enjoy — I arrive with warmth, skill, and nourishment to support you and your family.

For questions, payment options, or to request a gift certificate, simply reach out. I’d love to accompany you on this sacred journey into motherhood.

Email Revital →