Mexican Rebozo Ritual

Closing of the Bones

Honoring Tradition

With humility and gratitude, I offer rebozo rituals that have been passed down by grandmothers around the world, from generation to generation. The ancestral knowledge that I have received comes to me from the indigenous and mestizo medicine women of Mexico, MesoAmerica, Columbia, Amazonia, and the Andes. I have respectfully adapted them to reflect my own heritage, as well as the traditions that I am most deeply connected to, including the spiritist traditions of Brazil, and tantric practices of Vajrayana buddhism.

The base of these rituals is deeply spiritual.

They connect us to the elements, the innate healing force of our inner warmth, the healing power of compassionate presence, song as medicine, the tenderness of our human experience, and what it means to be a whole person.

Rebozo rituals have typically been used to support women postpartum, but are also powerful in marking significant life transitions such as divorce, grief, miscarriage, or loss for all genders.

elements of a rebozo ritual

  • manteada & closing ritual

    We use shawls to massage, cradle and wrap the body from head to toe. The manteada is a rocking of the whole body with the rebozo to both energize and relax the body. The cerrada, or closing, of the pelvis and / or whole body allows the physical, emotional, and energetic integration postpartum, or following a significant life transition.

  • temezcal & herbal bath

    The temazcal is a traditional sweat lodge that can be created in the home using herbal steam. It warms the body and encourages the flushing of toxins and balancing of hormones postpartum. The temezcal is a time of massage, singing, and prayer. The herbal bath warms the entire being before the cerrada, and invites the comfort of the great mother.

  • song. cacao. connection.

    This spiritual ceremony is a time to be seen, heard, and cared for in a space of immense comfort and compassion. The ritual provides shelter for body, mind and soul. It is a profound opportunity to thank, honor, and celebrate a significant moment in our lives. Through rest, relaxation, release, prayer, and emotional connection, we warm the body, heart, and spirit.

Historical Use of Rebozo & Bath

This ancestral rite of passage ritual was born out of Mexico, although similar rituals have been practiced around Mesoamerica (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil,) and many other parts of the world including Kashmir, India, Jordan, Thailand, and Asia throughout time. Traditionally, this ritual is offered to a woman by her midwife, doula, mother, grandmother, aunts, sisters, and friends following childbirth, miscarriage, perinatal death, and more recently abortion. Most rituals are offered within the quarantine period 40 days following childbirth, and help the woman to recover and integrate following childbirth. Each region and family has its unique way of providing care. Most rituals, however, include a manteada (massage with rebozo,) closing / ritual swaddling ceremony, a hot herbal bath, temazcal (sweat lodge,) and integration circle. Prayers, song, herbal medicines, healing touch, and story is woven throughout the ceremony.

My Offering

In addition to the traditional training offered by Mexican grandmothers, I weave in years of study with Western herbalists, ritual and ceremony with Mestizo curandera Dona Otilia in the Peruvian Amazon, as well as elder women of the Umbanda and Candomble traditions of Brazil. Steeped in the practice of using song as medicine and facilitating transformational ceremonies, I lovingly create a space where the wisdom of your own heart, body, and ancestral lineage can bring about healing and wholeness. We co-create a container that allows you to be deeply seen, and deeply nourished.

Who is the rebozo ritual for?

This ritual is useful and indicated for anyone, and everyone. It is supportive for all ages, genders, and spiritual or religious orientations.

  • Within 40 days of giving birth, or anytime following childbirth when there is a wish to integrate the birthing experience

  • Women experiencing miscarriage, abortion, perinatal death

  • Any person who would like to symbolically and physically honor important life events or milestones: birth, marriage, separation, grief, abortion, miscarriage, menopause, professional transition, menarche, end of life, graduation, birthday, etc.

Details

  • Although a single treatment is beneficial, it is ideal (especially for postpartum women) to receive 3-5 rituals within the 40 day postpartum period.

  • The ceremony can be completed in your home, or in our ceremonial space in Corbett, Oregon. I highly recommend receiving the ritual in your own home, especially for those recovering from childbirth.

  • The ritual will last anywhere from 4 - 6 hours.

  • After receiving a treatment, it is recommended not to leave the home until the next morning, because the body is hot and temperature changes can impact us negatively during this time.

Reciprocity

  • I offer the rituals on a sliding scale donation of $375 - 550.

  • If this cost is inhibitive, please reach out to discuss.

  • Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to traditional weavers in the Oaxaca area.

Sounds wonderful, let’s schedule!

Because of the unique nature of this offering, I prefer to have a conversation prior to scheduling. Please email drlisahendrick@outlook.com to book a free 20 minute consult. I look forward to connecting soon.