Rebozo MassageA Rebozo is a traditional Mexican shawl, used for a multitude of things from carrying shopping, fuel and the baby to keeping warm and even a shroud!
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In Mexico women perform a "Manteada", a gentle rocking massage, using the scarf, to help ease aches and pains. These women have gained particular repute for use this technique to ease tension during pregnancy and in labour, but it can be used to treat other forms of trauma, too.
The use of a shawl or scarf in such ways is by no means limited to Mexico. The same tradition exists in other Latin American countries and, indeed, world wide where scarves are in common use. La Manteada can be performed anywhere. The recipient remains fully clothed and the shawl can be used to work on almost any part of the body. |
The long history of effective use of the rebozo by women in pregnancy, labour and post partum, in particular, is starting to be noticed by practitioners world over.
The main technique, known as sifting, is a gentle rocking of the body. Rocking is common to many forms of bodywork, however, using a Rebozo to perform the rocking, offers a uniquely "held" experience that can lend itself to deep release of physical or emotional trauma. Tying the Rebozo tightly round the joints of the body, after sifting, can assist in further release. After child birth, using the rebozo to "Close the Bones" can help bring balance to the pelvic girdle. |