Placenta Encapsulation in Los Angeles: Honoring the Forgotten Chakra

The placenta is often referred to as the "forgotten chakra," a sacred organ that not only nourishes life in the womb but holds profound spiritual, emotional, and physical significance. In her groundbreaking book Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra, Robin Lim illuminates the placenta's ancient role across cultures and traditions. This vital organ is seen as more than just an afterthought in many parts of the world, it is revered as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
Placenta Reverence Across CulturesIn Bali, where Robin Lim practices, the placenta is considered the baby’s twin and is ceremonially honored with a burial ritual to symbolize the connection between the child and the earth. In many Indigenous cultures, the placenta is treated as the guardian spirit of the newborn. Across Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia, it is common to bury the placenta under a tree as a way to bless the child with long life and protection.
Last fall, I had the chance to meet Robin Lim in person at her birthing center, Bumi Sehat, in Bali. Witnessing firsthand how the Balinese honor the placenta in such a beautiful and sacred way was profoundly inspiring. Their rituals not only celebrate new life but also create a sense of community and deep respect for the baby's journey into the world.
However, in the U.S., where the culture around birth can feel more clinical and isolated, many mothers face a vastly different postpartum experience. Postpartum depression affects approximately 80% of new mothers to some degree, with a more severe form, postpartum mood disorders, impacting around 10-15%. This stark reality makes it all the more important to explore natural ways to support healing. Placenta encapsulation offers an empowering choice for mothers to reclaim their postpartum well-being by harnessing the nutrients and hormones their bodies created to nourish them.
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The Hidden Value of Placentas in Modern Medicine
In America, placentas are highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies due to their rich stem cell content. Each placenta contains a valuable concentration of stem cells that can be used for regenerative medicine and medical research. The value of a single placenta can be as high as $50,000. These stem cells are at the forefront of groundbreaking treatments, emphasizing the placenta’s role as a source of healing. While many placentas are discarded after birth, this knowledge underscores the immense power each placenta holds.
I have witnessed firsthand how transformative the placenta can be. One mother I worked with, who had experienced debilitating seizures, found her symptoms stopped entirely after using her placenta postpartum. This powerful testament shows that the placenta is more than just an organ, it is a potent source of healing and restoration.

Why Placenta Encapsulation?
In the modern postpartum world, placenta encapsulation has emerged as a meaningful way to honor and utilize the nutrients and hormones contained within the placenta. Rather than discarding this incredible organ, mothers can choose to reintegrate its powerful properties back into their bodies.

Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
Placenta encapsulation offers a natural way to support postpartum recovery and can help with stem cell rejuvenation along with the following:

• Rebalance hormones: The placenta contains hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that can help ease the drastic hormonal fluctuations after birth.
• Boost iron levels: The placenta is rich in iron, which can help replenish maternal iron stores depleted during labor.
• Increase energy levels: By supporting adrenal function, encapsulated placenta can help restore vitality.
• Enhance mood stability: Placenta capsules may reduce the risk of postpartum depression by supporting the body’s natural balance.
• Support milk production: Many mothers experience an increase in their milk supply due to the hormonal benefits of placenta encapsulation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the placenta is known as zi he che and is considered a powerful remedy for restoring qi (vital energy). TCM practitioners have used dried and ground placenta for centuries to address conditions such as fatigue, insufficient lactation, anemia, and hormonal imbalances. The placenta is believed to replenish the blood and strengthen the body's essence, making it an essential part of postpartum care.
TCM preparations may include placenta powder added to broths or herbal teas, providing a deeply nourishing way to rebuild the body after childbirth. These remedies emphasize warming the body and replenishing the energy lost during labor.

Keepsake Creations with the Umbilical Cord
In addition to placenta encapsulation, I also offer unique keepsake services using the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord represents the life-giving connection between mother and baby, and I honor its significance by creating beautiful, meaningful mementos, including:

• Dreamcatchers: Lovingly crafted with the dried umbilical cord to symbolize protection and nurturing energy.
• Heart-Shaped Cord Keepsakes: Dried and shaped into hearts as a reminder of the bond between mother and child.
• Custom Art Pieces: Umbilical cords can be incorporated into bespoke designs to commemorate the sacred birth journey.

These keepsakes serve as timeless reminders of the profound connection between mother and baby, offering a tangible way to celebrate the miracle of life.
My Experience: 14 Years of Placenta Care in Los Angeles
​Over the past 14 years, I have worked with countless postpartum mothers in Los Angeles, creating custom placenta capsules that support their healing journey. I bring intention and care to every step of the process, ensuring that the placenta is handled with reverence and prepared in a safe and sanitary environment.
Every placenta holds a unique energy, reflecting the mother’s experience and strength. I have witnessed firsthand how encapsulation can be a transformative part of postpartum recovery. Mothers often share how their energy levels improve, their emotional resilience increases, and they feel more grounded as they navigate the fourth trimester.