What are singing bowls good for

Wellness

11. 12. 2018

Soundtherapy with Tibetan singing bowls is an ancient form of regeneration. Thefirst bowls were made from an alloy of various metals and were used already6000 years ago in the Far East. Tibetan singing bowls area a mysteriousacoustic phenomenon, which was discovered by “spiritual tourists” in theHimalayas and after the Chinese invasion of Tibet appeared also in Europe andthe USA.

The sound of Tibetan singing bowls and thegong harmonizes and allows deep relaxation of both sides of the brain. Itstimulates stress relief on all levels and the elimination of toxins from thebody. After sound therapy emotions are calm and the mind clearer, and the soundvibrations have effect on the body after the singing bowls have been played onit.

After sound therapy we are tuned again …

The bowl sings ”ommmmm”, which revives thebasic DNA codes and activates the codes that we haven’t yet perceived or we hadsuppressed till now. Tibetan singing bowls are one of the strongest musicalinstruments for healing with sound therapy and vibrations. They are calledsinging bowls because their exotic sound continues to float for a long timeafter we have played on them.

Why are these bowls so special?

Tibetanbowls are forged with alloys that usually contain from five to seven preciousmetals, which are connected to the planets of our galaxy: lead (Saturn), tin(Jupiter), iron (Mars), copper (Venus), mercury (Mercury), silver (the Moon)and gold (the Sun). The size of the bowl and the ratio between the metalsaffect the tone, vibration and quality of sound produced by the bowl. Bowlsvary in shapes and looks as they are used for sound therapy in different waysand with different accessories. The most commonly used accessory are the so called“strikers”, which are used to strike to bowls, or wooden mallets which are rotatedaround the rim of the bowl. Besides Tibetan bowls, there are also Nepalese,Japanese, Bengalese and crystal bowls – the latter are made out of glass.

How does sound affect our body?

The sound is undoubtedly oneof the most powerful media, as it can take the human spirit in different statesof consciousness.

Besides their traditional usefor meditation, Tibetan singing bowls are used for deep relaxation and muscleregeneration, to relieve pain in the joints, muscles and shoulders, to easepain related to sciatica, the digestive system, headaches and migraine or spine injuries, to improvecirculation, release tensions orblockages, to open the energy flow, eliminate the toxins from the body. When werelax with the sounds of Tibetan bowls or the gong, our concentration improvesand our emotional tensions and blockages are eased. The sound with itsvibrations can ease mental or emotional pain (low self-esteem, worries, fear,anger, anxiety, depression, insomnia). Tibetan singing bowls and their uniquetones are used to stabilise blood pressure, to ease asthma related issues, torenew the functioning of the adrenal gland, to open and stabilise the meridiansand to improve the synaptic responses in our brain. They also help childrenwith hyperactive disorders and they stimulate the immune system.

Sounds affect all three human levels: the physical, mental and spiritual:

The physical effect of vibrations on the body:

deep relaxation and muscle regeneration
pain relief for joints, muscles, sciatica, headacheand migraine, the digestive system, headaches and migraine, spine injuries,shoulders, improved blood circulation
betterdigestion
atoms, molecules, cells, tissues andorgans function in a more synchronised way
better energy flow
elimination of toxins from the body
better immune system

Mental or emotional effect:

relaxed mind, mental/emotional tensions andblockages are eased
better concentration
inner feelings are activated andreleased
more energy and strength ineveryday life
alleviated mental or emotional pain
improved self-confidence, boostedcreative and productive potential

Spiritual effect:

a positive feeling of self
better balance and harmony in yourlife
experiences of bliss
cleansing of chakras (energeticcentres and the nadi – astral channels)
a higher frequency reaches ourinnermost essence, which boosts our energy and our vibrational level
the way to a more intense and higher vibration oflove is open

Despite the numerous beneficial effects,the sounds of Tibetan singing bowls and the gong are not a replacement forclassic healing methods, but just a tool to ignite the spiritual intelligence.

Scientific studies have proven that Tibetan singing bowls produce specific waves…

Scientific analyses of electromagnetic brainwaves have confirmed theexistence of clearly recognisable waves, which are connected to differentstates of consciousness. It is known that the brain in its normal state, i.e.in everyday conscience, produces beta waves.

Alpha waves are present in the states of meditation and calmconsciousness. Theta waves are typical for the state of slumber, whereas deltawaves are present only during deep sleep. When the waves produced by singingbowls were recorded, scientists discovered wave patterns which were the same asthe alpha waves produced by our brain. These waves give a feeling of deep relaxation.

The gong, the instrument with the strongest energy …

Sound therapy is one of the quickest andmost effective ways to restore harmony and to relax. Any kind of music can betherapeutic, however the gong has the most powerful energy. For millennia soundhas been used as a tool to awaken deep states of consciousness, to expandconsciousness and to correct energetic imbalances. Recently the ancient Chinesetherapy which uses the vibrating sounds of the gong has become available alsoin Slovenia.

Our wellness centres offer sound therapyduring your visit to the saunas and swimming pool.

The sound of the gong vibrates with theenergetic lines of the body and balances them. Kundalini energy is released(the silent energy in the core chakra) and it rises along the central energeticchannel along the spine, which can be felt as a subtle tingling in the musclesor as a slight discomfort if there are blockages along the energetic lines.Gong therapy has a beneficial effect also with people who are deaf of havehearing disabilities. Although they don’t hear sounds, they can feel theirvibrations.

A Tibetan singing bowl is a type of bowl that vibrates and produces a rich, deep tone when played. Also known as singing bowls or Himalayan bowls, Tibetan singing bowls are said to promote relaxation and offer powerful healing properties.

Buddhist monks have long used Tibetan singing bowls in meditation practice. In addition, some wellness practitioners (including music therapists, massage therapists, and yoga therapists) use Tibetan singing bowls during treatment.

This article discusses how Tibetan singing bowls are used and their purported benefits. It also covers what you should consider before you try using this type of treatment.

History of Tibetan Singing Bowls

There is debate about the exact origins of the Tibetan singing bowl, although there is some evidence that it may have originated in China sometime around the 16th century BC. Traditional bowls were made of a variety of metals including mercury, lead, silver, iron, gold, and copper.

During the 1970s, people began importing the bowls to North America and Europe. They grew in popularity in the 1990s as a complementary and alternative treatment for a variety of ailments.

Recap

Tibetan signing bowls have a history that dates back thousands of years, but they only became popular in the U.S. starting in the 1970s.

Uses for Tibetan Singing Bowls

Very few scientific studies have examined the potential benefits of Tibetan singing bowls, despite their long history of use. But some people do report that using the bowls help them feel more relaxed.

Uses for singing bowl therapy include:

Stress relief: Some research supports the use of Tibetan singing bowls as a way to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Improving sleep: Because singing bowl therapy has been linked to decreased anxiety and tension, it may be helpful for improving sleep. Further research is needed to support this.
Lowering blood pressure: A preliminary study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2014 examined the benefits of starting a directed relaxation session with 12 minutes of singing bowl sounds. It found a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to silence before the session.
Reducing depression: One study linked singing bowl therapy to improvements in mood and suggested that this approach may be a low-cost way to help reduce symptoms of depression.
Stimulating the immune system: Some also claim that Tibetan singing bowls can stimulate the immune system and produce beneficial changes in brain waves.
Pain relief: One study looking at chronic spinal pain found that people treated with singing bowl therapy experienced significantly decreased pain intensity as well as decreased stress. However, placebo treatment had the same effects, so the study’s authors concluded that singing bowl therapy’s effectiveness for pain relief could not be confirmed.
Balancing and harmonizing the body: Many proponents claim that the vibrations of a singing bowl can produce beneficial changes in the body by “harmonizing” the cells and “balancing the body’s energy system.”
Enhancing other healing practices: Some people use the bowls in combination with other healing practices, such as meditation and deep breathing.

Do Singing Bowls Work?

It is important to note that while Tibetan singing bowls are often used for these purposes, research is still needed to determine what impact they actually have. Proponents may suggest that they have these benefits, but that does not mean that they actually work. Some of the claims don’t have a clear scientific basis.

How to Use Tibetan Singing Bowls

During singing bowl treatment, you will lie on the floor while the bowls are placed in different configurations. For example, they might be placed around your body, on your body, or in different locations around the room.

Once positioned, the practitioner will use mallets to strike the bowls in a sequence in order to produce sounds and vibrations. In some cases, your practitioner may also include a guided meditation.

To use a singing bowl yourself, firmly press the accompanying mallet in a circular motion against the bowl’s outside edge or rim. When you hear a bright, clear tone, you can slow down the motion. Use your full arm to make the motion, rather than just rotating your wrist.

You can also make the same circular motion against the outside belly of the bowl. Additionally, you can gently strike the bowl before beginning the circular motion.

Impact of Tibetan Singing Bowls

A few different theories have been proposed to explain why Tibetan singing bowls might be beneficial. Such theories suggest that:

The vibrations that the bowls produce may affect the mind and body.
The sounds the bowls create may impact brain waves in order to induce relaxation.
They may induce the same psychological effects and benefits as listening to music.

Sound Therapy

The benefits of listening to the bowls may be related to the ancient practice of sound therapy. Often used by Indigenous cultures throughout the world, sound therapy involves pulsing sounds, clapping, drumming, and singing for ceremonial, spiritual, and health purposes.

For example, singing bowls are often used during sound baths, a meditative experience in which people meditate while listening to resonant sounds. Research has found that sound baths can have a variety of beneficial effects, including improving positive moods, reducing anxiety, and decreasing pain.

A 2020 review of the existing research concluded that there was not enough current evidence to recommend the use of singing bowl therapies. However, the authors of the study noted that there was evidence indicating that this type of treatment had some positive effects that warrant further investigation.

Recap

While proponents suggest that Tibetan singing bowls can have a variety of positive effects such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and helping with pain relief, more research is needed.

Tips for Buying a Tibetan Singing Bowl

If you are interested in trying Tibetan singing bowls, there are a number of places where you can find them. Some sources include:

Online retailers
Meditation centers
Yoga studios
Music shops
Stores that specialize in new age products

Experts suggest that higher-quality bowls tend to produce more resonant sounds.

Smaller to medium-sized bowls are often more appropriate for beginners. Larger singing bowls may be suited to more advanced users. There are a number of good-quality singing bowls available that are small enough to be comfortable for beginning users but still produce quality sounds.

Look for a high quality bowl that is able to produce a variety of resonant tones. Some experts suggest purchasing a hand-hammered bowl as opposed to a machine-made one in order to obtain a more resonant tone.

Risks and Side Effects

While using Tibetan singing bowls is generally regarded as safe, there is not a great deal of research on the possible risks and side effects of this type of treatment. People who may want to avoid singing bowl therapy include those who:

Are prone to headaches: Some people report experiencing headaches as a result of the noise and vibrations that the singing bowls produce.
Are pregnant: Because the effects on pregnancy are not known, you might want to avoid this type of therapy if you are currently pregnant.
Have epilepsy: In some instances, noise and vibrations may trigger seizures.

Summary

Tibetan singing bowls are believed to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and produce other healing effects. Originating in China thousands of years ago, these bowls have become increasingly popular in other countries over the last few decades.

Purported benefits include improving sleep, reducing depression, relieving pain, and increasing immunity. However, current evidence cannot substantiate these benefits. While there appear to be some positive effects, more research is needed to determine how and when singing bowls are best used.

A Word From Verywell

Tibetan singing bowls may have some benefits, but more research is needed to support their use as a treatment for stress, anxiety, and other concerns. Some research does indicate that these singing bowls can enhance meditation and deep breathing, which may help maximize the stress-relieving benefits of those practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a singing bowl used for?

A singing bowl is used to help promote meditation and relaxation. In addition to aiding in stress relief, the resonant sounds they produce are purported to have other health benefits as well.
How do you meditate with a Tibetan singing bowl?

Singing bowls can be used for meditation in a variety of ways. While meditating, you can gently tap on the sides of the bowl to produce gentle sounds and vibrations that you can focus on. You can incorporate repetitive motion into your meditation by slowly rubbing the mallet around the inside of the bowl in a clockwise direction.
How do you clean a Tibetan singing bowl?

Clean your singing bowl by wiping it down gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth. You can also use a non-acidic sanitizing cleanser to remove soiled spots. Avoid harsh cleansers and never put your bowl in the dishwasher.
Do you put water in a singing bowl?

A singing bowl can be used with or without water. Water in the bowl can produce different resonant vibrations and sounds.