Science and media like to direct our attention towards the most mainstream therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but what if the healing we desire comes from an ancient tool that originated over 5,000 years ago? Singing bowls have cultural history stemming from the regions of Tibet, Nepal, and India. Buddhist monks have long used singing bowls as a part of their meditation practice. Now, in America, we can find singing bowls in the offices of massage therapists, holistic practitioners, and yoga studios.
Singing bowls have been shown to increase wellness for the mind and the body in various ways. From reducing depression, stimulating the immune system, and lowering blood pressure, to relieving pain and improving sleep quality. Singing bowls are an amazing tool and yet, many are not aware of all their benefits. Research has shown that singing bowls relieved anxiety symptoms better than progressive muscle relaxation and exercise after just a single session.
There are various sizes of singing bowls that produce sound in various tones. The tone of the singing bowl, stemming from the vibration of the mallet being struck against the bowl and dragged along the side, impacts our brain waves, and taps into our body’s energy system. This is what causes the bowls to become tools of healing and relaxation. The vibrations set off by the singing bowls have physical effects on the body such as deep relaxation of muscles, pain relief, improved digestion, increased energy flow, improved immunity, and elimination of toxins. They also have emotional or mental effects such as improved concentration, releasing of mental blockages, alleviated emotional pain, improved self-confidence, improved symptoms of depression and anxiety. Singing bowls also have a spiritual effect. This looks like a more positive feeling of self, feeling more balance and harmony, chakra cleansing and feelings of bliss.
When we are in deep relaxation our brains produce alpha waves. We have seen this when studying brain waves in individuals who are in deep states of meditation and calm. Studies have shown that while an individual is immersed in singing bowl sound therapy their brain is also producing those same alpha waves.
I had the pleasure of experiencing various singing bowl sound baths (another name for singing bowl meditation), and have seen the benefits first-hand- so much so that I have incorporated 7 singing bowls into my counseling practice with clients who experience chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm, sleep issues, and those who are just looking for guidance and to improve their meditative practice. If you are looking to increase your wellness, whether it is for the mind, the body, or both, reach out to KRC and inquire about sound therapy today! Find more information on meditation sessions here!
Author: Kelsey Ruffing, MA, MS, LCPC
CEO & Founder Kelsey Ruffing Counseling
mORE fROM kELSEY
Kelsey’s co-authored book, Soul Of An Athlete is available for pre-order HERE!
Stanhope, J., & Weinstein, P. (2020). The human health effects of singing bowls: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 51, 102412.
Rio-Alamos, C., Montefusco-Siegmund, R., Cañete, T., Sotomayor, J., & Fernandez-Teruel, A. (2023). Acute Relaxation Response Induced by Tibetan Singing Bowl Sounds: A Randomized Controlled Trial. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 13(2), 317-330.
Panchal, S., Irani, F., & Trivedi, G. Y. (2020). Impact of Himalayan Singing Bowls Meditation Session On Mood and Heart Rate Variability. International Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 1(4), 20.
Walter, N., & Hinterberger, T. (2022). Neurophysiological Effects of a Singing Bowl Massage. Medicina, 58(5), 594.
Landry, J. M. (2012). Measuring the effects of a Himalayan singing bowl on a meditation practice: A quantitative approach (Doctoral dissertation, Capella University).