Singing Bowl Benefits: Wellness Through Sound

Some people look at sound therapy and see a non-scientific approach to good health. However, when researching sound waves and Tibetan singing bowls’ benefits, I came across a quote from the great pioneer of science himself— Albert Einstein.

“Everything in life is Vibration” this passage has led me to many exciting topics about frequencies. The Schumann resonance and research of Anthony Holland struck me as profound discoveries.

Singing Bowls and Resonance

While not as ground-breaking as the Schumann resonance, the humble singing bowl has gifted humanity with a way to gain homeostasis since ancient times. In simpler terms, Homeostasis in the body means balance, the ideal body condition for a living being to survive their environment.

Body temperature, white blood cell count, respiratory, and heart rate have a set of guidelines for balance. In addition, internal and external factors cause the body to be unbalanced. Illness, stress, injury, and diet are just some of these factors.

When we talk of sound bowls for healing, the keyword we always hear is Resonance. It means that anything with a given frequency vibrates when exposed to the same frequency. Resonance is the reason singing bowls can promote Homeostasis.

Below is the answer to the snippet (How can we clearly observe Resonance?)

The easiest way to observe Resonance is with identical tuning forks. When one rings close to the other, the vibration transfers energy. This exchange of energy causes the second one to ring or vibrate in unison.

When a wooden mallet strikes a singing bowl, it rings. This ringing sends out a frequency that causes specific organs to resonate. This vibration causes the imbalanced organ to resonate in its original state.

One of the key effects of the singing bowls is stimulating the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS). This system is responsible for inducing a state of relaxation. Here the body concentrates on healing, digesting, waste disposal, and energy conservation.

PSNS is very important, so please take note, because we will be discussing its functions many times in singing bowls’ physical and mental benefits.

Mental Health

Meditation is linked to good mental health. So how do you use singing bowls for meditation? The resonant tone by singing bowls tunes to your alpha and theta waves. Both brain waves are active during meditation. 

Better sleep

Sleep is easier when we feel no worries at the end of the day. But, of course, it’s simpler said than done. Sleep is elusive for those of us who juggle many different tasks daily.

Sound therapy focuses our mind on what we can control. How things can be done effectively. By the end of the session, a perspective of the actions you should take and their outcomes becomes more evident.

We sleep better knowing we are well-equipped to solve the problems that may arise tomorrow.

Stress relief

Whether physical, emotional, or mental, prolonged exposure to stress harms your body. The hormones we produce during stress heighten our awareness and increase our energy temporarily. Afterward, the body needs to normalize hormone production.

Sound bowls facilitate restorative rest. In addition, the PSNS slows down everything that was increased during stress. As a result, bodily functions return to Homeostasis.

Self-discipline

Meditation can help minimize cravings and addiction. It lets us think of what’s essential and what is unnecessary.

Emotional and Physical Pain management

We say pain management and not relief because singing bowls does not make it disappear; it only dampens our perception of pain. Chronic and emotional pain can be controlled through meditation. We feel less pain when our behavior towards it changes for the better.

Physical Health

The purpose of singing bowl vibration is to harmonize, not to excite. This harmony corrects imbalances in the organs or cells and improves physical healing.

Cardiovascular Health

Heart rate is the easiest to link to sound waves. Have you ever listened to music with a heavy base and felt like your heart is beating in sync? This is also true for singing bowls. Although the effects are subtle.

PSNS is responsible for slowing heart rate, relaxing blood vessels, and reducing resistance that creates blood pressure while at rest.

Breathing

Sound waves produced by singing bowls promote slow, deep breathing. This way of breathing maximizes lung capacity and oxygen absorption. It is a simple benefit but has enormous impacts.

Here are a few examples of what increased oxygen does to the body:

  • stimulate brain activity
  • increase energy levels
  • elimination of toxins
  • boosted cell growth.

Digestion

PSNS is responsible for the rest and digest state. This state is where the body emphasizes healing and converting food to energy. Digestion is easier because the PSNS promotes peristalsis and creates enzymes that break down carbohydrates.

Immune System

Excess cortisol, a chemical produced when stressed, causes the immune system to overdrive. An overworked immune system cannot fight off illnesses effectively.

Sound therapy lowers our cortisol levels— giving time for the immune system to recover before the next pathogen appears. The less time it takes to fight the pathogen, the better off your body will be.

Conclusion

The sound-healing effects of great singing bowls will become more apparent as we continue to study their uses. So why not give this alternative treatment a try? An open mind and heart can lead to significant and worthwhile discoveries.

FAQ

Do I necessarily have to meditate while listening to chakra music?

Chakra music helps you meditate. But you don’t have to meditate while listening to it. Instead, the sounds promote deep breathing that enables you to relax.

What do singing bowls do to the brain?

There is no one answer to this question as different people may experience different effects from singing bowls. Some people may find that they help to relax and clear their mind, while others may find that they help to increase their focus and concentration. There is some scientific research to suggest that singing bowls can help to reduce stress and anxiety and that they may also help to improve sleep quality.

Which frequency of vibration of Tibetan singing bowls is best for meditation?

The frequency of vibration of a Tibetan singing bowl is determined by the size of the bowl. A smaller bowl produces a lower frequency, and a larger bowl produces a higher frequency. There are many different frequencies available, ranging from low to high. However, the lowest frequency is generally recommended for beginners, since it is believed to produce the strongest effects. The highest frequency is generally reserved for advanced practitioners since it is thought to produce the least amount of physical stimulation. The ideal frequency for any individual depends on personal preference, health concerns, and spiritual beliefs.

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Shopie

My name is Sophie Brown. My interest in mindfulness began in 2001 when I was diagnosed with an aggressive early form of breast cancer and in addition to conventional therapy, I discovered more ways to heal it naturally through diet and lifestyle. Since then, I have practiced meditation on and off throughout my adult life, and it has proven to be a constant source of strength and grounding in my life. Currently, I live in Oregon with my husband and our three teenage kids, where I meditate, eat vegan food, write, run, and read. Thank you for reading my articles!