If you’ve ever been to a yoga or meditation class, you might have noticed a beautiful bowl sitting by the teacher’s altar. That bowl is called a singing bowl, and it is used to create calming, relaxing vibrations that help promote peace and relaxation. Today, we're going to explore what singing bowls are, how to play them, and the many benefits of using them.
What Are Singing Sound Bowls?
Singing sound bowls, also known as Tibetan sound bowls are instruments that produce beautiful vibrational sounds that ‘sing’ when hit with a mallet or striker. They were originally used by monks during chanting and prayer practices and even as offering bowls and is said to originate from areas that had a tie to Buddhism, i.e. Nepal and Tibet. Different sound bowls are made out of different materials and all produce a different type of pitch. Different pitches and sounds are also said to match with different chakra points.
The singing sound of the bowls can help to calm and relax the mind, while the vibrations from the bowl can help to stimulate and energise the body. This makes them a popular choice for use in sound therapy and healing and spiritual practices.
The History Of Singing Sound Bowls
Singing bowls have been around for centuries and are often thought to be one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. There are many different stories and myths about where singing bowls came from and how they were first used, but it is commonly believed that they originated in Asia. Some say that the bowls were used by Buddhist monks to create beautiful sounds that would help them meditate and connect with their spiritual side. Others believe that the bowls were used as a form of communication or to send messages between different villages.
Fast forward to today, these instruments are widespread in many sound healing and spiritual practices and are a common piece amongst many homes and studios.
How Do Sound Bowls Work?
Singing bowls work by creating vibrations that help to restore balance and harmony within the body. The sound of the singing bowl is said to be able to penetrate deep into the body, affecting all of its cells. This is because the sound waves created by the singing bowl cause the atoms and molecules within our bodies to oscillate and vibrate. This in turn helps to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, which can help to improve our health and well-being.
Singing bowls work by creating vibrations that can be felt throughout the body. These vibrations help to calm the mind and relax the body, which can promote healing. They can be used alone or are also commonly used in combination with other sound therapies, such as singing or chanting and meditation.
How Do You Play Singing Sound Bowls?
Singing bowls are super easy to play! Simply strike the side of the bowl with the small wooden or rubber mallet or trace the rim of the bowl. You can experiment with different pressure and placement of the stroke to create different sounds. For a deeper sound, strike the bowl near the rim. For a higher pitch, strike the bowl in the centre. You can also start off by going around the entire circumference of the bowl. Once you have gone all the way around, you can start tapping in the middle of the bowl.
If you are new to playing singing bowls, experiment with a light touch at first and then gradually increase the pressure. The idea is to get a sustained and ringing tone from the bowl. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be transported to a peaceful place and let your intuition take place. You can also strike the bowl multiple times in succession to create a continuous soundscape. This may take some practice, but once you get it down it will be well worth it for the beautiful sound it creates.
In order to have the sound resonate and ring out, make sure you aren’t touching the bowls with your hands as you are playing and that the bowls aren’t touching anything else. This is because when the bowl is touching something, the vibrations won’t generate as it will be blocked by whatever is touching it. It is recommended that it is played on a sound bowl cushion to keep it free from obstacles. Be sure to read our other blog on how to play sound bowls to get a better understanding.
There is no right or wrong way to play a singing sound bowl - experiment and have fun with it.
The Benefits Of Singing Sound Bowls
The benefits of singing sound bowls are plentiful. The sound of singing bowls helps to block out distraction and promotes a sense of peace and relaxation and they are also renowned for healing the body, mind, and spirit. The sound of the bowls helps to centre and focus the mind, while the vibrations of the bowls help to relax and rejuvenate the body. Sound therapy with singing bowls can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including those suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain. They can also be used to promote spiritual growth and awareness and pair along with practices such as yoga and meditation to boost presence and relaxation.
The healing vibrations of the singing bowls are also said to help improve overall health. They can help to stimulate calmness, helping us tap into a deep meditative state, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Once tapped into this calm state of mind, the healing sound waves assist with slowing down of the breath and heart, transporting us into a restorative state which in turns helps boost our immune system, improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. In addition, the sound of the singing bowls can help to open up the chakras and energy points within our bodies and promote balance and harmony by clearing out blocked energy.
What Are The Different Types Of Singing Sound Bowls?
There are different types of singing bowls; each type of bowl produces a slightly different sound. Experiment with different types of bowls to find the one that produces the sound you desire.
One type of bowl is the crystal bowl. These bowls are made with quartz crystals, and they have a very pure and high-pitched sound. They are often used to clear away negative energy and to help people connect with their spiritual selves.
Another type of singing bowl is the metal bowl. These bowls are made from a variety of metals, including bronze, copper, and steel. They have a deep, resonant sound that can be very soothing for people who are stressed or anxious. Metal bowls are also said to be good for helping people to focus and to increase their energy levels.
If you are looking to try something new with your spiritual practice, check out our range of quality Tibetan singing sound bowls today and enrich your experience through vibrations and frequencies.