Singing bowl - Bathe in the exquisiteness of sound

A sound that resonates deeply with our souls, travels us deep into the meditative space - Singing bowls have been long used as a powerful healing instrument for the body and mind.

Bowls, singing in the past and present

Known fully by the name Tibetan singing bowl, this property holds historic roots in the Himalayan region and was traditionally used as sound bells for meditations and traditional ceremonies. Traditional singing bowls are made from different types of metal alloys blended together to create a cohesive bell.

In the present time, singing bowls are commonly used in sound healing practices, meditation sessions, and yoga classes to help participants quiet their minds. 

In a typical sound-based practice, the instructor will strike the bowl with a mallet, moving on with a circular motion around the bowl. This movement emits sounds and vibrations that soothe the body. There have been observational studies showing the use of singing bowls in decreasing tension, anger and fatigue.


Benefits

The following benefits have been found in research conducted on singing bowls:

  • Lowering blood pressure: a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to silence has been found in a study using a directed relaxation session with 12 minutes of singing bowl sounds

  • Less fatigue: singing bowls as a way to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety

  • Less depression: Singing bowl therapy is linked with improvements in mood, this suggests it is a low-cost approach to help reduce symptoms of depression


Risks and Side Effects

While the use of singing bowls is generally regarded as safe, there has been little research into the potential risks and side effects of this type of treatment.

Those who should avoid singing bowl therapy:

  • Are headaches-prone: People with vulnerable nerves should avoid exposing themselves to singing bowls, it has been reported that some had experienced headaches as a result of the noise and vibrations.

  • Are pregnant: Since the effects of vibrations on pregnancy are not known, you might want to avoid sound therapy or take advice from doctors if you are currently pregnant

  • Have epilepsy: noise and vibrations may trigger seizures.


Singing bowls in yoga

Acknowledging the benefits of this instrument, some yoga classes have incorporated them into their sessions. These sessions may include a singing bowl at the opening and closing of the class. This supports deepening the participants’ level of relaxation and ease. The way singing bowls are played will vary from teacher to teacher.

If you opt for a yoga practice that uses singing bowls, expect it to move your physical and spiritual state deeper into the practice. 

With their vibration, singing bowls bring a lingering wave of emotion, bringing those who experience it a more grounded and relaxed feeling in the body and mind.

Yoga Pod offers private sound bath sessions that tailor to your specific healing needs, please feel free to message or contact us for more details.


References: 

Tibetan Singing Bowl: Definition, Uses, Risks, and How to Use

Everything You Need to Know About Singing Bowls



Yoga Pod