Music heals. We all know that by now. But the Tibetans knew it since centuries. Many religions in the world – including Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism – believe in the power of music when it comes to healing and calming the mind, body and the soul. One of the best healing instruments that the Buddhists possess is a Tibetan singing bowl – also known as the Himalayan bowls. These bowls – Buddhists claim – produce rich, deep vibrations that relax and heal the mind and the body. Here are 5 things you need to know about the Tibetan singing bowls – a standing bell with numerous healing properties.
The Tibetan singing bowls are used in meditation
Buddhism and meditation go hand in hand. As such, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Tibetan singing bowls have a place in meditation practices.
In fact, in the 21st century, as more and more modern wellness experts and practitioners realize the healing power of the Tibetan singing bowls, these musical bells have also found a place in various types of music therapy, yoga therapy, and massage therapy.
Why do people use the Tibetan singing bowls?
Actually, the benefits of using the Tibetan singing bowls are impossible to count on fingertips. These bowls offer a spectrum of healing properties, which can relieve stress and pain.
Not only that, but these bowls, when used for such relief in combination with meditation and deep breathing exercises, also provide long-lasting health and wellness.
Numerous users of the singing bowls also believe and claim that the bowls harmonizes the cells, balances the body’s inherent energy, heal the immune system and induce various changes in the brainwaves.
In short, people who use the Tibetan singing bowls for healing claim that the bowls not only reduce stress and pain, but also balances the body’s energy, improves the immune system, helps in maintaining the hormonal balance in the body and alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety.
What does scientific research say about the Tibetan singing bowls?
Although only a few number of scientific studies have been done on the singing bowls (even though they were in existence since centuries), there is some scientific research that guides us about the benefits of the Tibetan singing bowls.
Research in Complementary Medicine, a journal from Switzerland, conducted a study on the singing bowls in 2014. In its report, the journal mentioned that a total of 54 people suffering from spine issues were relegated to either six singing bowl therapy sessions, placebo treatment, or zero treatment options.
The report mentions that those who received the singing bowl therapy, along with those who received the placebo treatment, showed a remarkable reduction in the pain symptom and intensity. Not only that, the placebo treatment and the singing bowl therapy helped significantly in the stress reduction as well.
The American Journal of Health Promotion also released a study report in 2014 which studied the effect of the Tibetan singing bowls on the blood pressure levels of the group it conducted the experiment on.
The study found that 12 minutes of mediation, guided by the sounds of the singing bowls, reduced the systolic blood pressure levels and the fast paced heart rates in the individuals participating in the experiment. This was compared to the silence that pervaded the venue before the meditation began.
In essence, it was found that the melody of the Tibetan singing bowls had not only produced a calming effect on the individuals, but also improved their health significantly, albeit for a short span of time.
How can people use the Tibetan singing bowls?
Tibetan singing bowls might look like an antique piece from an Asian museum, but it is actually quite easy to handle and use them effectively.
To produce a soothing sound, rub the mallet of the bowl on the outer rim or edge. And then, once you hear a distinct tone or sound, turn the motion of the bowl slow. The initial impact has to come with full strength. So, it is advisable to use your entire arm’s force to create the motion.
Since the bowls are also known as chakra bowls, you can also create the sound in the bowls and place them on the body of the person who chakras require balancing.
For instance, if a person’s throat chakra is imbalanced, you can produce the sound in the bowl and place it on the throat of the person to initiate sound healing.
Finding the right Tibetan singing bowl
Sadly, the authentic way of creating and playing the Tibetan singing bowl is something that has become a lost art since the last half century. However, manufacturers of Tibetan singing bowls still continue to manufacture bowls that can produce a rich, deep, calming and invigorating sound to soothe and heal the overall human being.
You will find hand-hammered singing bowls in the market today. But that is a rarity. More often than not, you will come across machine-made bowls, or probably a combination of the hand-made and machine-made ones. However, if what you seek is quality, then you can find the best singing bowls in Nepal.
Antique singing bowls are claimed to be a mixture of various metals such as copper, tin, gold, silver and meteoric iron – experts claim that it is this multi-metal composition of the singing bowls which impart them the healing properties and soothing melodies.
These antique bowls, often aged like old wine, also produce deeper overtones to heal the mind, body and the soul. So, in essence, it is both the metal and the age of the metal that makes the bowls what they are – a magical, mysterious, and spiritual source of healing.
However, authentic Tibetan singing bowls are a rare artifact to come across. It is next to impossible to distinguish between an authentic, aged bowl and a new one. In that light, sellers might trap you into buying an ordinary singing bowl at an overpriced rate. There are only a few individuals in this world who can differentiate between a genuine Tibetan singing bowl and a modern one. So, choose with caution.