How and why to use a tibetan singing bowl

What is a Singing Bowl?:

The singing Bowl is a very old concept used by Buddhist monks for meditational, religious and wellness practices and is about 3000 years old. The singing bowl is a bell made with different types of metals, which vibrates on playing and produces a calm and deep tone. It works as a musical instrument, the sound of which gives calmness to its listeners. These not only relax one’s mind but also have healing properties. Its use has been prevalent in East Asian cultures, where sound therapy was used for wellness and religious purposes. Due to its usage by Buddhist priests in Tibet for meditation purposes, the same has been termed ‘Himalayan’ or ‘Tibetan’ Bowl. Wellness practitioners have now adopted these Singing bowls during their treatment. The concept, style and metals of these bowls have changed a lot since their inception in ancient times.

Working Of Singing Bowls :

The tibetan singing bowl is a type of musical instrument, which works on the law of physics, where on playing, the friction causes vibration and sound waves, which affect the mind and body. Depending on the required sound, the singing bowl is either rubbed or drummed with a mallet, and the friction thus produces different vibrations and sounds. The sound and impact of vibrations differ in each case according to the metal they are made of i.e. copper, tin, iron, zinc, gold, nickel or a combination of these. The shape, size and weight of the singing bowl also affect the tones being produced. Further filling the bowls with water or rings or marbles also helps soften or dampen the tones. Different types of mallets being used to rub these bowls produce different tones. The sound thus created has a healing effect on the mind and body of the user. These sounds created by these bowls are also known for impacting the brain waves and inducing relaxation. It is as soothing as listening to music.

How to use Tibetian Singing Bowls?

During the treatment through the singing bowls, one has to lie on the floor, and many bowls are placed as per the requirements. These can be placed around your body or a few on your body or a few spread in different corners of the room, as per the requirements. Then to create vibrations and sound, the mallet is rubbed in a circular motion against each bowl's outside edge or rim. This shall generate clear tones, the intensity of which can be increased or reduced as per requirement. The sound thus created by these singing bowls helps its listener being relaxed and de-stressed and makes them reach a meditative state. Astonishing results have been reported to be achieved in treating chronic ailments through the Singing Bowls.

Why Use the Singing Bowls?

Scientific studies have proved that the vibrations and sound created by rubbing a singing bowl works as therapy, as in the case of music, to induce relaxation to a user's mind and body and decrease anxiety and tension. Some of the other uses of Singing Bowl therapy are :

1. It relaxes the nerves and helps to attain an improved and peaceful sleep.
2. Presently, regular use of cell phones prone oneself to Beta brain waves that are not conducive to health. Using singing bowls can help access Theta and Alpha brain waves, which pave the way for insight and calmness. Scientific data suggests that Theta brainwave is found in talented creators of the world.
3. In the present environment, regular meditation practices like singing bowls make our body more receptive to healing.
4. These sounds have proved to help lower blood pressure and reduce the heartbeat rate of the user.
5. It is a low-cost remedy for reducing the depression and mood swings of an individual.
6. It is also believed that these sounds stimulate and boost the immune system and affect the brain waves.
7. The intensity of the pain of a user can be considerably reduced by using this therapy.
8. These sound waves being created by the Singing bowls also prove beneficial in harmonizing the body's cells, which helps enhance the body’s energy system.
9. A variety of ailments can be treated by the sound waves and vibrations being created through them.
10. It is also believed that using the same during religious prayers offs negative energies and induces positive ones.
11. Neuroscience has termed "plasticity," which refers to one’s brain’s ability to change. Regular singing bowl usage allows people to train their brains to attain a peaceful state more easily.

Limitation of the effect of Singing Bowls:

Though the Singing Bowls have been considered very safe for the users due to vibrations and sounds created by these Singing Bowls, their use has been restricted. Hence, people having a history of headaches, epilepsy, or pregnant women should not expose themselves to these.

To Sum Up:

Thus, singing bowls are very helpful in obtaining a good mental and emotional effect by the users. Though these therapies are being tested scientifically, their usage since ancient times has made them very effective, prominent, and helpful in attaining good physical and mental health. Nothing negative has been reported as their side effects. They induce relaxation and healing effects to their users. Their religious and meditational usage is very prevalent in the world.

Nitin Jain is a antique statue expert. He has been dealing with Hindu Gods statues, idols, sculptures for several years. You can find more information at statuestudio.com.