Did you know that sound has healing effects? Tibetan singing bowls are being used for more than 3000 years now and it is believed that these singing bowls can help reduce stress and induce relaxation. In this article, we will see how Tibetan singing bowls affect our body and whether these bowls have any side effects on the human brain.

By Lucy Miranda

[Biography on bottom.]

How are Tibetan Bowls used?

When a singing bowl is stroked with a mallet different vibrations are produced that seem to affect our brains. The Tibetan bowls are generally used in sound therapies or during guided meditations. They may be placed at different body parts, around the body, or all around the room. Then the practitioner would have to use the mallet in a fixed pattern to produce a sound.

How Tibetan Singing Bowls affect our body?

Some theories regarding the singing bowls suggest that the vibrations produced using them can affect our minds, induce relaxation, and induce various psychological effects just like music. In a study conducted over 62 participants of different age groups from 21-77 years, it was found that:

• The participants showed decreased depression, stress and anxiety moods.
• The participants could also experience an elevated feeling of spiritual well-being and faith.
• The participants who were new to this effect showed tremendous results.
• Significant effects of sound therapy using singing bowls occurred for participants post-meditation.

Research on the healing benefits

Based on different studies and researches, it has been found the Tibetan singing bowls can be used for various purposes, some of which are given below:

• Anxiety: Studies reveal that singing bowls therapy results in reducing the feeling of stress and promotes relaxation.
• Blood Pressure: It has been found that using singing bowls can reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
• Depression: Studies show that singing bowl therapy can uplift your mood and hence reduce the signs of depression in human beings.
• Other benefits: Tibetan singing bowls can be used in combination with other therapies such as meditation, deep breathing and sound therapies to enhance their effects on the patients.

Are there any Side-Effects of Tibetan Singing Bowls?

According to Healthline, much research has not been done regarding the side effects of using Tibetan bowls. Yet, researchers suggest some side-effects that could occur because of the regular usage of the Tibetan singing bowls, which include:

Headaches: Sometimes the sounds produced by the bowls may induce headaches in some people, especially those who are prone to headaches. Sometimes being close to the bowls may also result in headaches.

Less effect or no cure: Tibetan singing bowls should not be considered as the ‘only’ therapy or procedure of healing in certain cases. For instance, if you have severe signs of depression, anxiety or hypertension, you must use the proper medication. Tibetan singing bowls can be used along with other healing practices or treatments to enhance their effects.

Sometimes people condition themselves with the singing bowls therapy. They think that using this therapy would bring them results like lowered blood pressure, decreased stress or depression. But, in reality, it is not bringing any such results.

Should you use Tibetan Singing Bowls?

In my opinion, I would suggest you use them. These days stress, anxiety and depression are quite common in people and trying different things to help yourself relax is a great idea! Moreover, this therapy belongs to the heritage of our world and we must experience it once. In case you have any severe conditions of depression or hypertension, you must not leave your other medications or treatments. You must not use this therapy if you are allergic to metal sounds or if you have conditions like epilepsy. Pregnant women are also recommended not to use this therapy as the sounds can put a negative effect on the body.

Other features in Buddha Weekly on the healing aspects of sound:

• Mokugyo: Drumming for a Wakeful Mind with the Wooden Fish Drum’s Unique Sound

• Drumming for mindfulness and healing>>
• The science and sound of mantras>>

Disclaimer: As always with any health or meditative topic, always seek out the advice of your health practitioners. This is an information feature. Use your own discretion in practice.