What are Tibetan singing bowls and how do they help with stress?

An interesting alternative to relax the mind are Tibetan bowls. They have been around for a long time and there are some reports and studies that suggest their effectiveness. How do they work? We’ll see it soon.

Tibetan singing bowls are musical instruments used for centuries in various cultures of the Himalayas and Central Asia. They are used for meditation and healing purposes, since Its sound is believed to balance the chakras.

Also known as Tibetan singing bowls and Himalayan singing bowls, they are often used in music therapy and massages. The vibrations caused by these objects are believed to be an effective means of relieving stress and tension in the body. How do they work? Do they actually help reduce tension? We study it below.

Tibetan singing bowls are magical instruments for transformation, healing and meditation.

~ Deepak Chopra ~

How Tibetan bowls work

Himalayan bowls are said to help calm the mind through the vibration and sound they produce. When one of these instruments is played, it appears to create a perceived wave throughout the body, including the brain and nervous system.

Popular belief holds that this vibration is capable of reducing brain activity and calming the mind., which in turn causes a feeling of relaxation and inner peace. Furthermore, it is claimed that the sound produced by singing bowls has a specific frequency that affects the performance of the brain and body in different ways.

After meditative practice with the bowls, some people report that their mind focuses more on the present and that their thoughts decrease. In this way, the mind becomes clear and serene.

Read Also: The 8 psychological skills most valued by companies

Scientific contribution

Some studies find that the vibration and sound of Tibetan singing bowls helps lower anxiety, improve concentration, control heart rate and blood pressure. However, more research is required to determine its true influence.

A work published in Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine examined the effects of these bowls on anxiety, depression, heart rate and blood pressure, in a sample of 62 people between 21 and 77 years old, who answered questionnaires before and after the supplemented meditation.

The results showed a reduction in anxiety and depression levels after the intervention with musical instruments. Likewise, a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

These findings should be taken with caution, since the study was observational, there was no control group and the sample was not representative. Therefore, it is not possible to confidently draw a cause (singing bowls) and effect (anxiety reduction) relationship.

However, because the evidence suggests positive effects, the authors recommend rigor in future research, as well as monitoring to understand how these bowls impact mental health and well-being.

Uses of Himalayan Singing Bowls

Himalayan singing bowls are used in various ways, depending on a person’s purpose. Some of the most frequent uses are the following:

Yoga: Bowls are used to encourage relaxation in students and focus on their practice.Decoration and atmosphere: Some use Tibetan singing bowls as decoration or to create a calming atmosphere in their home or work space.Meditation: The bowl can be played before or after meditation to help establish a calm and focused mood. Also, it is possible to play it during practice, in order to maintain attention on the sound and vibration of the bowl.Healing and therapy: The therapist plays the bowl with the purpose of contributing to the patient’s relaxation and creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Himalayan bowls are sometimes used directly on the body, also to release tension or promote healing.

Read Also: Wilfred Bion: biography and most relevant works

To play a singing bowl, It is held firmly with the non-dominant hand and in the other hand a wooden mallet is taken; With this, the edge of the bowl is gently tapped. You can also rub the mallet around the edge, generating a continuous vibration.

Restrictions of Tibetan Singing Bowls

It is important to experiment with different techniques, in order to find the way that produces the sound and vibration consistent with the purpose. Furthermore, it is essential to clarify that The use of these bowls is not recommended for all people. For example, according to distributor Shanti Bowl, they are not appropriate in the cases listed below:

Epilepsy. Pacemakers. Artificial heart valves. Neurological or mental disorders. Metal implants or staples in the body. Parkinson’s disease with deep brain stimulation device.

Likewise, it is suggested avoid them if you have polyneuropathy or hemiparesis, or if you are receiving treatment for depression or anxiety. In any of these scenarios, authorization from a doctor or mental health professional is essential.

Conclusion

Himalayan bowls are musical instruments used for centuries for meditative and therapeutic purposes. Popular belief states that its sound balances the chakras and minimizes stress and body tension.

Although some studies highlight its positive effects on anxiety, depression, heart rate, Controlled experiments are needed to better understand its benefits.

Besides, It is important to consider that its use is not recommended for all people and situations. Authorization from a health professional is relevant in specific cases.