How Do Singing Bowls Work & Affect Our Body?

A Singing Bowl is a type of bell blended with different types of metals, which on playing, vibrates and produces a calm and deep tone. It works as a musical instrument, the sound of which enthrals and calms us. Singing bowls have been prevalent since East Asian cultures as sound therapy for wellness and religious purposes. People also term the same as 'Himalayan' or 'Tibetan' due to the usage by Buddhist priests during their meditations, especially in the Tibet area. The bowls now being used for meditation purposes have changed a lot since their inception in ancient times.   

Working of Singing Bowls: 

The singing bowl is a musical instrument based on the law of physics, where friction, vibration and sound waves are caused. Different types of sounds can be created by these sound bells, depending on their quality and the conditions they are played. To get the desired sound, the singing bowl is rubbed with a mallet. On being rubbed by a mallet, friction is caused due to which the singing bowl produces different types of sounds and vibrations. These singing bowls are made from copper, tin, iron, zinc, gold, silver, nickel, or mixing. The sound and impact of vibrations differ in each case. 

Similarly, the mallets being used to rub these bowls are made of different products such as wood or padded material. The shape, size, weight of the singing bowl also affects the tones which are produced thereby. Also, the utilization of space in the bowls affects the sound being created. The sound and vibrations of singing bowls give different results when the same bowls are filled with water or rings or marbles etc., thereby softening or dampening. These singing bowls on being rub by mallets produce different types of vibrations and sounds. The sound thus created has a healing effect on the users and is a very well known therapy these days. 

How to Use Singing Bowls : 

For using this treatment, one has to lie on the floor, and many such Tibetan singing bowls are placed around the body. Then to create vibrations and sound, the mallets are rubbed in a circular motion against each bowl. It shall generate clear tones, the intensity of which can be increased or reduced as per requirement. 

It has been established that sound therapy being done by these singing bowls makes its listeners reach a meditative state, where they find themselves relaxed and de-stressed. Many chronic ailments are also subjected to these therapies, which have given astonishing results. These are also used for meditating during religious ceremonies.

Uses of Singing Bowls: 

The vibrations and sound created by rubbing a singing bowl are used as a sound therapy to induce relaxation to the mind and body of a user, as is in the case of music. The main uses of Singing Bowl therapy are : 

1. The sounds and vibrations being generated through the Singing bowls decrease the anxiety and tension of the user. It thus relaxes the nerves and helps in getting an improved and peaceful sleep.   
2. These sounds are also found helpful in lowering blood pressure and reducing the user's heartbeat rate.   
3. It is being used as a low-cost remedy for reducing the depression and mood swings of an individual. 
4. It is also believed that these sounds stimulate and boost the immune system and affect the brain waves.   
5. The intensity of the pain of a user can be considerably reduced by using this therapy.   
6. 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.  
7. A variety of ailments can be treated by the sound waves and vibrations being created through them. 
8. It is also believed that using the same during religious prayers offs negative energies and induces positive ones.  

Limitation of the effect of Singing Bowls: 

Even though Singing Bowls are considered very safe for the users, their use has been restricted sometimes due to vibrations and sounds created. Therefore, those having a history of headaches, epilepsy, or are pregnant 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. They induce relaxation and healing effects to their users. Their religious and meditational usage is very prevalent in the world.