Mental Health | Health Articles | What is Sound Healing?

In the words of the great Tibetan master, Bodhisattva Gwalwa Karmapa, the Singing Bowls of Tibet emit the "Sound of the Void", the sound of the universe manifesting. They are a symbol of the 'unknowable' and as an alloy, date back to the Buddha, Shakyamni (560-480 B.C.). Their origins and detailed histories are shrouded in the distant past and they have been utilized for healing and consciousness transformation for centuries. We are now discovering the science behind this powerful ancient modality which is so effective for healing today. Modern medicine can now measure and thus confirm the practice of sound as a means to heal.

There is a trinity of Tibetan spiritual sound objects used for healing; the Singing Bowls, the Ganta and the Tingshaws. The Bowls emit a quieting, centering energy; the Ganta (bell) a motivating and unifying influence; and the Tingshaws stimulate energy fields. The ancient bowls actually come from various Himalayan regions including Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan and are made from a consecrated seven metal alloy. Traditionally, prayers and mantras were chanted to them during their creation.

Used within meditations and physical healings the bowls' characteristic blend of harmonic resonances are used as a vibrational tool to induce stress reduction, chakra balancing, energy synchronization and spontaneous healing. They effectively alter consciousness into a peaceful and expansive meditative state. Participants report a fundamental shift in their view of phenomenon space, accentuated clarity of mind and body, enhanced creativity and sense of peace and wellbeing.

On a biological level these instruments affect a great deal of physical change but Tibetan bowl healing has far reaching implications that can occur on emotional, spiritual and physical levels. It is a regenerative process that can have profound consequences on illness, disease and all aspects of our lives.

How do the vibrations from the singing bowls help in the healing process disease

It can be said illness is a manifestation of dis-harmony within the body; an imbalance in the cells or a given organ and that healing can be achieved by restoring the normal vibratory frequencies of the diseased, out-of-harmony parts of the body. Since all matter is energy vibrating at different rates by altering the rate of vibration we can change the structure of matter. Sound from the bowls entrain the brain to move into the deeper Alpha and Theta brain wave frequencies that induce deep meditative and peaceful states, clarity of mind and intuition. When placed directly on the body the sound vibrations are transmitted into our blood, organs, tissues and cellular memory through the 80% water in our system. The sound vibrations impacts our nervous system, engaging our relaxation reflex and inhibiting the stress or pain response. It reduces brain wave activity, slows the respiratory and heart rate creating 'Cardio-Respitory Syncrony' - the perfect condition to release blocked energy and bring the body back into alignment.

Thus, sound is a type of energy medicine that creates the calm space in which people can heal from stress disorders, pain, depression, the emotional roller coaster and more. It also creates the perfect state for deep meditation, creative thinking and intuitive messages. The healing process is initiated by entraining our brainwaves and creating sympathetic resonance with the perfect vibrations of the bowls.

What are sessions like

Sessions take place fully clothed on a mat on the floor. 15-20 bowls surround your body, head and are placed directly on your chakras (energy centers). Bowls are 'struck and sung' in specific rhythmic patterns to commence the healing process. The use of gantas, toning, visualization, focused dialog and crystals are integrated into sessions as well. The first couple of sessions often produce energetic and physical discharge, the releasing of blocks, stress and toxins. Clients slip into a trance like state that feels healing. Following sessions are dedicated to strengthening and anchoring clients to the sound of the bowls creating a strong alignment focused on their particular area of need.

What conditions can it help with

Many report out of body experiences, a deep sense of tranquility, sleep soundly and feel the effects of the treatment for extended periods of time. Sessions also provide relief from pain, stress-related conditions and the ability to alter ones consciousness. It has proven effective in reducing the effects of chemotherapy, pain and discomfort from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, After sessions clients experience improved memory, clarity, vitality and the ability to take action.