Using Tibetan Singing Bowls for Stress Relief

Using Tibetan Singing Bowls for Stress Relief Meditation Print Using Tibetan Singing Bowls for Stress Relief By Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard Fogoros, MD on July 13, 2016 Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywells Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard Fogoros, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 How Stress Impacts Your Health Overview Signs of Burnout Stress and Weight Gain Benefits of Exercise Stress Reduction Tips Self-Care Practices Mindful Living Kimberley Coole / Getty Images Tibetan singing bowls are a type of bell that vibrates and produces a rich, deep tone when played. Also known as singing bowls or Himalayan bowls, Tibetan singing bowls are said to promote relaxation and offer powerful healing properties.   Buddhist monks have long used Tibetan singing bowls in meditation  practice. In addition, some wellness practitioners (including music therapists, massage therapists, and yoga therapists) use Tibetan singing bowls during treatment. Uses for Tibetan Singing Bowls People use Tibetan singing bowls for many purposes, including  stress reduction  and pain relief. Some people use the bowls in combination with other healing practices, such as meditation and deep breathing. Many proponents claim that the vibrations of a singing bowl can produce beneficial changes in the body by reducing  ?stress, harmonizing the cells, and balancing the bodys energy system. Some also claim that Tibetan singing bowls can stimulate the  immune system  and produce beneficial changes in brain waves. Benefits Very few scientific studies have examined the potential benefits of Tibetan singing bowls, despite their long history of use. One of the available studies is a report from the Swiss journal Research in Complementary Medicine.  For the study, 54 people with chronic pain originating from the spine were assigned to either six sessions of singing bowl therapy, a placebo treatment, or no treatment at all. Study results showed that members of the singing bowl group and the placebo group experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity. The studys authors also found that both the singing bowl therapy and the placebo therapy had a stress-reducing effect on participants. Given these findings, the studys authors concluded that singing bowl therapys effectiveness for pain relief could not be confirmed.?? A  preliminary study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2014 examined the benefits of starting a directed relaxation session with 12 minutes of singing bowls and found a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to silence before a directed relaxation session.?? How to Use a Singing Bowl To create sound with a singing bowl, firmly press the  accompanying mallet in a circular  motion against the bowls outside edge or rim. When you hear a bright, clear tone, you can slow down the motion. Use your full arm to make the motion, rather than just rotating your wrist. You can also make the same circular motion against the outside belly of the bowl. Additionally, you can gently strike the  bowl before beginning the circular motion. Where to Find Tibetan Singing Bowls Widely available for purchase online, Tibetan singing bowls are also sold at some meditation centers, yoga studios, music shops, and stores that specialize in new age products. Proponents suggest that higher-quality bowls tend  to produce more resonant sounds. The Takeaway Although there is little scientific support for the healing effects of Tibetan singing bowls, integrating the use of such bowls may help enhance the relaxing effects of stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery.   Studies show that by lessening your stress, each of these activities may help boost your overall wellbeing.