The average person spends a considerable amount of time listening to music and sound, regarding it as one of life’s most enjoyable activities.
While sound itself is simply energy in motion, sound waves of specific frequencies or notes in combination create a somatic effect on the body, the nervous system, and the brain to promote relaxation which in turn elevates our natural ability to heal alongside alleviating the deleterious effects of the stress response in the body.
There is documented difference in how types of music affect the human body. While some music is helpful to reduce stress, other music increases hormone levels that excite the body's stress response.[1]
When used in sound therapy and sound baths, sound is a vehicle, that can help the recipient arrive at a healthier state of being, both physically and mentally.
It also allows one to explore and experience feelings on a deep level. Studies as recent as 2017 support that sound therapy is becoming increasingly popular to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among the various psychological states.
This is because the vibrations work throughout our bodies massaging, cleansing, and purifying, while the calm meditative state allows individuals to experience a deeper state of awareness.
Singing bowls can also be incorporated into stimulating and cleansing the subtle energy body. Singing bowls, correlated with different notes, are able to open and balance these centers of the body which correlate with nerve branch bundles within the nervous system. Tonal instruments such as tuning forks and singing bowls can be used as standalone techniques or in conjunction with meditation or reiki treatment sessions.
Observational studies have shown beneficial effects of singing bowl sessions on a number of markers related to well-being. Additional studies support that specific musical vibration on the skin through the meridians is effective with symptoms such as pain, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, and depression [2] [3].
From the mid-1990s through present support that meditative music and sound significantly reduce plasma levels of cortisol and norepinephrine, which are related to stress. [4] High levels of cortisol and other stress hormones are known to be associated with:
- Fatigue.
- Irritability.
- Headaches.
- Intestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating, or diarrhea.
- Anxiety or depression.
- Weight gain.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Low libido, erectile dysfunction, or problems with regular ovulation or menstrual periods.
The sound and vibration of singing bowls used in specific sequences have been shown to significantly improve [3][5]:
- Tension
- Anger
- Fatigue
- Depressed Mood
- Confusion
- Blood pressure
- Heartrate
- Respiratory rate
- Improved O2 saturation
- Pain reduction
Guided by Dr. George Patrick's work with the National Institute of Health[6], we often begin sessions with guided relaxation techniques combined with vibroacoustic sessions through the use of singing bowls to enhance the relaxation response and overall effectiveness.
Risks and Side Effects
While using singing bowls is generally regarded as safe, there is not a great deal of research on the possible risks and side effects of this type of treatment. People who may want to avoid singing bowl therapy include those who[7]:
- Are prone to headaches: Some people report experiencing headaches as a result of the noise and vibrations that the singing bowls produce.
- Are pregnant: Because the effects on pregnancy are not known, you might want to avoid this type of therapy if you are currently pregnant.
- Have epilepsy: In some instances, noise and vibrations may trigger seizures.
References:
[1],[4] Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in cognitive sciences, 17(4), 179–193.
[2] Goldsby, T. L., Goldsby, M. E., McWalters, M., & Mills, P. J. (2017). Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(3), 401–406.
[3] Muehsam, D., & Ventura, C. (2014). Life rhythm as a symphony of oscillatory patterns: electromagnetic energy and sound vibration modulates gene expression for biological signaling and healing. Global advances in health and medicine, 3(2), 40–55.
[5] Möckel, M., Röcker, L., Störk, T., Vollert, J., Danne, O., Eichstädt, H., Müller, R., & Hochrein, H. (1994). Immediate physiological responses of healthy volunteers to different types of music: cardiovascular, hormonal and mental changes. European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology, 68(6), 451–459.
[6] Boyd-Brewer, C., & McCaffrey, R. (2004). Vibroacoustic sound therapy improves pain management and more. Holistic nursing practice, 18(3), 111–119.
[7] Cherry, K., 2022. Can Tibetan Singing Bowls Help Relieve Stress?. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: <https://www.verywellmind.com/tibetan-singing-bowls-for-healing-89828>
