Singing Bowls
What effect do singing bowls have on the body?
The sound of a singing bowl is perceived by most people as something soothing and pleasant. The origin of the singing bowl is believed to be in India and the Himalayas, in what is now Tibet. There it originally found its use in monasteries for meditation and inner contemplation. Singing bowls were already then appreciated for their positive effect on body, mind and soul. It is the richness of overtones that makes singing bowls so beneficial in their effect. Harmonics harmonize the two hemispheres of the brain. This leads to relaxation and the perception of a deep inner peace. That’s why singing bowls have become ever more popular in the west in the last 20 years. Singing bowls are now used successfully in yoga, meditation, sound therapy and sound massage.
Sometimes we get asked if the use of singing bowls is dangerous. If singing bowls are used mindfully, unpleasant effects are very unlikely.
- However, the following points should be considered:
- For sensitive people, singing bowls can cause headaches if placed too close to the body or head.
- Some singing bowls contain zinc or nickel. Such bowls may cause allergic reactions in some people if the singing bowl is placed on the skin.
- Certain vibrations of music can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. This could not be completely ruled out when using singing bowls.
- Expectant mothers should also consult their doctors to be on the safe side and only use the singing bowl when clothed and should not place it on the belly.
What to look for when it comes to buying singing bowls?
Besides its use for yoga or therapy, a singing bowl can also be used as an aesthetic accessory for the home or can make a very special gift. Just looking at a singing bowl can evoke feelings of wellness and relaxation. What it will be used for can help determine which singing bowl to buy. In our store you can buy a wide range of Indian and Tibetan singing bowls. The qualitative difference is between machine-cast and handmade singing bowls. Machine-made singing bowls are a cheaper alternative to hand-made singing bowls. They are characterized by a uniform appearance and a brighter sound. Cast singing bowls are often used as a "signal" due to the higher tone,for example in a day care, school or as an introduction to meditation or yoga class. Singing bowl sets are very popular to create a sound tapestry or in other unique ways according to the individual needs. Mini singing bowls are handy for taking with you. For your home or your own studio, the singing bowls can be much larger as they don’t need to be carried.
Which singing bowls are the best?
The answer to this is very individual. Of course, the price here also depends on the quality. If a singing bowl is only struck at the beginning or end of meditation, a singing bowl in the medium price segment may be sufficient. For use in a sound tapestry or a singing bowl massage, high quality is much more important. If you decide to buy a singing bowl, a nearby reseller can be useful. In Cologne, you can stop by our store to try them out and listen to singing bowls to your heart's content.
When to use singing bowls?
Singing bowls can be used to announce the beginning or end of a meditation. But wellness resorts also often use singing bowls now. Teachers and trainers also take advantage of the clear, pleasant sound. Their sound works well to catch the attention of children and the soothing sound easily instills an atmosphere of calm in the room. Also, at home, singing bowls with their calming effect bring relaxation to your home. Before choosing the right bowl it helps t know what it will be used for. For sound massage, a different bowl may be needed than for use in a school. And depending on the size and sound vibration, singing bowls resonate with different body regions such as head, heart or belly.
How to handle the singing bowl correctly?
When transporting the singing bowl, it is good to protect it from falls, knocks and scratches. Many of our individual singing bowls are therefore delivered in a padded cotton bag. You can also buy the cotton bags individually in different sizes. The good sound of a bowl depends on the striker used and the intensity of the strike. There are wooden strikers and also those that are covered with leather or felt. If the singing bowl is very large, for example more than 30 cm in diameter, our long felt strikers are the best choice. Depending on the size, the singing bowl can sound hard, soft, light or dark. Of course, for mini singing bowls or large singing bowls, a correspondingly small or large striker is needed. A cushion instead of a solid base makes the singing bowl sound better. Whether handmade singing bowl, singing bowl set, or mini singing bowls - the point is to create a space of mindfulness. Therefore, it is worthwhile to pause for a moment to strike the singing bowl in a mindful and gentle manner, preferably at the top just below the rim. This is the best way for its healing sound to spread throughout the environment.