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The Singing Bowl: What It is and how to use It. Blog

Apr 6, 2022

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We'll take a quick look over what singing bowls are and where they came from, and what they're used to serve. Also, we'll discuss where you can get one and how to start playing the instrument.

What is a Singing Bowl?

A singing bowl is a bowl-shaped standing bell. It's played using a wood mallet either by hitting it with the side of the bowl or by rubbing it in an arc around the outside of the bowl. These two actions cause the bowl to shake and give a full, deep sound.

Singing bowls come in many various designs and sizes. They are typically constructed from bronze, a metal alloy made of tin and copper occasionally containing small levels of other elements. The dimension of the bowl, along with its composition, affects its pitch and tonal quality.

If you encircle the rim of the bowl with mallets, you'll detect the vibrating sound. If you place the bowl in your hands or on the body of yours, you can even feel it being shook.

What Is the Singing Bowl Used For?

The advocates of using singing bowls for healing attribute their powers in influencing the frequency of brainwaves. Our brains' neurons communicate with each other with certain frequencies. these frequencies change depending upon what we're performing. As an example, we work at high frequencies during things that require a lot of concentration and operate at a low frequency when we're asleep or relaxing.

It is believed that hearing the sounds from a bowl can help the brain reach a lower frequency , and aid you in relax into a peaceful or a relaxed state. For some, it can even reduce feelings of anger, distress, unease, anxiety, and depression.

The Origin of Singing Bowls

The story of these bowls isn't well-documented. They're often referred to for their role as Tibetan singing bowls, however there's no hard evidence that the bowls actually come from Tibet. Some sources suggest that they may have originated in Nepal, Northern India, or the surrounding areas, which is why they're commonly referred to as Himalayan singing bowls.

Singing bowls have been around since the beginning of time. However, they were probably originally utilized to serve food and maybe eventually in ritual and religious settings, but it's not clear what exactly was their function before they evolved into a therapeutic. A few researchers go as far as to claim that the use of singing bowls to treat sound is mostly a Western concept that wasn't put to use until in the West in the early 1970s.

Singing bowls have soared in popularity in the West over the past few years. However, it's possible that in the present, there is a chance that the truth about their initial uses has been overstated for the sake of marketing.

In spite of the uncertainty surrounding the past and the roots of the singing bowl, many people who use their bowls for healing purposes see their benefits Don't let that hinder you from trying one out and experiencing the enchanting effects on your own.

How to Use an Singing Bowl

There are two different ways to play a singing bowl:

  1. While the bowl is resting in the palm of your hand, on a cushion, or a firm surface, strike the sides of the bowl using the wooden mallet. This should produce a resonant and a somewhat short sound.
  1. While the bowl is resting in the palm of your palm, slide the edge of the mallet along the outside rim of the bowl in a smooth, consistent move. The result should be a steady sound. Try varying the speed you turn the mallet around the bowl. The faster you go, the louder it should be.

Another method is a bit more difficult, and you may not be able to hear any sound the first instances you play. Here are a few tips that might help:

  • Make sure your fingers aren't touching the side or the bottom of the bowl. The only area of the bowl that must touch anything is the bottom, which is flat. If anything touches the sides of the bowl, it will mute the vibrations of the bowl.
  • If you're having trouble keeping the bowl in place within the palm of your hand, practice first with the bowl placed on a smooth, non-slip surface. It will allow you to get an understanding of the amount of the pressure that you must apply using the mallet.
  • While gliding the mallet around the entire circumference of the bowl, try to move the entire arm not just your wrist. Make sure your grip is relaxed and the movements are steady.
  • Try striking the side of the bowl with a mallet, and then start with the circular motion. This can help to get the bowl moving and makes it much easier for the bowl start "singing."
  • Continue to practice until you have the right technique. Getting the bowl to "sing" is a bit like riding a bicycle--once you feel what it is as, it'll be extremely difficult to remember.

Where can I find Singing Bowls

We're very fortunate that the singing bowl and its benefits are readily available to us, but with that comes a responsibility to respect and support those who brought the bowls to us. Ideally, we would all travel East and buy the bowls from artisans in our area, but of course this isn't always the case. The minimum is whenever you see an attractive singing bowl that you'd like to purchase Be sure to inquire about the source of the bowls and the way the craftsmen who crafted them get compensated.

Can Anyone Use the Singing Bowl?

The singing bowls are typically thought to be to be safe. However, very little studies have been conducted on the effects they have on pregnant women, people with epilepsyand those susceptible to headaches.

Additionally, singing bowls should not be considered the primary treatment for mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The use of sound therapy is definitely beneficial, but practicing it is not a valid reason to postpone the need for professional assistance.

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