Singing bowl therapy - is it as effective as "the hype"?

If you've ever heard of singing bowl therapy, you probably know about it through yoga or meditation. However, this article will help you understand the basics of this "mysterious" and "magical" bowl, without necessarily associating it with yoga, meditation, or even Buddhism.

From India, it became the bell of the Himalayas.

The singing bowl, also known as the "singing bowl" in English, actually has no documented date of origin. It is only known that it existed before Yoga and even before Buddhism was formed and developed.

Historical records indicate that singing bowls originated in India – the country that later became the birthplace of Yoga. Around the 8th century, singing bowls began to spread deep into the Himalayas, accompanying the teachings of Buddha Padmasambhava.

The original functions of singing bowls were diverse, connected to people's daily lives – from cooking, storing food, making wedding gifts, offering alms bowls, etc., to ringing bells, chanting scriptures, or assisting in meditation. At the same time, ancient therapists also discovered the "miraculous" benefits that the sound and vibration of the bowls brought, and from then on, they incorporated singing bowls into therapeutic exercises to relax, relieve pain, or cure diseases.

Singing bowls can be divided into two types: antique singing bowls and new, handcrafted singing bowls. Those over 30 years old are considered antique singing bowls, possessing superior sound, vibration, and therapeutic properties. These are also the type that has become rare in modern times.

Due to the scarcity of antique singing bowls, handcrafted singing bowls were created. With handcrafted bowls, the size, material, and design of each bowl are flexibly adjusted by the craftsman, depending on the bowl's intended use: for deep therapy, as a decorative gift, or to aid in meditation...

Today, handcrafted singing bowls are primarily made in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Through trade, the use of singing bowls has become popular in countries along the Himalayas – especially in Buddhist regions like Tibet. This is why the world commonly refers to them as "Nepalese singing bowls" or "Tibetan singing bowls." However, based on their origins, perhaps the most accurate name for them is...Himalayan singing bowls.

Unlike other types of bells, Himalayan singing bowls are not simply used for striking or spinning; multiple bowls can be combined simultaneously, or combined with water or sand (contained inside the bowl) to create different sound effects.

Why is singing bowl therapy effective?

To understand the "magical" uses of a singing bowl, one must first know how it is made.

During the manufacturing process, singing bowls are made from 2 to 12 metal components. These alloys are heated, poured into molds, and allowed to cool. They are then heated again; the craftsman uses a hammer to shape them. Finally, the bowls are polished and finished.

The number of metal elements is determined by the manufacturer, but for therapeutic bells, the basic number of metal elements is usually seven. These seven precious metals correspond to the seven planets, the seven musical notes, and the seven chakras of the human body.

• Lead, representing Saturn, corresponds to the note C and chakra 1.
• Iron, representing Mars, corresponds to the Re note and chakra 2.
• Tin, representing Jupiter, corresponds to the Mi note and the third chakra.
• Gold, representing the sun, corresponds to the note F and the fourth chakra.
• Copper, representing Venus, corresponds to the note G and the 5th chakra.
• Silver, representing the Moon, corresponds to the note A and the sixth chakra.
• Mercury, representing the element of Glass, corresponds to the Si note and the seventh chakra.

But why associate singing bowls with the seven chakras in the human body?

According to the bookLaw of ConsciousnessAccording to author Ngo Sa Thach (Dan Tri Publishing House, 2021), "Chakras are the natural energy vortexes of the human body, which are also the largest acupuncture points on the body - such as Baihui, Yintang, Danzhong, Huiyin, Yuchan,... A healthy body is one where the energy flow is steady and unobstructed. The chakras rotate in the correct direction, balanced with each other, and no energy gate is overactive or weakened."

If an imbalance occurs, the blocked flow of energy will cause pain in the blocked area. In addition, it can lead to declining health, mood swings, irritability, and a lack of mental clarity.

Because it incorporates precious metals corresponding to the chakras, when struck, the singing bowl creates sound vibrations that can resonate and regulate the flow of energy in the body. Chakras are gradually opened; blocked energy blocks are released; and the vibrations of individual cells return to a harmonious frequency. In other words, a singing bowl therapy session can help people relax; eliminate stress and worries from the mind; and simultaneously purify and improve blood circulation in the body.

In a time when medical facilities were limited, the Nepalese people quickly understood the important role of chakras in the body, and therefore, they used singing bowls as a simple yet effective method to treat both physical and mental problems.

Singing bowl therapy in Vietnam

To date, Om Healing remains the most reputable singing bowl therapy center in Vietnam, with facilities in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The founder of Om Healing, Ms. Hien Tran, was also the first to introduce and develop singing bowl therapy in Vietnam. ThroughOm HealingNumerous workshops on singing bowls have been held, featuring Santa Ratna Shakya, one of the largest singing bowl manufacturers in Nepal and the creator of the Full Moon singing bowl series.

In the last two years, under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the need for mental "healing" has become more urgent, and this is also when singing bowl therapy has become widely known among Vietnamese people. Not only Om Healing, but many health centers and spas in major cities across the country have been incorporating singing bowls into their therapy programs. Several high-end resorts have also gradually applied the singing bowl technique to restore Body-Mind-Spirit, such as An Lam Retreats, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay...

Besides therapy at the center, you can also practice singing with a singing bowl in your daily life. A Himalayan singing bowl – whether small or large – has the potential to bring relaxation, comfort, and balance to the user.

Singing bowls manufactured in Nepal, when imported to Vietnam, cost at least 600,000 VND, with the price increasing depending on size and material. They can be found at stores specializing in Himalayan products or at retail chains.A Little LeafFor singing bowls, you should buy them from a store so you can directly check the product quality.

Before we conclude this article, let's take a moment with Travellive – take a deep breath, relax, and try to feel the sonic vibrations that a "tiny" singing bowl can bring.

I hope you have a relaxing experience!