Singing Bowls

 

Singing bowls for sound healing

Singing bowls – also known as Tibetan singing bowls, sound bowls, meditation bowls or music bowls – are carefully crafted using a blend of metals. Skilled artisans heat, shape and hand-hammer the metal into a bowl shape. The finishing touches involve precise tuning, which is done through careful hammering to produce the desired resonant tones.

Singing bowls are played while resting on a flat surface, your hand or a cushion. When gently struck with a special mallet, the rim of the singing bowl vibrates to produce sound characterised by a fundamental frequency and usually two audible harmonic overtones.

You can also use a ‘resonant mallet’ to play a singing bowl by gently applying pressure to the rim and moving in a circular motion to create its signature ‘singing’ effect.
Sound bowls are often used for sound healing, as well as in mindfulness practices, such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises.
 

Singing bowl FAQs

Whether you’re new to singing bowls or deepening your practice, this guide will answer some of the most common questions about sound bowls. Learn how singing bowls work, why they’re sometimes called “Tibetan singing bowls”, and how to use singing bowls for sound healing, meditation and relaxation.
 

How do singing bowls work?

When gently struck or rubbed with a mallet, the rim of the sound bowl begins to vibrate, creating a resonant hum that you can both hear and feel when holding the bowl in your hand. As you continue to circle the mallet around the singing bowl’s rim, friction maintains the vibration and the tone for as long as you continue the circular motion.

The quality of sound produced will depend on the type of metal used in the bowl, the mass and shape of the singing bowl. For example, a larger, heavier sound bowl will generally have a deeper sound with longer resonance than a lighter sound bowl. The type of mallet used to play your singing bowl can also affect the sound it produces.
 

How do I play a singing bowl?

Playing a sound bowl involves either striking with a soft mallet or by rubbing its outer rim with a hard, padded resonant mallet – you can shop our range of singing bowl mallets above. To produce a deep hum, strike the side of the bowl with an appropriately sized soft mallet.

To create a ‘singing’ sound, gently circle with a resonant mallet around the rim, applying consistent pressure. You can experiment with speed and pressure to find the right combination to obtain the best sound.
 

How do I use singing bowls for meditation?

Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie undisturbed. Focus on the sound of your meditation bowl as it evolves — its resonant tones can help anchor your attention and, by doing so, also help bring you into a calmer, meditative state. If your mind begins to wander, gently return your focus to the sound and the sensation it creates within you.
 

How do I care for my singing bowl?

It’s important to take care when playing, moving and storing your sound bowl. Dropping or knocking your singing bowl may impact the sound quality, so be sure to carry it carefully and keep it out of harm’s way. To clean your sound bowl, wipe it down with a soft cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing material that may tarnish or discolour the metal.
 

What is the difference between “sound healing bowls” and “singing bowls”?

The simple answer is: there isn’t! Singing bowls are often used in sound healing, where their vibrations are believed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, hence the term “sound healing bowl” or “meditation bowl”.
 

What are Tibetan singing bowls?

Tibetan Singing Bowls are a type of singing bowl believed to have originated in Tibet. The exact beginnings of Tibetan Singing Bowls remain shrouded in mystery, but many believe their craftsmanship dates back more than 2,000 years. While written records are scarce, ancient oral traditions tell of their journey from India to Tibet, possibly introduced by the Buddhist Vajra master Padmasambhava during the 8th century AD.

 

Explore our range of singing bowls

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