About Himalayan Singing Bowls

About Himalayan Singing Bowls

The history attached to singing bowls in the Himalayan region goes back more than two thousand years. Almost all metal bowls that sing, whether ancient or modern, are made of a common base of 80% copper and 20% tin which forms an alloy called Bronze. Occasionally additional metals like gold, silver, iron, lead, mercury or zinc may be present in very small amounts. This alloy of metals is melted together into three discs that are flattened together and then hammered into a bowl shape. The bowls I use are made in Nepal by skilled metalworking families who have handed down the tradition for 1300+ years.

What is Vibrational Sound Therapy

Vibrational Sound Therapy (VST) combines powerful vibration and tones to induce an immediate relaxed state. By placing the therapeutic singing bowls directly on the body and using correct techniques, a practitioner engages with their client both physically and aurally. The induction of the sound waves directly into the body along with soothing ambient tones is such a strong treatment that clients report effects ranging from a meditative state to deep relaxation.

The techniques associated with VST have many advantages over traditional massage. One major comfort barrier that prevents many people from receiving a traditional massage is the fear of being touched by a stranger. In the VST method, the client remains fully clothed and is never touched directly by the practitioner. In fact, because the singing bowl is doing most of the physical work, contact is kept to a minimum. This does not diminish the connection between client and practitioner because spiritual intimacy is maintained through the sound and the vibration transmitted through the bowl. Vibrational Sound Therapy is also much less physically intrusive than traditional hands-on massage and won’t leave the client feeling sore.

Vibrational Sound Therapy (VST) has profound effects on the body and the mind. The VST method is above all a method of relaxation, and most people will reach this state of relaxation quickly, even during their first session. During a VST session, the body will go through noticeable changes as it responds to deeper and deeper states of rest. Relaxation is not only a physical state but also a state of consciousness, and VST has very strong effects on alertness and perception. Relaxation during a VST session brings on the same kind of brain states as yoga, tai chi, and meditation. Most clients will start to relax as soon as the session begins. Their muscles will lose tension, and they may even start to slip into the alpha brain wave pattern within the first few minutes. The alpha wave pattern is associated with daydreaming and pre-sleep. At this point, the client's breathing and heart rate will start to slow down, and the body will begin to absorb the waves of vibration into its tissues. The slowing of breathing and lack of muscle tension are both signs that the metabolism is slowing. Insulin levels will rise, and cortisol levels will fall. As the heart rate slows, blood pressure falls and arteries expand giving rise to a feeling of warmth. This relaxed state allows the body to repair itself instead of responding to outside concerns. The immune system is at its best when we are relaxed.

VST is so gentle and relaxing that almost all people will fall asleep at some point during the session. The theta brain wave state is associated with meditation, sleep, and deep relaxation. The delta brain state is a deeper form of sleep and is also associated with hypnosis and ritual. During normal sleep, people will oscillate between both of these states. The brain wave state of clients undergoing a sound massage will change naturally and in reaction to the modality as positions are changed, and different bowls are introduced. Small tremors and shakes are common as people enter and exit the theta and delta brain rhythms.

Those who undergo a state of deep relaxation often report a feeling of mental freshness that they carry with them after the session is over. Relaxation and meditative states of mind have also been shown to increase the threshold for emotional response, meaning they can help us control our emotional responses to outside influences. Like other kinds of meditation, sound therapy can help us be more internally aware while being more present at the moment and more connected with our surroundings.

What to Expect During Your Session

When you arrive, the practitioner will ask a few questions about whether you are seeking relaxation only, or have specific issues you wish to address. Please wear comfortable clothing, avoiding big belt buckles, zippers and metal buttons. Clients remain fully clothed during a session, just the shoes are removed. Clients lay on a massage table and will be covered with a sheet. Blankets, pillows and bolsters are provided for comfort. If the client cannot lay comfortably on a massage table, a zero-gravity recliner or a chair are options. Once the client is comfortable, the practitioner will begin the session by placing bowls on and around your body and begin to play. Your only job is to listen to and feel the relaxing sounds and vibrations of the Himalayan singing bowls.

About Me

Sherry is a certified practitioner of the Himalayan Singing Bowls. Trained and certified in Vibrational Sound Therapy by the Vibrational Sound Association. She has also been mentored and trained by Julie Garcia of Himalayan Harmonious Healing of Brookings Oregon for three years while assisting in group meditations. Sherry loves working with the bowls and helping people to relax.

Sherry opened the Twinflower Healing studio in Eugene, Oregon in September 2022. The Studio is set up to do individual and couple meditations. It is a warm and cozy environment where you can relax to the soothing and healing sounds and vibrations of the Himalayan Singing Bowls.

If you are curious about vibrational sound therapy, attend our Group Himalayan Singing Bowl Meditations hosted once a month by donation only (free). View our Upcoming Events page for dates and details on how to pre-register. It's a great opportunity to try it out.