How do I get started with sound bowls?

The first time I went to a sound bath, I felt more relaxed, centred and grounded than I had in years. The modern world demands so much of us that it overstimulates our nervous system, making it hard to switch off from being on high alert. Sound bowls innately guide our bodies into a more relaxed state and quiet our busy minds. 

So as the sound healer played a selection of singing bowls cocooning us in therapeutic sounds, my mind and body were induced to rest, relax and repair. I encourage you to attend a sound bath before getting started with singing bowls to experience their powerful effects yourself. 

Whether you’re looking for something to help you switch off after a long day or guide your clients into restorative rest, here’s what you need to know about getting started with sound bowls. 

What are sound bowls?

Singing bowls, also known as sound bowls, are specialist instruments designed to make immersive and therapeutic sounds, frequencies and vibrations when played with a mallet. Often they are made of crystal and best experienced in person as your body absorbs the vibrations of the sounds, sending you into deep relaxation and setting off healing processes in the body.

What do they do?

It really is quite powerful! Scientifically, we know that our brain waves fall into rhythm with the sounds around us. Our bodies are made up of roughly 70% water so we absorb sound waves really well! It’s called brainwave entrainment if you’re curious. As we are so receptive to sound vibrations, listening to singing bowls changes our brain waves, taking us from beta (our alert and reactive state) to alpha (the state of relaxation and positivity), theta (the state of meditation, inner peace, creativity and intuition) and even delta (the state of deep sleep, restoration and repair). 

Why are they beneficial?

Being enveloped by the sounds of singing bowls and moving through the brain wave states is good for your mind, body and soul because it turns off fight or flight mode (the sympathetic nervous system) and turns on rest and digest mode (the parasympathetic nervous system). 

Basically, it allows the body to function normally, not in emergency mode. This is good for our mental health, easing the symptoms of stress, anxiety and burnout and supporting clarity, calm, confidence, resilience and positive thinking. This is also good for our physical health as it enables cell repair and heals key bodily processes like digestion and hormonal cycles. Spiritually, some people feel trapped negative energy and emotions release and finish sessions rebalanced. Epiphanies are a possibility as well because it’s a way to reach your unconscious mind. 

What are the different singing bowls?

Different singing bowls are tuned to different notes like keys on a piano. Each has a unique value to the sound healing experience and when played harmoniously creates a transformative space. 

We can categorise singing bowls by size. Smaller bowls like 6-inch and 7-inch (in higher notes e.g. B, A or G) singing bowls create a higher, accelerating sound that often feels above the body. Medium-sized bowls such as 7-inch (in lower notes e.g. E, D or C), 8-inch and 9-inch singing bowls tend to have a centring sound you feel in your body. The larger bowls at 10 inches and 12 inches are usually grounding and felt beneath the body. Keep in mind that the effect singing bowls have on you is completely personal to you and your unique frequency. 

7-inch bowls can be accelerating or centring because the note singing bowls are tuned to impact the effect they have on the body. That’s why you’ll often see singing bowls categorised according to the chakra or endocrine point that aligns with its musical note. The general consensus is the following:

• B note - Crown Chakra 

• A# note - Pineal Gland

• A note - Third Eye 

• G# note - Thyroid/Zeal

• G note - Throat Chakra

• F# note - Thymus/Higher Heart

• F note - Heart Chakra

• E note - Solar Plexus

• D# note - Adrenals

• D note - Sacral Chakra 

• C# note - Sexual (ovaries/testes)

• C note - Root Chakra

However, these aren’t rules. Treat them as a jumping-off point for exploration. Just because you want to work on your heart chakra doesn’t mean you need to get an F-note bowl. Try out a couple and see what resonates. You can listen to the full range of notes in the sound library. 

Understanding the different sizes and notes can be helpful in putting together a set of bowls that are in tune with each other and play well together. You can find pre-configured sets in the shop or get expert guidance on putting together your own set by booking a consultation.

Who can use and benefit from singing bowls?

The short answer is anyone and everyone! They can be used personally, professionally and in conjunction with other holistic practices as I often do in my workshops. 

Everyday People

Singing bowls are a lovely wellbeing tool to have just for you. I first got into sound healing out of personal interest. I struggled to meditate because I would fidget and get distracted. Singing bowls switched my brain off for me so I could fully relax, meditate and reset. 

For personal use, you could play them as you meditate, before/ after doing yoga or as part of your nighttime routine. As singing bowls use our bodies' natural responses to drop us into a relaxed state, they’re a great tool for busy people who need to fit wellbeing practices into a hectic schedule. 

Yoga Teachers & Holistic Practitioners

Singing bowls are a great addition for professionals already in the world of holistic therapy and wellbeing. You could use them as an accompaniment to an existing practice such as playing singing bowls at the end of a yoga practice or alongside breathwork exercises. When you’re ready, you could offer dedicated sound healing sessions and add another string to your bow. 

However you decide to incorporate singing bowls, they will enhance the healing experience of your clients, helping them to switch off, reset and rejuvenate through the body’s natural response to therapeutic sounds, vibrations and frequencies. If you would like to use singing bowls professionally, I always recommend you complete full training and get qualified. Contact me for recommendations.

How Do You Choose Your First Singing Bowl?

Start by trying out different singing bowls. Go to the sound library and notice how each note makes you feel. Then come to my showroom in Bristol and play the ones that resonated with you most. From there we can narrow down your first singing bowl or set. I can also teach you how to make the most of your singing bowls and refine your technique in a beginner or advanced workshop.