What Sound Healing Products Are Popular?
Many different instruments are used for sound healing as they release vibrations with relaxing, restorative and therapeutic effects on the mind, body and soul. Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls are popular. So are gongs and tuning forks. You can add variation to sound baths through the use of crystal pyramids, chimes, shakers and even your voice.
Sound healing is based on our innate connection to sound. In our most emotional moments, we turn to sound in some form or another for support, whether singing along to our favourite song in celebration or calling a loved one just to hear a familiar voice on a hard day. This affinity for sound can be traced back through the ages. Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egyptians, Aboriginal Australians and more used sound as part of their healing rituals. Back then, they didn’t know what we know now, the scientific basis for the therapeutic effects of sound.
It goes back to the principle that everything is energy. The whole universe is made up of tiny vibrating particles. So when instruments emit sound waves, their vibrations have a ripple effect.
Due to the process of brainwave entrainment, our brainwaves synchronise with the frequencies in our environment. Slower sound waves can slow down our brainwaves, helping us go from alert and active to relaxed and meditative. The body follows the mind, switching from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system. The body can finally rest and take care of essential maintenance of bodily functions such as digestion which is why we call it the rest and digest mode.
There are certain instruments which have been found to be particularly effective at calming the mind and body in this way. They are the tools of sound healing and often used in sound baths to curate an experience where people can rest, release tension, and restore harmony on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Each sound bath is unique to the practitioner, the instruments they play, how they play them and the energy they bring.
If you’re curious about the kind of instruments used in sound baths or how to expand your own sound healing collection, I’ve come up with a list of popular sound healing products you might want to try.
Popular sound healing products for sound baths and holistic practices
Crystal singing bowls
At the heart of my sound baths are crystal singing bowls. They come in different notes so they can be played in sets to create a soundscape that guides people into relaxation. You might start with medium-sized bowls felt within the body to centre people before moving into larger bowls that are grounding and deepen the relaxation. Smaller bowls are usually accelerating and can support by tapping into intuition, inner vision and a connection to something bigger than yourself. The notes of crystal singing bowls are connected to the seven chakras and the endocrine system but how the bowls are received depends on the individual as we each have a unique frequency.
The special thing about these singing bowls is that they are made of quartz crystal. This crystal is known for transforming and amplifying energy. It has a powerful effect on the human body as the crystalline structure of the mineral mirrors the crystalline structure of human cells. When in the presence of crystal singing bowls, the body absorbs the vibrations which can initiate deep cellular healing.
Crystal pyramids
As these pyramids are also made from quartz crystal, they have the same energetic benefits of crystal singing bowls, although this time combined with sacred geometry. They come in a range of sizes but their frequency varies more widely. For example, the 6-inch pyramids play frequencies of 180- 560 Hz and octaves between the 3rd and 5th. I use crystal pyramids to deepen relaxation in sound baths. When chimed above the body, they produce long, resonating, rich tones from each crystal stem which can feel like a tingling, immersive sensation.
Chimes
Another way to add variety to sound baths is through chimes as they have a higher pitch and a brighter sound. I like to use them for awakening, chiming at the end of a sound bath to gently bring people back into the room and shifting the energy in the space. I developed Tingsha Chimes to match exactly what I was looking for as a sound practitioner. The chimes are traditionally hand-made by a Fair Trade artisan and finished with an etching of the sacred Om symbol.
Shakers
Using shakers in sound baths adds a layer of earthy tones which can be very comforting and grounding. As a simple instrument that can be played at different paces and rhythms, it can be a softer chapter in the sound bath and a little break for you as the practitioner. I’ve experimented with rubber seed shakers, Shamanic gourd shakers and nut clusters, all available in the shop, sourced from Fair Trade artisans.
Gongs
This is another instrument with a long history across the globe, going all the way back to China in
the 6th century BCE. Gongs have been used in healing ceremonies for so long because their vibrations have a soothing effect on the body. Helping the body to relax and engage in restorative processes is incredibly beneficial for our physical and mental health. Not unlike crystal singing bowls, they come in different sizes and are played with mallets so the practitioner can create a soundscape that feels like going on a journey. The variation also comes from the metal the gongs are made out of. There are steel, brass, bronze, iron and nickel silver gongs which all produce slightly different sounds and vibrations.
Tibetan bowls
Another ancient sound healing instrument, Tibetan bowls are also made of metal, usually bronze or brass alloys, using handcrafting techniques passed down through generations of Himalayan artisans. They come in different notes and sizes like crystal singing bowls. As they are made from different materials, they are thought to have slightly different effects on the body. Tibetan bowls are associated with bone healing and crystal singing bowls are linked to cellular repair.
Tuning forks
Tuning forks are metal instruments designed to release vibrations when ‘activated’ or struck. There are different types, including weighted and unweighted. They also come tuned to different frequencies. Tuning forks in particular have been used in a lot of research studies exploring the impact of sound healing. The tool has been linked to the release of nitric oxide in the body which is a pain reliever.
Voice
You don’t need an instrument at all to enjoy the benefits of sound vibrations. Many practitioners use their voice in sound baths. This is known as vocal toning. It usually focuses on sustained vowels, creating a humming sensation. It’s all about the resonance, not being a perfect singer. I share the story of a vocal coach who practices sound healing in this blog.
Sound healing comes in many forms. Experiment with different instruments and follow your intuition to the practices that feel right for you. Prioritise what you connect with, not what you think you should be doing. Sound healing is a unique experience for everyone. The energy and intention you bring to the session will shape the outcome.
If you would like to start a crystal singing bowl collection, we can help you with that at I Know This Girl. We sell handcrafted pure quartz crystal singing bowls with online shipping and three showrooms in the UK. At the HQ in Stroud, we also offer chimes, shakers and other complimentary rituals and items for sound baths. Browse our full range in our online shop. The best place to start is our free guide to choosing crystal singing bowls. Then book a consultation at our showrooms or an online discovery call.
FAQs
What does sound healing mean?
Sound healing simply refers to the use of sound waves for their therapeutic effects. This is an ancient practice that is still used today, as the frequencies of sound vibrations can calm the mind and body enabling restorative rest and relaxation.
What do you use for sound healing?
Sound healing is a deeply personal practice. Everyone has a unique frequency so the sound vibrations you are drawn to are unique too. Certain instruments have been found to be more effective for therapeutic use. These include crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, crystal pyramids, chimes, shakers and vocal tuning. Explore what feels good to you.
What’s the difference between crystal and Tibetan singing bowls?
Both types of singing bowls are played with a mallet to release relaxing frequencies. They come in a range of notes and are played in sets to create a dynamic soundscape. The key difference is the mineral they are made from. Tibetan singing bowls are metal, while crystal singing bowls are made with quartz crystal. As a result, Tibetan bowls are more associated with bone healing and crystal singing bowls with cellular healing.
