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How do I choose a singing bowl?

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Choosing a singing bowl

In this article, we will guide you on how to choose the right sounding bowl for you. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced player, this article will provide you with useful information on how to build your own bowl family.

The choice of singing bowl is primarily influenced by the purpose for which you want to use the bowl. Prana Bowl offers a wide range of singing bowls in different sizes – from small ones, such as the Small Prana and the Kids Prana , to medium-sized ones, such as the Heart Bowl and the Mantra Bowl, to large bowls, such as the Roots Bowl, the Great Roots Sound Bowl and the Mother Earth Bowl .

The size of the bowl is usually indicated as a diameter measurement and the bowls also have their weight marked on them. The dimensions of hand-forged sound bowls are indicative and may vary slightly.

The size of the singing bowl and its effect on the sound

Small singing bowls (diameter about 10 cm) produce higher sounds and their vibration is fast. In this case, the effect of the sound is not felt as strongly in the body, but it works best for calming the mind, supporting meditation and working on the aura. The small bowl can also be used on the body, for example on the forehead chakra. It is a great addition to the Healing set , whether it is a chord bath or individual treatment. The small bowls balance the highest chakras: throat, forehead and crown chakra.

Medium-sized singing bowls (diameter about 13-16 cm) produce tones that are often in the range of the human voice. These bowls have many clear overtones, and their sound often includes a rhythmic, vibrating movement – ​​like a gentle "wah wah wha" effect, similar to vibrato. This vibration, combined with the beautiful overtones, supports a deep relaxation and meditative state.

Large singing bowls (diameter about 19-28 cm) produce low, strong vibrations that are strongly felt in the body. Their fundamental tone is often below the human voice, which means that the tone may be felt in the body more than it is heard. The higher tones can be heard more clearly. Large bowls are particularly useful in treatments, chord baths, group relaxation or, for example, in yoga, when a long-lasting, consistent sound is needed in the background.

Sound structure and tones

The sound of a singing bowl is not just one note, but contains several harmonic tones. The most important of these is the fundamental tone , or base tone , followed by higher overtones . These overtones enrich the sound of the bowl and deepen its healing effect.

In small singing bowls, the fundamental tone is already quite high, and some of the upper tones may be more difficult for the human ear to perceive. In medium-sized and large bowls, the sound spectrum expands and the upper tones are more clearly distinguished, making the sound multidimensional and therapeutic.

Which singing bowl should I buy?

A small or medium-sized bowl is often chosen as the first singing bowl. They are also well suited for children and are easier to use due to their smaller size and weight. The bowl family can then be expanded when you have become familiar with the sound of one bowl and learned to play it harmoniously. One bowl already has several healing overtones.

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How are singing bowls made?

The making of singing bowls is a centuries-old tradition The making of Tibetan singing bowls is a centuries-old craft that combines expertise, spiritual tradition and an understanding of sound vibrations. Traditional hand-hammered singing bowls are made from a bronze alloy of approximately 73% copper, 25% tin and 2% zinc. Pranabowl singing bowls are made in origins of singing bowl, respecting centuries-old traditions. This unique craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, creating high-quality singing bowls. According to some legends, the bowls are made of seven metals. The seven metals often mentioned are: gold, silver, copper, tin, iron, mercury, and lead. There are two major theories behind the idea of ​​the seven metals. One theory is that these represent the seven planets known to the ancients. The other theory is that these seven metals are derived from sacred minerals and metals of the region. However, this has been shown to be mostly a myth, as tests on singing bowls have not found any significant amounts of these metals. However, there are rumors that some manufacturers may add very small amounts of various metals to keep these claims alive. However, the amount is structurally insignificant. Manufacturing requires professional skills In production, the metal alloy of the sound bowls is melted and cast into a round disc, from which the actual forging process begins. The hot metal disc is forged by hand with hammers – often in collaboration with several craftsmen – slowly and carefully until the round shape of the bowl is created. Each hammer blow has its own meaning: they shape both the external shape of the bowl and its internal resonance. This slow and meditative way of working allows the end result to be a sounding instrument that carries a deep, multi-layered sound and strong vibration. The bowl is cooled, cleaned and finished. The surface of the bowl is often left slightly rough to preserve its authentic look and sound. Singing bowls can also be hand-cast from a single metal, brass. This allows for cost savings while still providing high-quality sound. Brass cast bells are more shiny and decorative in appearance. Handmade with our heart The vibration of a handmade singing bowl is felt strongly throughout the body. For this reason, handmade singing bowls are particularly popular in singing bowl therapies, meditation, and singing bowl relaxation. The sound of a Tibetan singing bowl is not a coincidence, but the result of skill, silence, and countless hammer blows, all made by hand, with heart, and intention.

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How Do Singing Bowls Work? Healing Effects and Sound Therapy Benefits

The power of sound vibration Singing bowls have a variety of effects based on the sound waves and vibrations they produce. Sounds affect us on many different levels, both physiologically and energetically, as well as through the sense of hearing and the brain. The effects of singing bowl therapy have been extensively studied, and in our training courses we delve extensively into the research results. Entrainment The deeply relaxing effect of sound vibrations is based, among other things, on synchronization (entrainment), whereby brain waves (electroencephalogram) synchronize with harmonic sounds, shifting them from the beta level to the alpha and theta levels, which are associated with deeper relaxation. Other physiological functions of the body, such as the nervous system, breathing and heart rate, entrain with changes in the electroencephalogram. Calming the nervous system plays an important role The physiological effects of singing bowls are primarily based on calming the nervous system; when playing singing bowls, the aim is to activate the parasympathetic or resting nervous system and calm the sympathetic or stress nervous system. As the nervous system balances, the body begins to return to its normal state, allowing singing bowls to produce a variety of effects on the body and mind. Effects of singing bowls: Stimulation of the vagus nerve drop in blood pressure and slowing of heart rate Deepening of breathing and increased mucus secretion activation of bowel function increased feeling of relaxation reducing stress hormone levels increased secretion of oxytocin, endorphin and serotonin hormones improved sleep quality increased alertness muscle relaxation and relief of muscle tension increased calmness, balance, self-control and self-awareness improvement in body image The path to inner wisdom In addition to the physiological effects, the vibrations and sound waves of the bowls provide holistic care for both the body and mind, and the psychological benefits they bring can be seen as increased emotional balance, new insights, and a lighter feeling. Sounds affect psychological well-being both through the body and by directly treating the mind. When the body and mind become quiet, what remains is presence in the present moment. We all have an inner wisdom, the so-called voice of the soul or heart, which can easily be lost in the constant stream of thoughts. Healing sounds help the body and mind to become quiet, making it easier to access and listen to your own inner wisdom.

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What is singing bowl therapy?

Singing bowl therapy is a general term for individual treatments, self-care, and group relaxations using singing bowls. In all of these, the goal is to achieve physical, mental, and emotional relaxation through sound. Singing bowls in group relaxation Singing bowls are very commonly used as a group relaxation, or so-called chord bath, which is also called Sound healing. During a relaxation session of about 30-60 minutes, group members can curl up under a blanket or sit while listening to beautiful natural sounds and also feel sound vibrations in their bodies. Group relaxation is often experienced as deeply relaxing, and even if the mind does not calm down, activity meters can show up to 20 minutes of deep sleep. The body and body functions are restored, even if the hour is very inspiring on a mental level. In addition to singing bowls, group relaxations can also use gongs, sea drums, koshi and zaphir wind chimes, as well as crystal bowls and harps, rain sticks and other acoustic instruments. However, the main emphasis is always on singing bowls. Singing bowls in individual and couple therapy Individual therapy differs from group relaxation in that the bowls are also played on the client's body. The therapy is performed in both prone and supine positions, and different sized bowls are used on different parts of the body. Individual therapy is slightly more powerful in its effects than group relaxation. Individual therapy usually lasts 60 minutes for adults and the treatment time is shorter for children. Singing bowls can be used for couples therapy, which is a combination of individual therapy and group relaxation. In couples therapy, two clients are treated simultaneously and the bowls are played on and around the body in a chord bath-like manner. Other therapeutic instruments can also be combined with the therapy. Couples therapy is sought by friends, couples, parent-child pairs, etc. Effects of sound bowl relaxation The sound of singing bowls is perceived as pleasant and relaxing, and calming the mind. This causes our brain waves to slow down, which also calms other body rhythms, such as the nervous system, breathing and heart rate. The sound waves emanating from the bowls resonate in our body and the sound vibration can be felt even when the bowl is played further away from the body. Singing bowl relaxation is said to be deeply relaxing for the body, mind and soul. Read more about the effects Disadvantages of Singing Bowl Relaxation The disadvantages of singing bowl therapy are often asked about, and there are some things you should know before going for therapy. The goal of traditional singing bowl therapy is to restore the body to its normal function, both physiologically and energetically. Tibetan and Chinese medicine focus on treating health and strengthening the body holistically on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Situations where you should exercise caution when using singing bowls include those with a pacemaker, those undergoing cancer treatment, and those who are otherwise seriously ill (physically or mentally). In these cases, you should seek permission from a doctor to determine whether sound relaxation is safe. For example, the effect of sound on cancer cells has already been studied and is still being studied. In light of current research, we do not use singing bowl therapy or group relaxation during cancer treatments, as we do not yet know enough about how different frequencies affect cancer cells. Singing bowl relaxation and pregnancy During pregnancy, you can safely come to a group relaxation or sound bath. Singing bowls are not used during pregnancy when played on the body, as there is no research data on the effect of vibrations on the fetus in amniotic fluid. When played around the body, singing bowl relaxation is safe and wonderful, for both the expectant mother and the fetus. If you are unsure whether you can go for sound bowl therapy or participate in group relaxation, please check with the therapist or group instructor. Our trained sound bowl therapists and sound bath instructors will be able to answer your questions and always put the client's safety first. Self-healing with singing bowls You can easily treat yourself with singing bowls. With regular use, the effects of singing bowls become stronger. Self-treatment can be done with small bowls around the body, enjoying the healing sound. Biscuit-sized and large singing bowls are also suitable for playing on the body, so you can feel the sound vibration in your body. We organize training on self-care of singing bowls and care for family members at the Caring for Singing Bowls Days, which are held at Enkelikartano in Finland.

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