Sound healing with Tibetan bowls

Sound healing with Tibetan bowls

Sound healing is rapidly gaining international recognition as an integral part of the healing process for cancer patients. It has also been shown to relieve pain and treat stress-related conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, insomnia, pain and depression. Mainstream medical teaching institutions such as Duke University and the University of North Carolina have added programs that connect mind/body and spirit to the treatment of cancer. Cancer prevention centers use sound as an important part of the healing process for patients with amazing results.

Like many healers, I believe that illness is a manifestation of disharmony in the body; an imbalance in the cells or a particular organ and that healing can be achieved by restoring the normal vibrational frequencies of the diseased, non-harmonic body parts. Vibrational healing, particularly with sound, is an effective way to return the body to its normal vibrational frequency.

All matter is energy that vibrates at different rates, and by changing the rate of vibration we can change the structure of matter. In this case, the healing process is initiated by entraining our brain waves and creating a sympathetic resonance with the perfect vibrations of the bowls. When we add intention to the frequency, the healing potential is increased even more. This intention can occur through prayer, singing, and even through quiet, focused attention, but it is best to announce it audibly.

Another way of saying that the fundamental state of the universe is a state of absolute harmony. Our core state, because we are part of the natural universe, is also one of harmony and great lightness. When we disconnect from our core state through stress, distraction, illness, and the challenges of daily life, it leads to illness: mental, physical, and spiritual. The sound of Tibetan bowls gently guides us back to our natural state of blissful calm and alignment.

Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, director of medical oncology and integrative medicine at the Cornell Cancer Prevention Center in NY, has used sound, including Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls and chanting, in working with cancer patients for many years. "When we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not just through our ears, but through every cell of our body. One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it touches and transforms us so deeply on an emotional and spiritual level. Sound can correct imbalances at all levels of physiological function and can play a positive role in treatment of virtually any medical disorder.”

According to an article in the journal Spirituality and Health, Dr. Gaynor found that the sound vibration of the bowls influenced the disrhythmic movement in cancer cells and caused a harmonious transformation. In a blind study, he found that chemo patients' recovery time was 50% shorter when using the bowls regularly and that when using bowls in early stages of cancer during consultations with patients, their anxiety and stress levels were greatly reduced.

Imagine how a solid, well-thought-out decision about your future could be improved in a context free of stress and anxiety. Also, imagine how the ability to repeatedly connect with this sense of calm during the discomfort of chemotherapy increases the quality of life for cancer patients.

Investigations by Dr. David Simon, medical director of neurological services at Sharp Cabrillo Hospital in San Diego and medical director of the Chopra Center, revealed that chants are chemically converted into "endogenous opiates" that act on the body as internal painkillers and healing agents.

In my own research with sound using biofeedback devices, I found that the overtones produced by the Himalayan (Tibetan) singing bowls have transformative abilities (brain activity, heart rate and body temperature decreased during sessions) and create a deeply peaceful state of being while energizing the brain.

Biofeedback is a scientifically valid measurement tool designed to help individuals gain voluntary control over several different functions of the autonomic nervous system. Research has shown that when breathing and heart rate are synchronized, a resonance frequency is created in the body (similar to the resonance created by the Tibetan bowls). This is extremely beneficial for the heart and the entire body. Stress-related disorders, pain, and many other disorders are predicted by whether or not a person achieves cardiorespiratory synchrony. During Tibetan Bowl Sound Therapy sessions, cardio-respiratory synchrony increased dramatically as measured by J&J Engineered biofeedback devices. The data showed that there was an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity and a decrease in sympathetic nervous system drive during sound therapy sessions. The relaxation response was initiated and the stress response was inhibited. This means that the autonomic nervous system was balanced for most of the session. The resonance of the bowls created slow breathing of approximately six breaths per minute, which had a positive effect on the heart and the entire body.

These results are promising in that Tibetan bowl sound therapy increases cardiorespiratory synchrony and resonance in the body. Therefore, there are many medical conditions that can benefit greatly from the use of Tibetan sound therapy with bowls.

My clients have backed the science with reports on everything from relief from pain and discomfort, sinus clearing, exit from depression, ability to sleep (for those with insomnia), revitalization and clarity, well-being, great connection, and deep personal transformation. Customers report a fundamental change in their perspective on the phenomenon of space, accentuated clarity of mind and body, increased creativity, strength, joy and a feeling of peace.”

It is important to see what healing really is and what the difference is between healing and healing. A cure is the “complete biological resolution of a disease state,” according to Dr. Gaynor in his book “The Healing Power of Sound”. However, healing has broader effects that occur on emotional, spiritual and physical levels. It is a regenerative process associated with a spiritual awakening and can have profound effects on illness, disease and all aspects of our lives.

Himalayan or Tibetan singing bowls are traced back to the shamanistic Bön tradition, which predates Buddhism by thousands of years. Dr. Gaynor, in an article in the magazine Shamans Drum, mentions that the reason sound (and song) is still used in shamanistic cultures is because the sound induces trance states of consciousness that are conducive to healing. The ancient Himalayan bowls are made of a sacred seven-metal alloy that, when skillfully stimulated, produce five separate and simultaneous tones, each with its own constant frequency, which vibrate with one another. The raw materials were collected, melted and cleaned, cast, reheated and hammered into shape and clay. Mantras or sacred chants were chanted and intentionally poured into the bowls. Their sound synchronizes sentient brain waves and creates a therapeutic effect on mind-body realization. .

Singing bowls produce the primal sound of 'AUM': the fundamental expression of energy transforming into matter. They change space, mind and time; Awakening cellular memory and healing the energy body. Listening to their captivating overtones effectively stops the inner dialogue, the 'monkey mind'. The individual is transported into a space of calm and balance where the 'Universal Chord' found within each self is touched, connected and understood. The universal chord, if you will, is the primordial substance that makes up our entire reality and from which our universe came into being. Although the vibrational energy of the bowls can be directed to a specific area for healing purposes, they work more on a fundamental level.

These instruments are used in meditations and physical vibrational healing techniques. Their harmonic resonance is used to:

– Reduce stress and pain

– Balance energy

– Create vitality synchronization and spontaneous healing.

– effectively changing consciousness into a peaceful and expansive meditative state. (trance induction)

– Meditation

Diane Mandle is a certified sound healer based in Southern California. She maintains an integrated mind/body private practice and leads presentations and concerts nationwide on the topic of Himalayan bowl healing. She can be reached at 760-944-3441 or info@soundenergyhealing.com. Her CD “Return to OM” is available on her website at http://www.soundenergyhealing.com

References

Spirituality & Health, August 2003

Shaman drum, number 63, 2002

Richard Rudis (Sacred Sound Workshops)

Johathan Goldman, “Sound Healing”

Inspired by Diane Mandle