How to use singing bowls

If you want to find peace and relaxation at home with a Singing Bowl, the most important item you need is of course the Singing Bowl. There are many different types of Singing Bowls – it is best to find out which one is right for you before you buy. A single Singing Bowl is initially sufficient for your own use. In some cases, it may also be useful to use several Singing Bowls. This allows you to create different tones that complement each other in a harmonious way. For example, you need several different instruments if you want to use the Singing Bowl to address different chakras.

Another important element for your sound meditation is the mallet (also called a beater or striker). You use this to strike the Singing Bowl and make it vibrate. Find out more about the different types of mallets in our guide. The choice of beater can significantly influence the sound of the bowl. If in doubt, try different mallets to find a model with a sound that convinces you.

For beginners, we recommend one soft and one hard felt mallet. The soft Hess Sound mallet is suitable for producing deeper tones, which are good for the lower abdomen, among other things. The hard Hess Sound mallet produces higher tones that appeal to the heart and head area.

To strike the Singing Bowl, take it in the palm of your hand and make sure that your palm and fingers are straight. It is important that the edge of the bowl can vibrate as freely and unhindered as possible. If you hold the Singing Bowl on the edge of the bowl, the vibration and thus the sound will be stopped.

Alternatively, you can place the bowl on a Singing Bowl cushion or on a smooth, soft surface such as a carpet or blanket. This positioning minimally restricts the vibration of the bowl and allows the bowl to sound long and freely.

Placement of the Singing Bowl

Here's where your Singing Bowl can be placed:

• on the flat of your hand
• on a Singing Bowl cushion
• on a carpet
• on a blanket

Hold the mallet parallel to the rim of the bowl and strike it briefly. Immediately after the contact, pull the mallet back. Make sure you don't strike the rim from above or at an angle. The vibration unfolds through the shape of the bowl, creating a penetrating sound.

What you hear when you first strike the Singing Bowl is its fundamental frequency. Depending on the bowl, overtones may also be audible. The more overtones there are, and the more intense they are, the richer the sound spectrum of the bowl. The duration of the sound is also an important quality feature.

Instead of striking the Singing Bowl, you can also rub it. To do this, move a friction mallet in a circular motion along the rim, which will cause the bowl to vibrate. You don't need to apply much pressure. Eventually, a singing tone will emerge, becoming more powerful the longer you rub. Different mallets can be used to create high and low fundamental tones.

This technique requires a little more practice and patience. With the right amount of speed and pressure, you can refine the sound.

To deepen the tone, strike the bowl once before rubbing it.

If your goal is to reduce stress and find peace with a Singing Bowl, you should try sound meditation. For this, it is important that you are already familiar with your bowl and know how to place and strike it. This way, you no longer have to concentrate on handling it during the meditation.

Preparing the space

Once you feel confident handling your bowl, prepare a place for meditation. This can be in a room or outdoors. Usually, the Singing Bowl is placed on the floor for meditation. Ensure a level, soft surface. On grass, a base is recommended so that the vibration is not dampened by the blades.

Ensuring silence

It is especially important that the chosen location is quiet. Turn off your mobile phone and other sources of noise. To sit comfortably, you can place a yoga mat or carpet on the floor. You should be able to reach the Singing Bowl easily from your sitting position.

Initiate meditation

Now you can begin the meditation. This proceeds similarly to other forms of meditation, sitting with a straight back and closed eyes. Concentrate on your breathing. When you have calmed down internally, take your mallet and gently strike the Singing Bowl. Try to keep your eyes closed. Experience the intense sound and concentrate exclusively on the tone and vibration. You can also hum along quietly with the tone or imagine how the vibrations flow through your body.

Addressing specific body regions

Another possibility is to consciously concentrate on a specific region of your body and experience how the sound affects it. Experiment a little yourself and find out what is good for you. With a Singing Bowl, many people find it easier to meditate because the brain can concentrate on the sound and distracting thoughts stay away.

Caution: During pregnancy and in case of acute physical or psychological complaints, please only use after consulting your doctor.

Another common application of Singing Bowls is in the context of sound massages. Here, specially developed Singing Bowls, the Peter Hess® Therapy & body Singing Bowls, are specifically positioned on the clothed body and gently struck. This method requires a second person to perform the sound massage.

The special thing about the sound massage is that hearing and feeling are equally addressed. While the harmonious sounds calm the mind, the fine vibrations emanating from the vibrating Singing Bowl gradually spread throughout the body. This can lead to deep relaxation.