More than a decade ago, I heard my first Tibetan singing bowl at a meditation workshop. I still remember the gentle, resonant hum vibrating through the room, and something in me shifted. At the time, I didn’t know much about sound healing. In fact, I’ll admit it felt a little “woo-woo.” But when a beautiful singing bowl was gifted to me, I began to explore.
And then I got another. And another.
Each bowl I’ve collected since has its own unique voice—its own frequency, tone, and intention. Soon, I was playing for family and friends. Eventually, I started offering private sound healing sessions and group sound baths. Now, years later, I’ve witnessed something truly beautiful: these simple metal bowls can offer deep rest, pain relief, and emotional healing in ways that still astonish me.
What Happens When You Experience a Singing Bowl Session?
My clients often tell me they drop into a meditative state within minutes. Their breath slows, muscles relax, and thoughts quiet. One client described it as “being cradled by sound.” Another shared that after just one session, they had the best night’s sleep they’d had in weeks.
Some people feel warmth in their body or a gentle tingling sensation. Others feel emotional release—tears, laughter, or often a sense of being held. Every experience is different, but the one constant is this: the bowls offer people a rare chance to slow down, reconnect, and simply be.
The Science Behind the Sound
If you’ve ever thrown a pebble into still water, you’ve seen how waves ripple outward. Our bodies, made up of roughly 70% water, respond similarly to sound vibration. When a Tibetan bowl is struck or played around the rim, it emits harmonic tones that gently resonate through your entire being.
Science backs this up. A growing body of research shows that the vibrations and frequencies produced by singing bowls may help:
- Alleviate pain and tension
- Reduce anxiety, anger, and fatigue
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure
- Boost mood and mental clarity
- Promote deep relaxation and meditative states
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that just one session of singing bowl sound meditation significantly reduced tension, anger, and fatigue in participants. Another 2019 study noted that Himalayan bowls helped participants achieve deep relaxation in under 20 minutes—faster and deeper than resting in silence.
Even more compelling, a pilot study in Italy showed that Tibetan singing bowls brought relief and emotional well-being to people with metastatic cancer.
Ancient Tradition
While the Western world began embracing sound healing in the 1970s, Tibetan singing bowls have been used for more than 5,000 years. Originally found in regions of Tibet, Nepal, and India, they were crafted not just for ceremony and music, but for healing and spiritual connection.
These bowls aren’t just instruments—they’re companions in the journey toward well-being. Their tones help guide the brain into alpha, theta, and delta states of relaxation. The result is often a state of deep meditation, even for those who’ve struggled to quiet the mind through traditional meditation.
Why I Play Singing Bowls
What began as curiosity has grown into a deeply important practice. for me. Each time I play the bowls—whether it’s a one-on-one session or a group sound bath—I witness how people soften. Stress melts. Shoulders drop. Eyes close. Hearts open.
I’m not just holding space; I’m deeply present with each tone, each vibration, listening not just with my ears but with my whole being. Sometimes it feels that the bowls tell me which one to play next, it's a sort of intutive dance that I love. I’ve come to see the bowls as a language of compassion. A way of saying to the people who come to hear them, “You’re safe. You’re whole. You can rest now.”
Interested in a Session?
If you’re in the San Jose area and curious about experiencing sound healing for yourself, I invite you to join me. I offer private sessions for individuals and group sound baths that can be tailored for small gatherings, retreats, or corporate wellness events.
Whether you're navigating stress, looking for a meditative experience, or simply curious, there’s no right or wrong way to receive the bowls. Just come as you are.
If you’d like to schedule a private or group session with me reach out by email, phone (415.990.3991), or follow my upcoming events on Eventbrite.
Let’s tune in—together.