Sound therapy - what is that?
Sound therapy is the so-called cellular music therapy. It is supposed to have a positive effect on both the body and the psyche. Music therapy uses sound, movement, tempo, harmony and rhythm. In sound therapy itself, the most important role is played by sound and the vibrations it produces. Sound therapy falls within the scope of naturopathy, or natural methods considered to be healing. There is no clear evidence for the effectiveness of sound therapy, it cannot replace conventional treatment.
What is sound therapy?
Sound therapy is vibroacoustic stimulation that affects the human psyche and body through idiophonic instruments commonly called Tibetan bowls.
Sound therapy is experienced through physical presence. Regular sessions are a method for the participant to get rid of accumulated tensions, reduce stress, improve well-being and relax the mind. The beneficial effect of micro vibrations has been proven by numerous scientific studies https://www.mamisy.pl/badania-naukowe
What are Tibetan bowls?
These are singing bowls, therapeutic bowls commonly called Tibetan. They belong to the group of acoustic instruments – idiophones. Their characteristic feature is that they produce non-harmonic multi-tones.
They are therefore instruments that are manufactured based on traditional technologies while maintaining the repeatability of the alloy and valuable acoustic parameters. Depending on the size and type, the bowls contain 5-12 different metals and are forged by hand. The bowls I use have a certificate of therapeutic and relaxation quality issued by the Peter Hess Institute in Uenzen, Germany.
Where did Tibetan bowls come from?
Their sound has been known since ancient times, one of the first descriptions of singing bowls can be found in the work "On Architecture, Book 10", which describes the use of resonance vessels for therapeutic and acoustic purposes. Bowls originate from various cultures, mainly China, Thailand, Tibet, India, Japan. They are increasingly used in Western Europe.
The effect of the sound of Tibetan bowls on the human body
I collaborate with scientists from the Poznań University of Technology who have been researching sound and vibrations and their impact on the human body for many years.
The research they conducted using Tibetan bowls showed a positive effect on the human body, including:
- reducing stress
- calming down the rush of thoughts
- in the processes of removing toxins from the body from the intercellular spaces
- eliminating tensions
- in the process of rehabilitation in the area of joints, especially the spine and wound healing
- stimulating all meridians and individual organs of the body1 (Chart 1,2,3) similarly to acupuncture treatment
- improving metabolic processes and intracellular respiration
- increased motivation for life
- participants often discover new passions for life, which has an invaluable impact on their effectiveness in everyday life and professional work
- eliminating problems with concentration, breathing, struggling with constant fatigue, back pain, neck pain, headaches, insomnia, fear of making decisions – the so-called "professional burnout"
1) It is worth analyzing the sound, vibration and influence of music on our body. There are instruments that squeak and make a person feel unpleasant. This was studied by scientists Mr. and Mrs. Portalski from the Poznań University of Technology, who for many years have been analyzing the influence of the sound of bowls on the human body; selected frequencies that affect brain synchronization and distinguished basic states of mind. More in chart no. 1,2,3.
The following tables show the frequencies of the signals used in therapy. Many of them occur in the beatings of the non-harmonic multitone of the singing bowls:
Chart 1. Frequencies beneficial for the therapy of specific organs
| Organ | Frequency [Hz} |
| Lungs | 2,4-4 |
| Kidneys and lymphatic system | 5-7 |
| Spleen | 6-7 |
| Heart | 6-7,5 |
| Nervous system | 7 |
| Pancreas | 7,5-8 |
| Liver | 8-9,5 |
| Stomach and intestines | 7,5-10 |
Source: H.M.Portalscy Singing Bowls, Properties and Applications p.73
Chart 2. Selected brain synchronization frequencies:
| l.p. | Synchronization frequency [Hz] | Effect |
| 1 | 5-10 | Quick relaxation and stress relief |
| 2 | 8-4 | Meditation |
| 3 | 6-10 | Creative Imagining |
| 4 | 8-10 | Fast refresh |
| 5 | 4-7 | Improving well-being |
Source: HMPortalscy, Singing bowls, Properties and applications, Poznań 2017, p.75
Chart 3 Basic states of mind:
| State Name | Frequency range [Hz] | Feeling, state |
| Beta | 14-30 | Watch |
| Alfa | 8-13 | Relaxation |
| Theta | 4-7 | Dreams, meditative states, deep relaxation |
| Delta | 1-3 | Deep sleep |
Source: H.M.Portalscy Singing Bowls, Properties and Applications, Poznań 2017, p.77
Sound therapy with Tibetan bowls, also called modern energy medicine or sound meditation, has an impact on children, school-age people, adolescents, adults and seniors.
2) More on the physical properties of the sound of bowls and the analysis of sound propagation can be found in the research of scientists HMPortalski; GH Zimny, AW Weidenfeller; Maria Anna Pabst.
How does it work?
Therapy bowls generate vibrations at the same wavelength as brain waves during deep relaxation. The normal frequency of brain waves during wakefulness is Beta. The sound of the bowls changes the participant's brain wave frequency to Alpha (relaxation) and Theta (deep relaxation, meditation, half-sleep, dreams).
The bowls cause harmonic vibrations at the OM or AUM frequency, which, by influencing the sympathetic nervous system, synchronize brain waves to the vibrations of the bowl. The bowls have energetic and therapeutic power. Placed on the body, they provide strong experiences of stress reduction and mind relaxation. The water in the body is a conductor of vibrations, penetrating the body's cells and organs.
The sound of bowls and gongs and other acoustic instruments during the session affects the body on many levels. The secret lies in the frequencies of the multi-tone components, the sound of which creates delicate vibrations that relax the whole body. These sounds are fully audible, and our body can also reproduce the vibrations resulting from the rumbling of the sound of bowls inside the body, which relaxes and unwinds.
It is a vibration that has a positive effect on the body, mind and soul of a person. Massage improves well-being, a person guided by sound into relaxation unconsciously takes a deep diaphragmatic breath, reduces stress and the rush of thoughts.
How long does a Tibetan bowl massage session last?
Tibetan bowl massage lasts 1.5 hours.
What clothes should you wear?
Comfortable, loose clothing. It can be leggings, tracksuit, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt. Clothes without buttons or additional zippers will work.
What is worth knowing before the session?
1. To take a shower before the session (in the morning) if possible.
2. To use the toilet (it is worth peeing before the session).
3. Drink some water or tea.
4. Clear your nose (blow your nose).
What is worth knowing after the session?
1. To drink water or tea – about 200 ml
2. Not to wash oneself after the session. Water in the body is the conductor of vibrations.
Tibetan bowl massage
It involves lying on a comfortable mattress with a pillow under the head. The person is covered with a blanket. I play instruments such as gongs, a crystal harp, crystal bowls, therapeutic, sound, Tibetan bowls. Their vibrations penetrate the body of the participants. A ritual is carried out to cleanse the mind of crowded thoughts and then energize the body. Incense is being used during Tibetan bowls massage.
For what ailments is Tibetan bowl massage most effective?
Gentle vibroacoustic stimulation, when used correctly, continues to work for hours and days. Researchers have noted positive effects in the following areas:
- stress reduction
- calming the mind and reducing the pressure of thoughts
- improving blood supply and regeneration processes
- beneficial changes in the psyche
- after strokes or brain injuries
- with aphasia
- in work with disabled people
- in working with seniors
- with autistic children
- specially in disabled children requiring surgery and rehabilitation
- in chronically ill people
- in the treatment of MS patients
- faster healing of wounds
- relaxation and pain relief (after 2-4 treatments), beneficial changes in joint, spine and migraine pain
- change in joint tension and mobility
- lightness and numbness (in places of greater stiffness and after large doses of painkillers), spreading warmth, even heat, vibration
- stronger stream, fuller urination, better comfort (after 2-3 treatments), after 10-13 treatments a significant reduction in the PSA parameter was observed (from 5.5 to 3.7 ng/ml)
- "clicking" in diseased ears, disappearance of tinnitus, improvement of hearing after ear infections
- easier to fall asleep and sleep better
- brightening and softening facial features
- harmonization of the body and biofield
- makes you sensitive to sound
- has a positive effect on self-esteem
- develops creativity
Even 5 minutes of contact with sound is noticeable in the manifestation of emotions. It causes a decrease in the level of hyperactivity, motor aphasia, excessive gesticulation, in people who have trouble falling asleep, with low self-esteem. The positive effects of using bowls are also effective in palliative care, helping participants overcome fears, reach the depths of their own interior, achieving lightness, internal relaxation.
Idiophones are used in educational and therapeutic programs in psychotherapy centers, public, medical and pedagogical institutions. In Poland, there is an increasing talk of sound support for people in resocialization and rehabilitation centers, in the treatment of schizophrenia, depression and neurosis. They can be used to achieve relaxation, reduce stress, therapy, but also in education, management or other business activities. The effect of vibrations is known in physical therapy in relation to ultrasound.
Are there any contraindications?
Contraindications are:
- Pacemaker (pacemaker, cardioverter). Because it has a built-in battery. It is a device implanted under the skin near the heart along with electrodes. During massage with the bowls, vibrations occur that may disturb the operation of the device
- Buerger-Raynaud's disease
- Woman up to 3 months pregnant
Current self observations
Sound and vibrations have a positive effect on our body and our mind.
In healthy people they relax, stimulate creativity, raise vibrations and increase motivation.
In sick people, they additionally reduce stress, relieve pain, calm emotions and the flood of sad thoughts. They introduce harmony, support the treatment of insomnia, and improve metabolism.
Sound session:
– reduces stress
- relaxes the mind
– improves well-being
- lowers blood pressure
– improves metabolism
- reduces tension
- stops the rush of thoughts
– normalizes mood swings
- improves concentration
-reduces neurological pain and migraines
Sound therapy with Tibetan bowls allows you to be more self-aware, develop your potential. After a few sessions, the participant stops being a prisoner of the past. He becomes a person able to face the problems of life, takes a full breath, notices joy. Tibetan bowl massage helps to change neurotic suffering into ordinary suffering and freedom of mind.
I direct my practice especially to people:
- overworked
- stressed
– after trauma (serious illness, loss of loved ones)
– oncological patients and their families
– patients with multiple sclerosis SM, SLA
- with low self-esteem
- overstimulated
-before making an important decision
I warn you honestly – bowls are addictive-:) But it is definitely a better addiction than others! Whoever experiences it once will love this state of lightness, deep relaxation and shedding of stress accumulated over the years. It is not easy to explain this state, pleasant for the body and mind, in your own words, you have to experience it with your physical presence, that is why I invite you to the world of sounds.
Who can benefit from relaxation with Tibetan bowls?
People who are open to the sensory quality of sound, timbre and vibration. People who are brave and not afraid to try the creative and dynamic process of mind and body regeneration through sound. People who want to experience the "feeling of bliss and levitation above the ground".
How often can I participate in a Tibetan bowl session?
Regular sessions bring harmony to the body and help to achieve peace and quiet. Their frequency is determined by our internal need, well-being, current state of mind and spirit.
