Introduction to Sound Healing with Tibetan Singing Bowls ©
By Diane Mandle

 “If 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 only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies.  One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes. 

Sound healing can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.”  Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, director of Medical Oncology and Integrative Medicine at the Cornell Cancer Prevention Center in NY

In the words of the great Tibetan master/Bodhisattva Gwalwa Karmapa, the Singing Bowls of Tibet emit the "Sound of the Void", the sound of the universe manifesting. They are a symbol of the 'unknowable' and as an alloy, date back to the Buddha, Shakyamni (560-480 B.C.). Their origins and detailed histories are shrouded in the distant past and are surely a gift from the shamanistic 'Bon' religion which precedes Buddhism in Tibet by centuries. 

For centuries singing bowls have been utilized for healing and consciousness transformation. We are now discovering the science behind this powerful ancient modality which is so effective for healing today. Modern medicine can now measure and thus confirm the practice of sound as a means to heal.

There is a trinity of Tibetan spiritual sound objects used for healing; the Singing Bowls, the Ganta and the Tingsha’s. The Bowls emit a quieting, centering energy; the Ganta (bell) a motivating and unifying influence; and the Tingsha’s  stimulate energy fields. The ancient bowls actually come from various Himalayan regions including Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan and are made from a consecrated seven metal alloy. Prayers and mantras were chanted to them during their creation so they carry that sacred energy.

Used within meditations and physical healings the  bowls’ characteristic blend of harmonic resonances are used as a vibrational tool to induce stress reduction, chakra balancing, energy synchronization and spontaneous healing. They effectively alter consciousness into a peaceful and expansive meditative state. Participants report a fundamental shift in their view of phenomenon space, accentuated clarity of mind and body, enhanced creativity and sense of peace and well-being.

On a biological level these instruments affect a great deal of physical change but Tibetan bowl healing has far reaching implications that occur on emotional, spiritual and physical levels. It is a regenerative process married to a spiritual awakening that can have profound consequences on illness, disease and all aspects of our lives. In fact, mainstream medical teaching facilities like Duke University and the University of North Carolina have added programs that link body/mind and spirit to the treatment of cancer. 

Cancer Prevention centers are utilizing sound as a vital part of the healing process for patients with astounding results. Dr. Mitchell Gaynor has been using sound, including Tibetan Bowls, Crystal bowls and Chanting in work with cancer patients for many years. The medical director of the Deepak Chopra center in CA, Dr. David Simon found that the sound from Tibetan bowls as well as chanting are chemically metabolized into ‘endogenous opiates’, that act on the body as internal painkillers and healing agents.

How do the vibrations from the singing bowls help in the healing process disease?
It can be said illness is a manifestation of dis-harmony within the body; an imbalance in the cells or a given organ and that healing can be achieved by restoring the normal vibratory frequencies of the diseased, out-of-harmony parts of the body. Since all matter is energy vibrating at different rates by altering the rate of vibration we can change the structure of matter. 

Sound from the bowls entrain the brain to move into the deeper Alpha and Theta brain wave frequencies that induce deep meditative and peaceful states, clarity of mind and intuition. 

When placed directly on the body the sound vibrations are transmitted into our blood, organs, tissues and cellular memory through the 80% water in our system. The sound vibrations impacts our nervous system, engaging our relaxation reflex and inhibiting the stress or pain response. It reduces brain wave activity, slows the respiratory and heart rate creating ‘Cardio-Respitory Synchronicity’ - the perfect condition to release blocked energy and bring the body back into alignment.

Thus, sound is a type of energy medicine that creates the sacred space in which people can heal from stress disorders, pain, depression, the emotional roller coaster and more. It also creates the perfect state for deep meditation, creative thinking and intuitive messages.  The healing process is initiated by entraining our brainwaves and creating sympathetic resonance with the perfect vibrations of the bowls. 

 What will happen during a session?
Sessions take place fully clothed on a mat on the floor. 15-20 bowls surround your body, head and are placed directly on your meridians and energy centers. Bowls are 'struck and sung' in specific rhythmic patterns to commence the healing process. The use of gantas, tingshas (Tibetan vibrational sound instruments), gongs, toning, visualization, focused dialog and other elements are integrated into sessions as well.  

The first couple of sessions often produce energetic and physical discharge, the releasing of blocks, stress and toxins. Clients slip into a trance like state that feels sacred and healing. Following sessions are dedicated to strengthening and anchoring clients to the sound of the bowls creating a strong alignment focused on their particular area of need and the memory of well being. 

What Conditions Can It Help With?           
Many report out of body experiences, a deep sense of tranquility, sleep soundly and feel the effects of the treatment for extended periods of time. Sessions also provide relief from pain, stress-related conditions and the ability to alter ones consciousness. It has proven effective in reducing the effects of chemotherapy, pain and discomfort from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression as well as speeding up the healing process.  After sessions clients experience improved memory, clarity, vitality, well being and the ability to take action.

 Are There Options Besides In-Person Sessions?
You can derive much benefit from a telephone distance healing session. All you need is a quiet place to lie down and ear phones for the telephone. Diane will do the rest. After These sessions are ½ hour long and deeply relaxing.

The “Return to Om” CD is also very effective in stress reduction, sleep, deep meditations and concentrating. Many people use it in the background as they work on writing projects. It is highly recommended to use the CD on a regular basis after in-person or distance sessions to help anchor the work.

Diane Mandle, healer, recording artist and author based in Southern California, is certified in Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing through the State of California and Sacred Sound Workshops. She maintains a private practice, conducts educational presentations, and concerts nationally on healing using the Himalayan bowls. 

Diane's CD”Return to Om” has received critical acclaim, and her multimedia course “Ancient Sounds for a New Age” has introduced sound healing to hundreds of students world-wide. For more information call or visit www.soundenergyhealing.com