Singing bowl: find your perfect sound 2024

On your spiritual journey, you may have come across a singing bowl. Or, perhaps, once on a retreat, your soul was soothed by the velvety tones from a sound therapy instrument. Did it quieten your mind? With historic roots in the Himalayan region, these healing instruments are thought to have been used for rituals and ceremonies. Today, they are used in a sound-based practice or in yoga classes.

Himalayan singing bowls are said to promote relaxation, as well as guide you through practices deeper – with the potential of healing, too. So, if you've been feeling run down lately, with stress getting the better of you, consider sound healing to enhance your current spiritual practice. Long used by Buddhist monks, they have been adopted by modern wellness practitioners. Investing in your own crystal singing bowl could help with your relaxation in the domestic sphere.

Best singing bowls at a glance:

• Best signing bowl for beginners: Hand Beaten Singing Bowl - View Offer on Etsy UK
• Budget-friendly singing bowl: Tibetan Singing Bowl - View Offer on Amazon UK
• Best crystal singing bowl: Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl - View Offer on Etsy UK
• Best singing bowl for meditation: Meinl 700g Energy Singing Bowl - View Offer at Gear4Music

Singing bowls, with their enigmatic origins, produce calming tones and vibrations when struck or stroked with a mallet. They come in various materials, with metal and crystal being common. In the case of crystal bowls, crushed crystal is moulded into the bowl's distinctive shape. If you prefer a different frequency or vibration, consider a hand pan, with beautiful and calming sounds that will promote harmony and reduce stress. Sound therapy works wonders – and really does heal.

On the other hand, tuning forks are another healing pick, ideal for those of us craving an invigorating physical (and spiritual) healing experience. With soothing tones, sounds and vibrations, it’s no surprise that singing bowls have stood the test of time. Below, we answer questions about these beautiful instruments, such as what they are, what they're used for and where they originate. We'll also be looking at where to buy these instruments and rounding up the best ones that we can find.

Best Singing Bowls UK 2023

Verdict: Which is the best?

The Hand Beaten Singing Bowl from Etsy is not only our pick for beginners but our top pick overall.

Buyers Guide

Thanks to Shanti Bowl, we have a healing guide on how to choose a singing bowl. Though it is believed that there are around 50 types of healing bowls, we won’t be taking you through as many – and guiding you through the most popular seven or eight styles. Things that can differ between types are country of origin (from Nepal, Tibet, India or Mongolia), style, size and sound range.

Old vs. New

Both old and new bowls have their pros and cons, says Shanti Bowl, as Ancient Tibetan bowls are widely accepted as antiques and “must be authenticated for their age and quality.” Though many newer bowls made today may look aged, authentic antiques are distinguished by look and sound.

Older bowls will feature “thinner layers of metal on the bottom than newer bowls.” However, do not let their condition put you off – as the signs of ageing are appreciated. After all, most of these bowls are going to be at least 100 years old. To be expected, older bowls sound richer and warmer than newer bowls. Newer bowls are louder, powerful, but “metallic and sharp,” says Shanti Bowl.

Consider your budget, too, as ancient bowls are investments – and will be considerably more expensive than newer bowls. This way, newer bowls are accessible and ideal for beginners.

Quality

Quality is determined by the sound it makes, as well as its build from metal. Hearing a sound clip or being able to play it for yourself will help check. Shanti Bowl says: “A high-quality bowl will be able to hold its vibration and produce several tones, harmonics and overtones. If the vibration sounds as if it’s “fluttering” away, the bowl is not high quality.” The time it takes to sing is irrelevant.

Sound and Feeling

As mentioned above, sound is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a singing bowl. Choose a bowl with an excellent bowl: “one that moves you and makes you feel something,” says Shanti Bowl. For this, observe how the sound affects your mind, soul and body. Are you moved?

Feeling the vibrations and tones – and them sitting well with you – is very important.

Consider the size of your bowl, too – and how it feels to play. Below, we list the different types of antique bowls you can grab online, all coming in different sizes and shapes. Ensure your new sound healing instrument sits comfortably in your hands – and that it’s not too heavy.s

You should look for a singing bowl that is as close to your perfect fit as possible, says Shanti Bowl.

FAQs

How to make singing bowls sing

we have some tips and tricks to make your bowl sing – for beginners and advanced users. With a little practice, using a beautifully crafted sound healing tool will be nourishing for your soul.

Shanti Bowl says there are two ways to play:

Striking

This is arguably the easiest way to play a singing bowl, says Shanti Bowl, making it a “great introduction to playing the bowl and is suitable for all ages.” So, how is it done?

Once you have your bowl and mallet to hand, hold the bowl “in the palm of your non-dominant hand, and the mallet in your dominant hand.” Lightly strike your new bowl – with the padded side of the mallet. Make sure it hits to the bowl’s “mid-exterior wall.” Can you hear the rich tone?

Strike again once the “sound and vibrations fully dissipate.”

Rimming

Patience is crucial, says Sahti Bowl, when mastering this technique. While this singing bowl technique may present initial challenges, consistent practice can lead to mastery. Invest some time into your new healing instrument...

Begin in a "relaxed seated position with a straight spine" and natural breath, says Shanti Bowl.

Same as striking, the bowl in your non-dominant hand and the mallet in your dominant hand. Grip the mallet "like a pen" with your thumb and forefinger, striking the bowl lightly on the exterior wall to warm it up.

Then, position the mallet vertically near the rim and immediately start circling clockwise to initiate the singing. Now - maintain this full-arm stirring motion for at least five rounds, says Shanti Bowl. Gradually apply more pressure as the clear female overtone emerges, sustaining the sweet and clear sound.

Advanced Techniques

Perhaps, you have questions such as: can you put water in a singing bowl? Yes - you can. Adding a "small amount of water to the bowl produces a very special sound reminiscent of dolphins singing," says Shanti Bowl. You can read about the technique further in their how to play a singing bowl guide.

What are the benefits of singing bowls?

Stress Reduction

Meditation Aids

Chakra Balancing

Improved Sleep

Pain Relief

Enhanced Emotional Well**-**being

Sound Healing

Mind-Body Connection

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Where did singing bowls originate?

Singing bowls originated in the Himalayan region, with their roots deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural traditions of Tibet, Nepal, India, and Bhutan. These ancient and resonant instruments have played a significant role in the spiritual practices and rituals of these Himalayan cultures for centuries, offering a profound connection to meditation, healing, and inner harmony.

Do singing bowls hurt cat or dog ears?

Rumble says: "Singing bowls won't hurt the dogs' ears." After all, our furry friends have super hearing and "singing bowls do not have any negative effect. They may have just the opposite."

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Spirit & Destiny, an all-rounder: from health to spirituality. When not at her desk, she’s practising yoga or in deep reflection.

Subscribe to the Spirit & Destiny Newsletter to keep up to date with our latest recommendations and wellness trends from the Spirit & Destiny team.