Sound therapy instruments have long been revered for their profound healing capabilities. Sound therapy, an ancient practice rooted in various cultures, has become a valuable alternative medicine in recent years. This is not just due to the soothing sounds these instruments produce but how they interact with our bodies and minds. When played, these instruments activate our parasympathetic nervous system, signalling our body to enter a state of rest.
There are many different types of healing instruments, from gongs to tuning forks and in this guide, we break down ten different instruments that have unique benefits. From drums, hand pan drums, gongs, singing bowls, chimes, tuning forks and more.
Best sound therapy instruments at a glance
• Best for physical healing: Dreld 528 Hz Tuning Fork with Silicone Hammer and Bag - View on Amazon UK
• Best for meditation: Hand Beaten Lingam Singing Bowl - View on Etsy
• Best for Chakra alignment: 432Hz Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl with Mallet & O-Rings - View on Etsy
• Best for grounding: Handcrafted Shaman Drum - View on Etsy
Each instrument has a specific healing quality and resonance. You may have heard of the crystal singing bowls, which can help balance and unblock chakras. Meanwhile, the Tibetan singing bowl is great for any meditation practice. There are also drums with rhythmic beats, which ground us, reminding us of the heartbeat of Mother Gaia.
When it comes to sound healing instruments, it's not just about feeling them but connecting with them and allowing their sounds to guide you. So, if you are interested in journeying with sound, here are our picks of the best sound therapy instruments. Also, if you want to dive deeper, check out our conversation below with Farzana Ali, a sound practitioner also known as The Sound Therapist, to learn more about the benefits of sound healing and more.
Best sound therapy instruments
Best for physical healing
The Dreld 528 Hz Tuning Fork is designed for sound therapy, meditation, and relaxation. Its pure frequency is perfect for both professionals and enthusiasts. They are lightweight, portable, and widely used in sound healing due to their powerful and pure frequencies. The set includes a silicone hammer, storage bag, and cleaning cloth, ensuring you have everything you need for a harmonious experience.
Customer review: "I love it. I use it most of the time. I play it in my videos on my channel, 528hz frequency therapies. It sounds great played together with 432hz fork. They are called manifestation enhancers."
Pros
- High-quality alloy
- Ergonomic design
- Comes with a bag
Cons
- Might require some practice for beginners.
Best for meditation
www.etsy.com
This Hand-Beaten Lingam Singing Bowl adds to your spiritual and wellness rituals. The special feature in the bowl's middle also gives it a unique sound. It releases soothing harmonics that promote relaxation and meditation, creating a serene atmosphere when played. Suitable for all levels, you can use it for rituals, meditation, chakra balancing and yoga.
Customer Review: "The bowl arrived in great condition and has been incredibly soothing to use."
Pros
- Complete with a cushion and mallet
- Crafted with precision and care
- Lingham shape is unique and healing
Cons
- Unique tones may not be for everyone
Best for Chakra alignment
www.etsy.com
This set of singing bowls from SoundGalaxy on Etsy features different pitch sounds associated with the musical scale, which are, in turn, related to the Seven Chakras of the Human System. This set features a mallet and rings for playing correctly.
Review: "Love my singing bowl! I’ve been looking for one for a while, so happy I went with this one for my first crystal bowl :)"
Pros
- Associated with the chakras
- Comes with a mallet
- Beautiful sound
Cons
- Low in stock
Best crystal singing bowl for experts
www.ebay.co.uk
This set of singing bowls features embellishments of the Chakra symbols and the colours that they're associated with. It may be an expensive choice, but it has everything you need for a seasoned sound bath expert. Featuring two convenient carry bags and a choice of mallets.
Customer review: "Great communication, answered my question straight away fast and secure postage would use again if needed. thank you . Great bowls, I've already used them during yoga, reiki and meditation my clients are loving them as much as me, thank you."
Pros
- Associated with the chakras
- Beautiful sound
- Popular item
Cons
- limited stock
Best melodic drum
Find harmony and deeply restorative sound healing with the LOMUTY Hand Pan Drum. This 22-inch instrument has ten notes and is in D minor. The hand-pan drum is built to last with a heavy-duty nitrogen steel hand pan drum instrument with beautiful sound and beautiful colours.
Customer review: "Absolutely love the sound. I bought it for my grandson who is autistic. The sound of the drum is so calming for him. I think the Lomuty drum is a unique gift for anyone. I even play it in the morning before meditation."
Pros
- There are two colour choices: blue and gold
- Ten notes design.
- Comes with bag
Cons
- Requires practice
Best for closing the space
www.gear4music.com
The Gear4music 14" Gong is a great sound-healing instrument for your repertoire. With its powerful and resonant sound, this song is perfect for group meditations, personal healing sessions, or even as a unique decor piece. Handcrafted and tuned to G.
Customer review: "I ordered Gong with a stand and the delivery was super fast (although DHL charges quite a lot, the service is worth it!) I recommend Gear4music to anyone!"
Pros
- Authentic tones
- Versatile use
- Complete with beater and hanging strap.
Cons
- It doesn't come with a stand
Best for grounding
www.etsy.com
Ground yourself with the ancient rhythms using this handcrafted Shaman drum. Available in three sizes and made with premium goat skin, this drum resonates with authentic Native American style. Its Viking Leather Style back adds a touch of elegance, making it both a musical and visual masterpiece. The frame drum is one of the most ancient musical instruments that produces a powerful and soothing sound which can deepen your meditation journey and has been proven to release endorphins.
Customer review: "Lovely! Exactly as pictured! Thank you! The sounds are amazing!"
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Includes specially crafted beater,
- Easy for beginners
Cons
- Might require regular tensioning for optimal sound
Best for decoration and healing
www.etsy.com
Many people use wind chimes outside as they find their sounds soothing, without even knowing their healing properties. These bamboo wind chimes offer a dual experience. Whether you're seeking the gentle ring of chimes or the therapeutic effects, the specific vibrations created through the sound waves are thought to release stress and relieve anxiety when absorbed by the body.
Customer review: "Great transaction, happy with the product!"
Pros
- Dual functionality
- Soothing sounds
- Decorative
Cons
- Not strictly a musical instrument to play
Best for cleansing the space
www.etsy.com
Tingsha bells are another powerful Tibetan sound healing instrument. They are often used in prayer or meditation rituals. These bells are tied together with high-quality, durable leather cord and have a deep lasting sound. They are renowned for bringing awareness to the present moment, focusing the mind, energy balancing and space clearing.
Customer review: "Good quality tingsha and received it quickly."
Pros
- Deep, long-lasting sound
- Versatile use
- Engraved with mantras.
Cons
- Only two sizes
Best for children
www.etsy.com
The Kalimba, a delightful thumb piano, offers a soothing sound reminiscent of a music box. Crafted from African peach wood, its 17 keys are easy to play, making it perfect for both beginners and more experienced players.
Customer review: "Came out just as pictured, plays great and is fun to pass around!"
Pros
- Variation of keys
- Easy to play
- High-quality materials
- Portable
- Comes with a personalisation option
Cons
- Might require tuning adjustments over time
Best soothing sound
www.gear4music.com
The Pearl 24'' Bamboo Rainstick recreates the mesmerising sound of falling rain. In traditional belief, the rainstick was believed to encourage rain to fall. Handcrafted, its bamboo shaft houses an internal spiral of tines and lava pebbles, producing a sound akin to rainfall when tilted. The sound of rain falling has always been considered a very soothing sound and is often incorporated into various types of meditation music.
Customer review: "Fantastic instruments, good communication and fast delivery. Would definitely use gear for music again."
Pros
- Authentic rain sound
- Suitable for various musical applications
- Unique burned finish.
Buyer's guide: Sound therapy instruments
Farzana Ali, a sound practitioner also known as "The Sound Therapist", has broken down how sound healing works and how to use sound healing on yourself.
How can sound heal the body?
"Sound healing has many mental, emotional and physical benefits. It works by activating your parasympathetic nervous system (this is your rest and digest response) and, in doing so, slows down your breath rate, your heart rate and even your blood pressure", Farzana tells us. "The slow sound waves from the instruments also slow down your brainwaves to ease you into a deeply restful trance-like state. All of this sends a signal to your body that you are safe and therefore allows you to fully relax."
"True healing happens when we are relaxed, and the body is not in fight or flight mode. The restful state that a sound bath induces allows the brain to process your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. It also gives the body a chance to repair itself, something which is inhibited by stress hormones such as cortisol. The result is that you feel more rested, relaxed and less anxious."
Can you do sound healing on yourself?
"Yes and no. If you are playing an instrument, then I don’t believe you can. This is because, when you are playing an instrument, you are still “thinking”, your brain is still engaged. You’re not fully letting go to the sounds you can hear."
"However, singing, chanting, humming and even gargling – utilises the most powerful sound instrument we have – our voices."
Our voice is often overlooked as an instrument, even though it is the most versatile tool that we can use, so it’s essential to remember how powerful it can be. Vocal Toning and chanting are two simple ways to get started using your voice for healing. Here is what Farzana has to say on this:
"When we sing, chant and hum – we are able to stimulate the vagus nerve. This cranial nerve makes up a huge part of our parasympathetic nervous system – so stimulating it increases what’s known as our vagal tone. A stronger vagal tone allows you to bounce back quicker from stressful events. The less stress in your life, the healthier you will become."
If you want to enjoy a more traditional form of sound healing at home, then listening to audio – such as the free one included with Farzana's upcoming book that is available for pre-order: Sound Healing: How to Use Sound to Beat Stress & Anxiety.
Tips for using crystal singing bowls and other sound healing instruments?
Crystal singing bowls are pretty expensive, so unless you are a sound therapist, then it is a hefty investment. Instead, I would invest in chimes and hang them up by a window; with the breeze, you’ll get to enjoy the calming sounds without any effort.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Spirit & Destiny, specialising in natural health, beauty, and self-development. She lives and breathes all things spirituality, travel, holistic health and wellness.
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