So you've attended a sound bath, and you've fallen in love. Not only do you want to attend more of these magical sessions, you also feel called to create these soothing, transformational experiences. Does this sound familiar?
You're not alone; sound healing is a powerful modality that has been used by healers around the world for centuries. Healing vibrations of sound can help you release stress and anxiety, transmute old patterns, feel aligned and empowered, and improve your mood and well-being. If you're craving more of these transcendent experiences, you can attend more sound healing with crystal singing bowls sessions or create your own healing sound bath experiences. You may have even purchased your own crystal singing bowls and need guidance on where to start.
Here's how to get started playing crystal singing bowls for healing sound baths:
Choosing the Right Crystal Bowls
The first step to playing crystal singing bowls for sound healing is to choose the right bowl. Quality and materials matter when it comes to both creating healing sounds and each crystal's healing quality.
Quality and Material of Your Crystal Singing Bowls
When looking for the right crystal bowls for your sound bath, seek high-quality ones sold from a trusted source. For both sound and energetic purposes, it is best if the bowl is made from at least 99% pure quartz crystal. Whether the bowl is clear or frosted crystal also matters as it will affect the sound. Frosted crystal bowls typically produce a deeper sound and vibrate longer. Clear crystal bowls and Alchemy Crystal bowls can have a more ethereal sound that resonates expansively.
To review, here's what you should look for in a crystal singing bowl:
High-quality crystal
Trusted source
Pure quartz crystal
Keep in mind that frosted and clear crystal sound bowls produce different sounds
Selecting the Size of Your Crystal Singing Bowls
The size of your crystal singing bowl is one of the most important factors when it comes to determining the energy it will transmit. The larger your singing bowl, the deeper and more grounding its resonance and vibrational quality will typically be. Smaller bowls will have a higher pitch sound that has more of an activating or accelerating energy. There is no right or wrong choice, it's okay to start with a bowl that produces a sound that moves you and build the rest of your set from there. As you learn more about the properties of singing bowls and music theory techniques that support sound healing, you can build your collection of crystal singing bowls to create more dynamic sound healing experiences.
Playing Techniques for Crystal Singing Bowls
When you first get your crystal singing bowl, you can explore different techniques to see what kind of sound and healing experience they create for you and your loved ones. To learn more about the various playing techniques for crystal singing bowls, sign up for a sound healer's training program to learn from experienced practitioners.
Here are some of the basic techniques for playing your crystal singing bowls. As you begin to explore these techniques, take some time to really feel how each technique moves you and shifts your energy. You can even record your practice sessions and re-visit them later so that you can close your eyes and truly relax into your own sound healing experience.
Chime the Bowl
Hold the wand gently like a pencil and chime about two inches below the bowl's rim.
Experiment with different points on the bowl to produce different tones and vibrations.
Swirl the Bowl
Hold the wand comfortably like a pencil, place it on the rim of the bowl at about a 45 degree angle and gently move it around the bowl's rim.
Apply consistent pressure and maintain a steady speed to produce a continuous sound.
Release after 1-3 swirls and allow the sound to expand as the bowl sings.
Combine Multiple Crystal Bowls
Experiment with playing multiple crystal bowls simultaneously to create harmonious and layered sounds.
Explore different combinations of notes and sizes to create a diverse and immersive sound bath experience.
Preparing for a Sound Bath Session
Once you feel proficient in playing your singing bowls, you can embark on your first sound bath session. With sound baths, it is incredibly important that attendees (including yourself!) feel comfortable and safe.
Setting the Ambiance for Your Sound Bath
Set your space by creating a calm and peaceful environment for the sound bath session; use tools such as lighting, fabrics, and scents to make the experience as relaxing as possible.
Pay attention to the acoustics in the room and situate yourself accordingly. Arrange your crystal bowls in a circular or semi-circular formation for optimal sound distribution.
Clearing and Cleansing Your Crystal Singing Bowls
Before heading into your first sound bath session, you want to ensure that your bowls have been cleared of any negative or stagnant energy so as not to distribute this to the attendees. Ground yourself with a few deep breaths and then cleanse the bowls with intention and gratitude before each sound bath session.
There is no one right way to create a healing sound bath, but there are important guidelines that will help support you in creating a peaceful experience - such as beginning your session with your deepest or most grounding bowl or playing notes that create grounding intervals such as a 4th or 5th.
To learn more about the art, science, and music theory of sound healing, apply for The Sound Healer's Academy, an immersive three-month virtual sound healing certification program that is designed to help you unlock your full potential as a sound healer. The program covers every aspect of crystal sound healing, from understanding the art and science of sound healing to playing crystal singing bowls, designing customized sessions, and building your own healing business; this training equips you with the tools, knowledge, and experience needed for success as a sound healer.
