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The field of sound healing has always been eclectic, encompassing both passive and active participation. Listening to specially composed music is one modality. Making tones with your voice is another. Making sustained tones with singing bowls, bells, and tuning forks are other ways--are ones that are exploding in popularity. There are several reasons: these "instruments" or sound tools, are easy to play, and you can feel an effect right away. Hitting a bell, bowl or gong to produce a tone is one of the most ancient sonic psycho-technologies, included in many cultures and spiritual traditions, from Tibet and China to the Catholic Church. However, since they don't produce "music" as defined in Western European classical terms, they have generally been ignored in terms of research and recommendations. Until now. Many bodyworkers are discovering that these tools can add a significant dimension to their healing work. Many individuals have discovered the joy of having at least one metal or crystal bowl at home as a meditation and "tuning" aid. Many are now also discovering the world of tuning forks. Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls About 15 years ago, information came through a channeled source that resulted in technology to create bowls out of pure quartz crystal. The tones they produce are typically very clear, without the pulsations that metallic bowls produce when they are rubbed around the edge. It's not that one is necessarily better than the other, but there is a difference. And more and more people are discovering that these crystal instruments can have specific applications for massage and other forms of bodywork, chakra activation, and as an aid in general meditation. Until recently, most bowls were of the frosted variety. Now, there are also clear bowls, as well as Indigo, Egyptian blue, and Moldavite bowls. Each has a unique tone and effect. At the San Francisco. New Age Expo, produced once again by Kenny Kaufmann, I was amazed at how popular this booth was. If you missed them, check them out on the web at www.crystalsingingbowls.com At the Expos, of course, the high noise level in the exhibit hall makes it hard to fully experience the effect. Happily, you can discuss with them on the phone which bowl might be best for you on the phone (l-800 358-9492) or visit them at www.crystalsingingbowls.com. The beauty of these "instruments" is that you don't need years of formal music training. However, there are subtle hints in the way you hold the mallet, the angle of your wrist and elbow, how fast you move your hand, etc. It's also true that you may find that a particular bowl "feels better" than another which might feel great to someone else. As of yet, there is no way to predict that...you just have to experience it. Playing one bowl is wonderful. Playing several together with friends, or in a crystal bowl meditation group is a new kind of jam session. I consider it a nice balance to the more active and dynamic drum circles. In addition to playing several bowls that have quite different pitches together, there is a whole world to explore by playing bowls that are tuned very close to each other. In this case, the fast pulsing sound seems to act as a sonic portal, opening up emotional and physical blockages. Playing bowls that are octaves apart opens up other possibilities. Although some writers state that their way is the best way, I find that the more options we have, the better. Why limit yourself? Play bowls, drum, use your voice, listen to special music ... find what works best for you. Tuning Forks Tuning forks are another manifestation of sound healing instruments. Dr John Beaulieu's book, Music and Sound in the Healing Arts, presents a useful introduction. John teaches workshops and offers trainings with a video series as well. For more information, visit his website at www.bisonicenterprises.com or call his distributor, High Vibes Distribution at 1-800-168-4434 for a free catalog. Acutonics is another group now also offering training and a uniquely tuned set of forks. They offer a harmonic approach to health care Visit them at www.acutonics.com. They have been researching the effects of placing various combinations of tuning forks on specific areas of the body, including specific acupuncture and acupressure points. These access the body's meridian and chakra subtle energy systems, and helps you re-align to a higher internal state of balance. It will be interesting to see what kind of research comes out in the future. One of the most respected subtle energy researchers, Dr. William Tiller, has just published a new book that explores the power of intention. In my next newsletter, I will share some of his groundbreaking work. Suffice it to say that it's now more clear than ever how the attitude of a researcher can affect the outcome of a study. As Dr Larry Dossey points out in his bestselling books on prayer, we are just at the beginning of a major breakthrough in our understanding of the subtle dimensions of energy. I know that this new dimension of exploration will also help explain some of the more subtle effects of music, which have typically been ignored by most researchers and writers. In the meanwhile, the only way you will know what works for you is to try them yourself. Enjoy the process. It's very likely that there is a store in your town that carries some of these for you to try before you buy. If not, encourage your stores to consider carrying them. So stay tuned--and keep some good healing sounds in your life. Steven Halpern is the leading composer of music for healing and "sound health". His latest releases are Chakra Suite, an expansion of his New Age chakra-balancing classic, Spectrum Suite and Transitions: Music for Solace and Comfort. Hear samples at www.innerpeacemusic.com. |
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