The Magic of Crystal Singing Bowl Healing

Crystal Singing bowls are starting to take the world by storm and have become a sort-after experience to provide deep rest and introspection - have you ever wondered why this is so? The science behind the bowls and the intention of the person playing the bowl are two key ingredients in understanding why singing bowls cast their magical spell on us.

Intention Setting
There is an old saying “where the mind goes the energy flows”. Before playing bowls, it is important to set an intention as it lays the groundwork for where the energy will flow from the person singing the bowls to the bowls themselves and then to the receiver. In a sound bath, a practitioner may set an intention quietly to themselves or guide the participants through a meditation to allow their minds to be consciously in flow with the intention. It all depends on the practitioner's style, intuition and what they wish the outcome of the session to be.

How to set an intention. 

The first step to setting an intention is to "wake up" the bowls by gently striking each bowl from highest to lowest (if playing more than one) or from the root to the crown chakra and speaking the intention for the session out loud or to yourself. After playing has finished close down the bowls by striking from highest to lowest to embed the intention and ensure the participants are settled back into their bodies. 

The Science of Crystal Singing Bowls

You may have heard that all matter in the world vibrates at different rates and, by altering the rate of the vibration we can change the structure of matter. The frequency at which crystal sound waves fluctuate impacts our bodies as a form of matter. Our brain waves change after listening to the bowls which, can induce deep, peaceful meditative states. This occurs initially in our awake (beta) state then moves into alpha (relaxed consciousness) to theta (meditative) and to delta (sleep) where deep healing can occur as the brainwaves attune to the sound. In the epigenetics of our bodies (or what is found “on top” of our DNA) the things we are not born with but carry with us can cause dis-ease or dis-harmony in our bodies. Crystal Singing bowls bring a sense of harmony to our being so we can support what is found “on top” of our DNA in a healthy manner. The bowls can also impact our biochemistry by activating our para-sympathetic nervous system, which helps to reduce anxiety and stress. 

When working with a crystal sound bowl or participating in a sound bath it is important, to note that you have control over your biochemistry. If you want to change your epigenetics, begin with setting an intention and work with the metaphysical thoughts of your mind to bring about positive change. 

Keen to Learn More?

We discuss these areas in detail in our Crystal Singing Bowls for Beginners workshops and Sound Bowl Circles that run periodically throughout the year. Our founder Robyn also holds Sound Baths regularly in her Restore classes. 

If you are keen to delve deeper into this topic, keep an eye on our events page for our workshops and classes page to experience a sound bath or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when we announce new dates.

Top Tips for Starting a Yoga Practice

So, you’re ready to start a yoga practice! Maybe you’re a beginner or you’ve been to a few studio classes and feel ready to integrate it into your daily routine. It can be intimidating starting something new - especially if you’ve looked at all the social media yogis pretzeling themselves into weird shapes. But you’ve come to the right place. At Humane Yoga, we’re all about finding ways to make a pose work for you - not the other way around. We’ve been doing this for a while, but we still remember our days as beginner yogis. We’re excited to support you on your journey - from near or far. So here are our top tips for how to start your yoga journey. 

Try out different teachers and styles 

If you’ve been to a yoga class that didn’t feel right - try another style or teacher. We’re all different, and sometimes we don’t gel with a particular person or style of practice. Maybe the Yang class felt a bit too dynamic - or you went to Restore craving movement and fell asleep. Maybe your teacher spoke too much about anatomy for your liking - or not enough! There are so many different teachers and styles out there these days. Don’t be disheartened if you didn’t love your first class. Many studios have introductory offers, trial memberships and beginners courses (including ours). So sign yourself up and taste-test all the goodness that yoga offers. 

Listen to your body

We, teachers, mean it when we say to listen to your body. That can sound a little vague at the first cause, you know - your body can’t actually speak. But as you learn to slow down and tune in - you may start to receive subtle messages from your body. As yoga teachers and human beings, we are constantly learning new things. Back in the day, yoga was taught in a much more disciplined and alignment-focused way. But these days, we know that not every body is the same, and so what works for one person won’t necessarily feel good and safe for another. When you’re in a pose, instead of looking at the person next to you or trying to copy exactly how your teacher’s body moves - try being curious about how it feels in your own body. If it hurts - don’t do it. And if you’re still unsure about something - ask your teacher after class. 

Modify and use props

As teachers, we know that the most experienced yogi in the room is probably the one taking the ‘easy’ option or using props. If your teacher gives you the option of dropping the back knee in a lunge, give it a go until you’ve built up your yoga fitness. If you’re invited into a simpler variation of a pose or to use a prop, then take it. There’s plenty of time for the fancy things later. When you first start a practice it’s a great time to get to know your body and where its parts are in space. Once you’ve worked on your proprioception and strengthened some unfamiliar muscles, you can start working a little ‘harder.’ But sometimes, the hardest thing is to go easy on yourself. 

Schedule a one-on-one session

There’s nothing quite like a private session to help you understand the fundamental building blocks of yoga. Of course, you can go to a group class, and over time you’ll learn the foundations. But a one-on-one session will give you the necessary knowledge and tips to modify your practice immediately. You can then confidently participate in group classes - or start doing yoga from home. 

Check out Humane Yoga’s upcoming foundations series for beginners and information on our private yoga sessions.