Pandemics, wars, and a tumultuous economy— the last few years have left us all craving some deep relaxation. But achieving ahhh-some serenity is easier said than done, even if you live in a paradise such as Maui. And especially if you’re juggling a stressful job, plodding your way through school, or constantly running in circles after your toddler.
But what if I told you there was a sure-fire, scientifically-backed antidote to the pressures of the world? You can remedy your relaxation woes at Maui Singing Bowl— one of the world’s largest singing bowls.
What Is Maui Singing Bowl?
Maui Singing Bowl is a massive singing bowl— measuring almost six feet in diameter. As you lie just below the rim in a hammock, a practitioner strikes the bowl every 15 seconds for 20 minutes, creating a reverberating “OM” sound. The sound sends thousands of frequencies through your body while you rest, suspended in the bowl.
The Maui Singing Bowl is originally from Switzerland. The bowl was once a special amenity at the Palace Hotel in Luzern. Sessions in the singing bowl would cost almost $200 for a mere ten minutes, and the bowl was so popular that appointments were often all booked up.
When the singing bowl’s current owners first experienced the bowl, they knew they had to bring it back to share with the visitors and people of Maui. After years of negotiation (and a hefty shipping fee, I’m sure— the bowl is made of solid bronze and weighs over one ton), the giant singing bowl has found its permanent home in Wailea, Maui.
But Wait…What Is A Singing Bowl?
A singing bowl is a bowl that, when struck, produces a deep, resonant sound through vibrations. They’re typically made from bronze, crystal, or a melange of metals. Singing bowls are often used during sound therapy sessions like sound baths.
The bowls have an ambiguous history. No one can seem to nail down the exact chronology of singing bowls, adding to their mystique. The general consensus is that singing bowls originated in Mesopotamia about 5,000 years ago. It is believed that singing bowls were initially used for serving food and mixing herbs for medicine. The bowls eventually spread across Asia to India, Nepal, Tibet, and China.
Some people believe that Tibetan monks used singing bowls as a powerful spiritual tool in secret rituals. However, the history of singing bowls in Tibet is, at best, murky. Regardless of their use throughout history, singing bowls are thought to be one of humankind’s oldest artisan crafts— and now, holistic healers worldwide are turning to singing bowls.
What Are The Benefits Of Singing Bowls?
Primarily, singing bowls aid in relaxation. The sound produced by the bowl is said to assist in meditation and evoke a sense of calm.
But here’s the crazy part: some people claim that singing bowls have helped alleviate troubling mental and physical problems. Countless testimonials report improved blood pressure, anxiety, chronic pain, asthma, and even relief from symptoms caused by fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s.
Depending on your beliefs, singing bowls might seem a little New Agey and their healing powers far-fetched. But as more people turn to holistic alternatives, some scientists are dabbling in sound healing studies.
Scientists at the University of San Diego conducted a study on the effects of singing bowl meditation on mood, tension, anxiety, physical pain, and spiritual well-being. They found “a significant difference in all endpoints examined in response to the meditation.” See for yourself here.
What’s more, Dr. Lee Bartel— a music and health professional at the University of Toronto— discovered that “stimulating cells with sound can reduce the risk and impact of some common health problems.” He has a great Ted Talk if you want to learn more. Pretty interesting stuff, eh?
How Does It All Work?
Sound waves emit frequencies, which are measured in hertz (Hz).
Your brain, coincidentally, emits frequencies as well. During your day-to-day, the neurons in your brain like to operate around 40 Hz— putting you in a state called “Beta” or “Gamma.” When you’re extremely relaxed or sleeping, your brain emits much lower frequencies, putting you in “Theta” or “Delta.”
Now, some small-scale studies have concluded that several frequencies of singing bowls do, in fact, influence brainwaves. Singing bowls have the potential to change one’s brain waves from “Beta” down to “Theta” or “Delta”— stimulating deep relaxation.
Additionally, the circuits in your noggin require steady brainwaves to function properly. When circuits don’t work correctly, “bad things happen,” according to Dr. Bartel. This is when you’ll start seeing neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
So, it’s not unfathomable to think that singing bowls could provide some potential relief to those suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, and neurological disorders by altering brain waves— as Dr. Bartel’s research asserts.
What Will My Maui Singing Bowl Experience Be Like?
Now that we’ve learned about singing bowls: imagine yourself suspended in a cozy hammock over the largest singing bowl in the world with thousands of resonant frequencies flowing to your brain and through your body.
Before you get here, you’ll be greeted by one of Maui Singing Bowl’s friendly practitioners, given a plush cotton robe to change into, and guided into the airy bowl room. As you get settled in the hammock, take note of the frequencies coded on the inside of the bowl.
Once your session begins, the practitioner will strike the bowl every 15 seconds for 20 minutes. Most people end up in a deeply relaxed state, so after the last strike of the bowl, you’ll stay suspended for another ten minutes. This allows you ample recovery time.
Whether you’re interested in holistic health or seeking much-needed relaxation, the Maui Singing Bowl is worth trying. You can find Maui Singing Bowl at:
Maui Singing Bowl
161 Wailea Ike Drive
Kihei, HI 96753
808-330-8227
Born and raised on Maui, I have a deep love for language and writing. At present, I work as a content writer at Hawaii Web Group, where I have the opportunity to showcase my passion for storytelling. Being a part of Hawaiian culture, storytelling holds a special place, and I am thrilled to be able to share the tales of the amazing people, beautiful locations, and fascinating customs that make Maui such an incredible place to call home.
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