Maybe you've heard of, or even seen, Himalayan singing bowls (sometimes called Tibetan singing bowls). Or perhaps you've attended a sound bath with crystal singing bowls or a gong.
But when you hear the phrase "Vibrational Sound Therapy," you might stop to wonder what exactly this technique is, where it started, and how it works.
Vibrational Sound Therapy 101
Vibrational Sound Therapy (VST) is a method of using singing bowls on and around the body for therapy and relaxation. The process combines powerful vibration and tones to induce an immediate relaxed state.
Although therapeutic singing bowls look very similar to traditional Himalayan singing bowls, these therapeutic singing bowls are designed specifically for VST.
In fact, they are engineered to provide vibration over sound. Shaped and finished in a way that creates vibrations, each vibration travels down into the body rather than up and out to become sound. This makes the tones of a therapeutic singing bowl more subdued while the vibrations feel stronger.
Benefits of Vibrational Sound Therapy
Quickly introducing deep meditative states
Reducing depression and sleep issues
Easing blockages and tension
Entraining the brain
Reducing stress
Raising focus and gaining a clear mind
Calming the mind, body, and spirit in conjunction
Boosting Creativity
Origins of VST
This technique was developed by Vibrational Sound Association founder Jeff Howard. After using singing bowls on the body for therapy, he noticed a lack of any established protocols for sound therapy.
He developed his technique for VST using therapeutic singing bowls in 2014 and launched the Vibrational Sound Association.
How Does VST Work?
The vibrations and tones provided by the singing bowls allow your brain to drop into slower, more relaxed brain wave states.
It’s incredible how quickly this can occur during a session, and how your brain will entrain to the vibrations and drop into slower brain wave states more quickly with each successive session.
Understanding Our Brain Wave States
The chart below shows our different brain wave states. We spend most of our time in a Beta state. We are active, walking, talking, and interacting with others. This is a state of being alert so we can respond to stimuli around us.
During meditation and other relaxation activities, however, we can drop into Alpha or even Theta states. VST can allow your brain to automatically drop into slower brain wave states during a session. This allows your mind and body to take advantage of the healing effects of these slower brain wave states.
What Should I Expect During a Sound Session?
During a VST session, you will lie comfortably, fully clothed, on a massage table.
The practitioner will place the bowls on your body—1-2 at a time—and gently activate them with a soft mallet. You will hear the soothing tones and feel the vibrations.
Just like with Reiki healing or a massage, you’ll want to drink plenty of water after the session and take gentle care of yourself to allow the healing and relaxation to integrate.
Where Can I Find Sound Therapy Near Me?
At Moïta Therapeutics, our mission is simple: we aim to bring healing to others through VST, Reiki healing energy, and essential oils. We currently offer 25 and 50-minute sound sessions, so you can experience the benefits of VST yourself.
In fact, some of our clients have reported deep relaxation, improvements in processing old trauma and anxieties, and clearing of energetic blockages.
If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of VST, contact us at info@moitatherapeutics.com.
To book an appointment, you can do that online, or call us at (612) 888 -2184. We'll help you choose a date and time that works best for your schedule.