Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls

Sound healing is rapidly gaining recognition internationally as an integral part of the healing process for cancer patients. It has also been effective in relieving pain and in the treatment of stress related afflictions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, insomnia, pain and depression. Mainstream medical teaching facilities like Duke University and the University of North Carolina have added programs that link body/mind and spirit to the treatment of cancer. Cancer Prevention centers are utilizing sound as a vital part of the healing process for patients with astounding results.

I, like many healers believe that illness is a manifestation of dis-harmony within the body; an imbalance in the cells or a given organ and that healing can be achieved by restoring the normal vibratory frequencies of the diseased, out-of-harmony parts of the body. Vibrational healing, especially with sound is a potent way of restoring the body to its' normal vibratory frequency.

SACRED HEART MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIET

All matter is energy vibrating at different rates and by altering the rate of vibration we can change the structure of matter. In this case the healing process is initiated by entraining our brainwaves and creating sympathetic resonance with the perfect vibrations of the bowls. When we add intention to the frequency, the healing potential is increased even more. That intention can be through prayer, chanting, and even silent focused attention, but declaring it in an audible manner is best.

Another way of saying that is the fundamental state of the universe is a state of absolute harmony. Our core state, because we are part of the natural universe is also one of harmony and great ease. When we disconnect from our core state through stress, distraction, illness and the challenges of daily life, it creates dis-ease: spiritual, physical and mental. Sound from the Tibetan bowls gently nudges us back to our natural state of blissful tranquility and alignment.

Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, director of Medical Oncology and Integrative Medicine at the Cornell Cancer Prevention Center in NY has been using sound, including Tibetan Bowls, Crystal bowls and Chanting in work with cancer patients for many years. "If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies. One reason sound heals o n a physical level is because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes. Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder."

According to an article in Spirituality and Health magazine Dr. Gaynors' research shows that the sound vibration of the bowls affects the disrhythmic motion found in cancer cells and cause a harmonious transformation. In a blind study he found that there was a 50% shorter recovery time from chemo patients for those who used the bowls regularly and that when bowls were used in the early stages of cancer, during consultations with patients, their level of anxiety and stress was greatly reduced.

Imagine how making a solid, well thought out decision about ones future would be improved in a context void of stress and anxiety. Imagine also how the ability to repeatedly connect with that sense of tranquility during the discomfort of chemotherapy increases the quality of life for cancer patients.

Research by Dr. David Simon, medical director of neurological services at Sharp Cabrillo Hospital in San Diego and medical director at the Chopra Center found that chants are chemically metabolized into 'endogenous opiates', that act on the body as internal painkillers and healing agents.

In my own research with sound using biofeedback equipment I found that the harmonics produced by the Himalayan (Tibetan) Singing Bowls have transformative abilities (brain activity, heart rate and body temperature have diminished during sessions) creating a deeply peaceful state of being while energizing the brain.

Biofeedback is a scientifically valid measurement devise used to help individuals gain voluntary control over several different Autonomic Nervous System functions. Research has shown that when breathing and heart rate are in synch this produces a resonant frequency in the body (similar to the resonance being produced by the Tibetan bowls). This is extremely beneficial for the heart and the entire body. Stress related disorders, pain, and many other disorders are predicted by whether or not a person is achieving cardio-respiratory synchrony. During sessions of Tibetan bowl sound therapy, cardio-respiratory synchrony increased dramatically as measured by J&J Engineered Biofeedback equipment. Data showed that during the sound therapy sessions there was an increase in Parasympathetic Nervous System activity and decrease in Sympathetic Nervous System drive. The relaxation response was initiated and the stress response was inhibited. This means the Autonomic Nervous System was balanced for the majority of the session. The resonance of the bowls produced slow breathing of approximately six breaths per minute which produced beneficial effects on the heart and whole body.

These results are promising in that Tibetan bowl sound therapy increases cardio-respiratory synchrony and resonance within the body. Therefore, there are many disorders that can greatly benefits from the use of Tibetan bowl sound therapy.

My clients have supported the scientific findings with reports of everything from relief from pain and discomfort, clearing of sinuses, shifting out of depression, ability to sleep (for those with insomnia), re-vitalization and clarity, feeling of well being, great connectedness and deep personal transformation. Clients report a fundamental shift in their view of phenomenon space, accentuated clarity of mind and body, enhanced creativity, vigor, joy and sense of peace."

It is important to look at what healing really is and what the difference is between healing and curing. A cure is the "complete biological resolution of a diseased state", according to Dr Gaynor in his book "The Healing Power of Sound". Healing, however has more far reaching implications that occur on emotional, spiritual and physical levels. It is a regenerative process married to a spiritual awakening that can have profound consequences on illness, disease and all aspects of our lives.

Himalayan or Tibetan Singing bowls have been traced to the shamanistic Bon tradition which predates Buddhism by thousands of years. Dr. Gaynor mentions in an article in Shamans Drum magazine that the reason sound (and chanting) are still used in shamanistic cultures is that the sound induces trance states of consciousness conducive to healing. The ancient Himalayan Bowls are made from a consecrated seven metal alloy which, when skillfully stimulated, produce five individual and simultaneous tones, each at its own consistent frequency, which vibrational-ly dance with each other. The raw materials were collected, smelted and purified, cast, reheated and hammered into shape and tone. Mantras or sacred chants were sung and infused intent into the bowls. Their sound synchronizes sentient brain waves and creates a therapeutic effect upon the mind/body realization. .

Singing Bowls, produce the primordial sound of 'AUM': The fundamental utterance of energy metamorphosing into matter. They alter space, mind and time; awakening cellular memory and healing the energy body. The act of listening to their captivating overtones effectively stops one's internal dialog, the 'Monkey Mind'. The individual is transported into a space of tranquility and balance where the 'Universal Chord', found within each self, is touched, joined with and understood. The Universal Chord if you will, that is the primordial substance from which our whole reality is made and from which our Universe originated. Although the vibrational energy of the bowls can be directed to a specific area for healing purposes, they work more on a fundamental level.

These instruments are used within meditations and physical vibrational healing techniques. Their harmonic resonance is used to:

- reduce stress and pain

- balance energy

- create vitality synchronization and spontaneous healing.

- effectively alter consciousness into a peaceful and expansive meditative state. (trance induction)

- meditation

Diane Mandle is a Certified Sound Healer based in Southern California. She maintains an integrated Body/Mind private practice and conducts presentations and concerts nation wide on healing using the Himalayan bowls. She can be reached at 760-944-3441 or info@soundenergyhealing.com. Her CD "Return to OM" is available on her website at http://www.soundenergyhealing.com

References

Spirituality & Health, Aug 2003

Shaman's Drum, Number 63, 2002

Richard Rudis (Sacred Sound Workshops)

Johathan Goldman, "Sound Healing"

Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls

SACRED HEART MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIET

A Book Review on "Quantum Healing - Exploring the Frontiers of Mind-Body Medicine" by Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra is a well-renowned medical doctor trained both in India and the U.S. Currently in endocrinology, he was also the former chief of staff of New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham, Massachusetts and the founding president of the American Association of Ayurvedic Medicine. His insights on both Western and Eastern medicine give him a more complete and well-rounded understanding on the origin of disease.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, thought nature cured disease and although modern medicine is necessary for emergency purposes, it has recently taken a 90° turn away from Hippocrates original vision. The turn has been toward drugs and surgery, but many of today's modern diseases can be prevented with maintaining a healthy mind and body. These solutions lack long-term sustainability and lack the intelligence of the body. Understanding this requires a different approach called "quantum healing". Deepak Chopra describes quantum healing as "the ability of one mode of consciousness (the mind) to spontaneously correct the mistakes of another consciousness (the body)."

SACRED HEART MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIET

The Quantum perspective began with Einstein, who found that nature was not always predictable and expanded upon Newton's straight-line physics. Planck discovered the measurable nature of energy, which transforms non-matter into matter, time into space and mass into energy. Later Irish physicist, John Bell, and English astronomer, Sir Arthur Eddington, both believed in a connection between our thoughts and the universe. An invisible force turns thought (non-material) into form (material). We know neurotransmitters perfectly match up the mind with the body and DNA builds RNA, a mirror-image copy of DNA, which carries out tasks in the body. From the quantum perspective, as we think and feel, we create chemical changes in the brain that set-off a chain reaction of bodily responses. Both good and bad thoughts alter the field of intelligence and thus the body for better or for worse. In this way, our stream of consciousness is the free circulation of intelligence between the mind and body.

Ayurveda is a medical perspective whereby symptoms are controlled by attention. In Ayurveda, every part of the body correlates to certain herbs, colors, minerals and even sounds. The use of meditation and techniques such as primordial sound are implored to initiate healing. Meditation brings awareness of thought patterns while primordial sound uses one vibration to heal another. Usually Om, pronounced AUM, is the vibration or sound used to represent the collective vibration or sound of all living things and is a way to connect to your true undistorted self. Ayurveda differs from Western Medicine in that it believes the war (disease) begins inside the body. Louis Pasteur's germ theory, the cornerstone of Western Medicine, believes the war (disease) begins outside the body. However, if even Louis Pasteur himself admitted that his controversial theory was wrong on his death bed. Don't you think its time for us to give up his theory?

Love and compassion are our highest qualities and in this state, we cannot contradict ourselves. True love and compassion for ourselves and all other beings enables us to live in accordance with nature. One way we manifest love and compassion for all is with what we eat. We can eat in support of nature and ourselves, but the ultimate gatekeeper of health is the mind. Carcinogens, stress, chemicals, fatty and processed or sugary foods, and diets high in animal protein can all induce cancer, but ultimately the body can restore itself. In the medical field, spontaneous healings are rare and not well-understood. Such unpredictable recoveries occur at the quantum level & are beyond what modern science can measure or record, they are formless.

The wisdom of the ancient Rishis of India was recorded in the ancient Vedic texts & predated the Egyptian pyramids by thousands of years. These texts revealed many of the concept found in quantum healing and Ayurveda. The Rishis discussed three subjective states of consciousness: waking, sleeping and dreaming and a fourth, non-subjective state attained only during meditation or prayer. This fourth state is known as our most natural state and from here we can destroy our illusions and rest in our own true nature. The Rishis also believed that all beings were not restricted by time and space, but were infinite. So think and feel from the heart not with the head, think good thoughts and feel good. Act in accordance with nature and nature will always provide for you in many ways. "In the deeper reality beyond space and time, we may be all members of one body." -Sir James Jeans

A Book Review on "Quantum Healing - Exploring the Frontiers of Mind-Body Medicine" by Deepak Chopra

SACRED HEART MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIET

The Healing Power of a Loving Touch Can Prevent And Cure Heart Disease

Every time someone touches us with loving care or we do the same for someone else, an emotional exchange takes place that profoundly nourishes the heart. The expressions "He touched my heart", "I felt so touched by his words", or "It was so touching to see my old friend again", show that the sense of touch is closely related to our physical and emotional heart, which is also the center of our being. To touch and to be touched is as essential to health as a balanced diet, if not more.

When American researchers discovered that prematurely born babies who are stroked three times a day increased their weight by 49 percent, they had unintentionally discovered the loving touch. As it turned out, loving touch - the scientific expression is 'kinesthetic tactile stimulation' - became recognized as an effective method to reduce the time and cost of a baby's stay in hospital. Loving touch (I prefer to use the less sterile and more human term for this precious gift of God) stimulated the babies' production of growth hormones and thereby improved utilization of nutrients from the daily food ratio. The researchers did not realize that they had stumbled upon a major technique of healing that could be applied successfully to the young and the old, the healthy and the sick, and not only for prevention, but also for cure.

SACRED HEART MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIET

In the human body, the sense of touch is so highly developed that it can detect or sense everything it comes into contact with, like radar. By unconsciously picking up other people's pheromones (chemicals produced by the body that signals its presence to others) and/or 'touching' their aura, your body can identify who is friendly, honest and loving or cold-hearted, deceitful, and aggressive.

The body may instantly translate all that information into powerful chemical responses that can make you either feel well or ill. These internal responses, however, also depend on your interpretation of the experience. Muscle testing can verify whether your interpretation is correct. You may think of a person and check with your muscles whether this person has a positive influence on you or not. A weak muscle indicates that your relationship with this person may disturb your balance and energy field. Merely thinking of a person gives you enough physical responses to decide whether you want to be with that person or not.

There are multiple forms of touch that can have profound healing effects. The Ayurvedic oil massage, for example, has been proven to open clogged arteries because of its deeply penetrating and detoxifying action. However, the purely physical part of this kind of touch is only partly responsible for this healing phenomenon. By touching your body with the intention to improve its health, it automatically senses that you love and appreciate yourself and your life; otherwise, you would not do it. Love carries the highest frequency of energy, and, when present in the depth of your heart, it triggers a strong healing response by releasing endorphins (hormones produced by the body that stop pain and make you feel good) and other healing drugs throughout the body, similar to the ones a breast-fed baby receives from its mother.

If you want to help a sick person, but do not know how, hold his/her hand in yours, or gently hold or massage his/her feet. This does more to help the person's condition than any amount of sympathetic words could do. The body remembers a loving touch more vividly than spoken words and it reproduces the same drugs whenever it links into the 'touching' feeling through remembering.

Heart patients especially need to feel that they are loved and cared for because their hearts have lost the sweetness of life that is mostly present in a committed and loving relationship where emotional exchange is most common. Many heart disease victims have isolated themselves from such intimacy before they became ill, by overloading themselves with work, commitments, deadlines, and too many social engagements. By rediscovering the secrets of loving touch, they can once again connect to the circuit of love that supplies the only frequency the heart needs in order to function properly and efficiently, that is, the love frequency.

Loving touch opens the heart. It is the kind of touch that gives without expecting anything in return. It is the kind of touch that can create miracles. Each one of us has this healing gift; it is only a matter of acknowledging that you have it, which is a prerequisite for being able to use it. Give your touch freely and without reservations, for it is one of the few gifts that can make you truly happy, too. It may feel nice to be loved by someone, but it is most important to express love to others, in whatever form is possible. You always have the choice to touch someone with your kindness, generosity, and honesty, and feel so much better for it. This opens your heart. Only a closed heart can be broken or attacked.

Living your whole life without the danger of suffering a heart attack is more your choice than something that just happens to you. Take care of your heart and it will take care of you.

The Healing Power of a Loving Touch Can Prevent And Cure Heart Disease

SACRED HEART MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DIET