Singing bowls and meditation: what studies have found
People have meditated with singing bowls for a long time, and researchers have now started to measure what happens during a session. The early results are encouraging, and the studies are still small.
Mood and tension
In a 2017 observational study of 62 adults, people reported less tension, anger, fatigue and depressed mood after a singing bowl meditation, and a greater sense of spiritual well-being. People new to this kind of meditation reported the largest drop in tension. There was no control group, so the study cannot prove the session caused the change.
Relaxation in the body
A 2023 randomized controlled trial followed 50 adults with high anxiety scores through one 50-minute session. Compared with a waiting list and with progressive muscle relaxation, the singing bowl group showed a clearer relaxation response in heart rate variability, and a larger fall in self-reported anxiety. The groups were small, and the bowls were played live while the relaxation exercise was a recording.
The bigger picture
A 2025 systematic review brought together 14 studies. Several reported lower anxiety and changes in heart rate variability that point toward relaxation, while findings on depressive symptoms were mixed. The authors called the evidence preliminary, noting small samples and mostly short, single sessions. They suggested singing bowls may work as a complementary practice.
How to try it
You do not need special training. Sit somewhere quiet, strike the bowl gently, and listen until the sound fades. Our short guide shows you how to hold it, strike it and make it sing.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Singing bowls do not replace care from a health professional.
Sources
- Goldsby TL, Goldsby ME, McWalters M, Mills PJ. Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017.
- Rio-Alamos C, Montefusco-Siegmund R, Canete T, Sotomayor J, Fernandez-Teruel A. Acute Relaxation Response Induced by Tibetan Singing Bowl Sounds: A Randomized Controlled Trial. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 2023.
- Lin FW, Yang YH, Wang JY. Effects of Tibetan Singing Bowl Intervention on Psychological and Physiological Health in Adults: A Systematic Review. Healthcare, 2025.