Dogs Love Bowls
Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls
Promoting Peace and Relaxation for All Animals
Jan was first inspired to start Sound Healing for animals while volunteering at a dog shelter in Massachusetts. Desperate to find a way to alleviate some of the stress inherent to life at a shelter, and knowing that music has an effect on animals, she wondered if the mellow sounds of her Tibetan singing bowls might provide a welcome break for these dogs. The results were very positive, and since then, Jan travels through Massachusetts and New Hampshire bringing peace and relaxation to as many animals as possible!
How does it work?
Sound Healing is a therapeutic modality which promotes profound relaxation and healing throughout the body. The mellow tones tap into the “rest and digest” part of the nervous system. The singing bowls’ vibrations decrease heart rate and release tension in the body.
The various sound frequencies resonate with different parts of the brain and body. If you’ve ever done yoga or a similar practice, you may be familiar with the energy centers in the body called “chakras”. Well, animals have more than humans!
Along with those found in humans (Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral and Root) there is another major energy center in animals called the “Brachial chakra”. This is located on either side of the animal in the area of the shoulders and is the center which relates to human-animal interaction.
“Bud chakras” are found one on each foot and at the base of the opening of the ears. These areas are sensitive to energies coming from the ground, and even changes in weather.
History of sound healing
The first reported use of sound healing was by the ancient Egyptians around 200 B.C. They used single vowel chants, such as “Ohmm” for healing. There are also records of musical instruments, the sistrum and the harp, being used at healing temples to produce these tones. These temples were often built with specific accousic properties to amplify the healing tones.
Another instance of ancient sound healing took place among the Aboriginal people of Australia around 40,000 years ago with the use of the didgeridoo. The low-frequency sounds and rich harmonics were thought to have theraputic even healing benefits.
Tibetan Monks have used historically singing bowls during healing rituals. The bowls are played by striking or rotating a mallet around the rim, creating vibrations that resonate with the body's energy centers, or “chakras”. The vibrations from the singing bowls act like "tuning forks" for the body, helping to restore balance and harmony to the body as well as reducing anxiety and tension.
Who likes singing bowls?
Along with the deep human history of Sound Healing, dogs, horses, goats, sheep, and many other animals enjoy the beautiful tones. The sounds can impart a deep sense of well-being. And no, it doesn’t hurt their ears!
What to expect during a singing bowl session
Once we get started, it’s pretty simple.
First, we find a location where the animal can be comfortable as they will most likely wish to lie down and deeply relax.
I will then begin by playing gentle sounds, identifying which appeals to the animals. Sometimes this takes about 15 minutes, or sometimes they “drop in” right away. They are individuals and will tell me what they like.
Once we have established the correct tones, animals will most likely lie down and enjoy the relaxation for as long as 45 minutes. They will let me know when they are done!
Playing for animals is my favorite thing to do – it is so lovely to see their peaceful faces and it is a relaxing time for their humans as well!
Want to learn more or schedule a singing bowl session?
Fill out this form or send me an email and I’ll get in touch!
janday1singer@gmail.com