Playing Singing Bowls is not just about hearing the different tones, but also about perceiving the vibration that is triggered by Singing Bowls or gongs. Only this interaction makes it possible for us to leave everyday life behind us and focus entirely on the meditative moment. If you want to appeal to other senses during this time, you can enhance the relaxing effect by using essential oils to enjoy the peace and quiet in all its facets and forget the stresses of everyday life. The interplay of scent and sound complements each other very well. Here we explain how you can incorporate aromatic oils into your everyday life and combine them effectively with sounds and meditation.
What are essential oils?
There are countless plants on earth, each of which is truly unique. They differ in color, size, shape - and also in smell. Some of these plants contain thousands of compounds that cannot be detected with the naked eye. This is where the word "essential" comes from, which translates as "the heavenly". Essential oils are hidden in the flowers, leaves and even roots of plants. They are volatile substances that are not referred to as such because of their short fragrance duration, but because of the rapid dispersion of the individual fragrance particles that make essential oils so intense. Plants originally developed essential oils to attract insects or ward off parasites. However, we humans have also found ways to use the effects of essential oils for our own benefit. Today, aromatic oils from plants are carefully extracted by steam distillation and converted into high-quality fragrance extracts.
What effect can essential oils have?
We perceive the essential oils through our nose, which are transmitted to the brain with the help of our olfactory sensors and directly activate the neurotransmitters that release serotonin or endorphins, for example. Which neurotransmitters are activated by the transmission of the scent depends primarily on the choice of aromatic oil. Essential oils therefore have a calming or invigorating effect, for example - depending on which oil you choose. A physical reaction is also possible through the release of various messenger substances: if the body releases serotonin, you not only benefit from the resulting feeling of well-being, but also from the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect of the messenger substance.
Essential oils can also unfold their effects when applied to the skin. If you wear the fragrance on your skin, your perception is often heightened. An essential oil has a particularly intense fragrance effect, especially on areas of the body where you can feel the pulse beat from the outside. They penetrate the tissue quickly and unfold their effect directly on the spot. However, allergic reactions can also occur. Therefore, before using essential oils, always test them by placing a drop of oil in the crook of your arm and waiting approx. 3 hours. If you do not observe a reaction, you can apply the oil drop by drop. It is advisable to use essential oil very sparingly, one drop on the skin is sufficient.
How can sound exercises be combined with essential oils?
Traditionally, many cultures used a combination of sound and fragrance. And even today you can make use of the effect of essential oils when playing the Singing Bowls . Probably the best-known approach is to place a scented fountain in the room, which has been filled with selected essential oils and thus helps to achieve a mental balance. It is also possible to enter even deeper into the relaxation of the sound exercise with the help of scented oils.
Alternatively, you can place a scented cloth directly on your skin, which has previously been sprinkled with a few drops of the essential oil. If you place the scented cloth in the head area during a sound massage, for example, you will find it easier to let go of everyday life and you can focus entirely on your personal relaxation. If you are also using a sound bed, you can also place the cloth directly on a strut in the head area.
Of course, you can also use a room spray to create a pleasant fragrance experience while you play your Singing Bowls mindfully. Here we rely on Primavera essential oils, which not only impress with their outstanding intensity, but also have a direct influence on your mood - making your sound meditation an even more beautiful highlight.
Relaxation and yoga exercises with aromatic oil
There are numerous exercises for meditation and yoga that can be supplemented with an essential aromatic oil. We have summarized the most popular exercises for you here:
- Relaxation exercise for a good night's sleep: Place the Singing Bowl on your stomach immediately before going to sleep and start gently beating it. The vibration immediately triggers a relaxing effect that allows you to sleep deeply. If you supplement this exercise with a scented cloth, which you sprinkle with a few drops of lavender oil beforehand and then place in your head area, you will experience even deeper relaxation.
- Yoga exercise in a seated position (e.g. lotus position or twist position): First choose an aromatic oil that suits your general mood or evokes the mood you would like to be in. Then place a basin bowl or another Singing Bowl by your side. Now put 1-2 drops of the essential oil on the back of your hand and gently rub it into your skin. Use your hands to draw a roof over your head, working your way from top to bottom. Then start with the strike of the Singing Bowl.
- Butterfly asana: Drizzle a few drops of aromatic oil onto a cloth and place it on your chest. Then lie down with your spine on a roller or bolster, place the soles of your feet together and place your arms at the sides of your body. The Singing Bowl - preferably a heart bowl for this exercise - stands on your heart area. Now hit it and enjoy the wonderful mixture of sound and scent.
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Foot bath with Singing Bowl: For this exercise, you will need two oil variations, namely the essential oil and a so-called carrier oil. The carrier oil can be olive oil, almond oil or avocado oil, for example - the important thing is that it is a skin-caring oil. Mix the carrier oil with 2 drops of essential oil and pour this mixture into a water-filled Singing Bowl. Now place your feet in it and start applying the Singing Bowl from the outside. You will soon notice that the Singing Bowls footbath not only cares for your feet, but also invigorates your senses.
Can scented oils leave stains on my Singing Bowl ?
Certain essential oils can leave stains, so we recommend that you do not bring the oil into direct contact with your Singing Bowl - unless you fill the bowl with water first and then drizzle a few drops of essential oil into it. After such an application, you should rinse the bowl directly with water and dry it with a cloth. You should not use very viscous oils such as vetiver. These are also not suitable for our fragrance fountain.
Which scented oils are suitable for your sound meditation?
Each essential oil has its own effect on our body. To help you make the right choice for your meditation with Singing Bowls , we have compiled the most important essential oils for you here. We particularly recommend the essential oils from Primavera, with which we have also had very good experiences ourselves. You can of course also find these scented oils in our online store.
- Lavender scented oil: has a calming, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect
- Eucalyptus fragrance oilrefreshing, clarifying, uplifting, purifies the air
- Orange Fragrance Oilbalancing, mood-enhancing, refreshing, warm, sweet
- Basil fragrance oilherbaceous, sweet, fresh, green, uplifting, mood-lifting
- Grapefruit fragrance oil: fruity, fresh, promotes concentration
- Space Clearing room spray: cleansing, neutralizing, liberating
Sound and fragrance combined - use the effect for yourself!
Essential oils have been used by different peoples and cultures for centuries - often in connection with Singing Bowls, yoga and meditation. Take advantage of the effect of aromatic oils on your senses and enter a state of deep relaxation, which will become a wonderful experience for you through the interplay of sound, vibration and fragrance.