What exactly is a singing bowl massage?
We’re surrounded by sounds and vibrations all day long. We can sense which sound massages are soothing for us and which are less so. It makes a difference whether I’m standing at a busy traffic-light intersection waiting for the green light as a pedestrian, or pampering myself with a singing bowl massage while comfortably lying on a massage table to treat myself. Singing bowls have been around for about 3,000 years. It is believed that they spread from East Asia all the way to India. Indian texts describe how the sounds and vibrations of singing bowls in Indian medicine affect the person being treated. They become more relaxed, open, and willing to accept the recommended treatments. Today, singing bowl massages are offered as a form of support in various institutions—such as rehabilitation clinics, preschools, senior living facilities, and palliative care and hospice facilities—either in group sessions or as individual sessions.
How did you come to discover singing bowl massage? What fascinates you about it?
I discovered singing bowls for myself while exploring complementary and alternative approaches to medicine. I experienced their effects on me firsthand and underwent intensive training. When I arrived on the island in 2011, the rehabilitation clinics, with their holistic approach, were my first port of call. I was able to convince the chief physicians of the potential of singing bowl massage and was hired by several rehabilitation clinics. I really enjoy working with the clinics. Through group sound journeys, I can reach many people. That’s where I see my purpose. Later, I also began offering individual sessions and gradually expanded my services—as a relaxation trainer, Reiki master, and ZaZen meditation instructor.
How does a singing bowl massage work?
First, I ask my clients what brought them to me. If they don’t have any specific concerns, I offer to provide a classic relaxation singing bowl massage. My clients decide for themselves which bowls are right for them. I play all the bowls in sequence and let them intuitively select the ones that resonate with them. That’s very important to me. I then place the chosen bowls on the body one by one and let the person experience the sound and the vibrations. Most people are able to relax wonderfully and let go during this process. Afterward, it’s always very exciting for me to hear what people experienced during the sound journey. That way, I can provide them with answers to their impressions and questions.
Who comes to see you? What do your clients hope to gain from a singing bowl journey?
It varies greatly. At the rehabilitation clinics on Usedom, singing bowls are used in psychosomatic medicine and in mother-child rehabilitation programs. Singing bowl journeys can also be very helpful in grief counseling, as well as for trauma or depression. The individual sessions are mostly attended by guests who want to treat themselves while on vacation. Many come back every year. I had a particularly memorable experience with a man who came to see me with his six-year-old blind son. He wanted to know if singing bowls could have a positive effect on the boy. We placed the boy inside various singing bowls so he could experience the sound and vibrations directly through his feet. The boy was instantly transformed—he didn’t want to get out at all. I’ll never forget the boy’s beaming face and his father’s emotion. After a few sessions, I advised the family on where to buy singing bowls and how they could use them with their son at home.
