Understanding better the therapy tools' 'terminology'
Himalayan Singing Bowls
Himalayan Singing bowls (also known as Tibetan Singing Bowls) are classified as standing bells that sit with the bottom surface resting. The sides and rim of singing bowls vibrate to produce sound characterized by a fundamental frequency (first harmonic) and usually two audible harmonic overtones (second and third harmonic).
According to singing bowl researcher Joseph Feinstein, singing bowls were traditionally used in Asia and the tradition of making sound with bronze bowls could go back 3,000 or more years to the bronze-age. Throughout the ages, most spiritual gatherings and places of worship have incorporated the power of the sound of the bells in their services.
Singing bowls are used worldwide for meditation, music, relaxation, personal well-being. They are used by a wide range of professionals, including health professionals, school teachers, musicians and spiritual teachers. Singing bowls are used in health care by psychotherapists, massage therapists, cancer specialists, stress and meditation specialists.
Singing bowls were historically made throughout Asia, especially Nepal, China and Japan. They are traditionally hand made in a wonderful combination of 7 different metals which create 7 different distinct tones. According to tradition, the seven metals correspond with each of the solar system bodies: gold for the Sun, silver for the Moon, mercury for Mercury, copper for Venus, iron for Mars, tin for Jupiter, and lead for Saturn.
Tuning Forks
A tuning fork is an acoustic resonator in the form of a two-pronged fork with the prongs (tines) formed from a U-shaped bar of elastic metal (usually steel).
It resonates at a specific constant pitch when set vibrating by striking it against a surface or with an object, and emits a pure musical tone once the high overtones die out. The pitch that a particular tuning fork generates depends on the length and mass of the two prongs. The main reason for using the fork shape is that, unlike many other types of resonators, it produces a very pure tone, with most of the vibrational energy at the fundamental frequency.
Tuning forks work therapeutically through the physics principles of resonance and entrainment: initially they resonate with whatever dissonance they encounter, but after a few moments the orderly sine wave produced by the fork overtakes the dissonance being produced by the body. It has a modulating effect, settling the frequency down if it is too elevated, stimulating it if it is under-functioning.
Universal Energy
In Hindu philosophy including yoga, Indian medicine, and martial arts, Prana (the Sanskrit word for "life force") comprises all cosmic energy, permeating the Universe on all levels. Prana is often referred to as the "life force" or "life energy". It also includes energies present in inanimate objects. In the Hindu literature, prana is sometimes described as originating from the Sun and connecting the elements of the Universe.
Prana is typically divided into multiple constituent parts, in particular when concerned with the human body. While not all early sources agree on the names or number of these subdivisions, the most common list includes five types (known as vāyus): Prana (inward moving energy), apana (outward moving energy), vyana (circulation of energy), udana (energy of the head and throat), and samana (digestion and assimilation).
In living beings, this universal energy is considered responsible for all bodily functions through these five types of prana. Indologist Georg Feuerstein explains, "The Chinese call it chi, the Polynesians mana, the American Indians orenda, and the ancient Germans od. It is an all-pervasive 'organic' energy”. Hence, universal energy or chi is that vital energy that is held to animate the body internally. From a Quantum Physics perspective, physicists discovered that our physical “reality” consists of atoms, which are numerous vortexes of spinning and vibrating energy that is similar to a tornado.
Crystal Energy & Healing
Crystal healing is an alternative medical technique in which crystals and other stones are used to cure ailments and protect against disease. Crystals act as conduits for healing — allowing positive, healing energy to flow into the body as negative, disease-causing energy flows out.
For thousands of years, ancient civilizations have utilized the power of crystals to release mental, physical and spiritual blockages, thus facilitating the free flow of energy throughout the body. Throughout history, metaphysicians and healers have used them to alter the flow of energy in the physical world.
On a cellular level, our bodies and quartz crystals are both made up of mineral silicon-dioxide. Because of this, we are naturally receptive to the vibrations of crystals as they transmit, reflect, store light and receive energy. When crystals are placed directly on your body, they have a powerful vibratory effect that surges from the crystal to you. According to the law of physics, thoughts direct energy and energy follows thought. Selected crystal energy pieces serve as a tool to help the thoughts of our consciousness connect with our body.
The belief is that minerals have positive energy, and that all crystals have different types of positive energy. This energy variation can be used to accomplish diverse ‘healing-goals.’ The crystals that aren’t considered positive are usually chemically toxic, relatively rare, and not easy to come by through consumer markets.