How do we explain the haunting, penetrating tones of crystal singing bowls? With their pure tone frequencies and the innate transformative properties of crystal itself, it is no wonder we lack the words to describe the experience. The droning tones seem to awaken a deep remembering, touching the very essence of our higher and lighter nature. Like the sun, crystal singing bowls emit photons (life force energy). This energy activates and retunes the physical body, opening, clearing and re-balancing the wholebody system, including the subtle body.

Everything in the universe is perfectly tuned to vibrations. Sounds span the octaves beyond human hearing, producing color, texture and depth. From the smallest molecule to the universe itself, everything that moves vibrates.

Every atom, molecule, cell, gland and organ of the human body absorbs and emits sound. Scientific studies show that sound can produce changes in the autonomic, immune, endocrine and neuropeptide systems. The entire body, as well as our brain waves in a relaxed state, vibrates at a fundamental frequency of about eight cycles per second, literally entraining and attuning us to the basic electromagnetic field of the Earth itself.

“The new science of psychoacoustics— the study of the effect of music and sound on the human nervous system— shows that frequency can relieve pain and benefit other conditions,” says Dr. Andrew Weil, endorsing the healing effects of listening to crystal bowls.

Brainwaves respond to specific musical frequencies and tones. Sound and vibration evokes movement, from primordial grunts to Tibetan monks over-toning multiple frequencies with their voices. Intentional sound is the vehicle of radio waves beaming through space to hopefully be heard, of the sonogram image and the effect of toning singing bowls.

When crystal singing bowls are struck and stroked, tones are emitted that can be felt throughout the body as vibrations. Bowls of crystal, some woven with gemstones and minerals, produce aural landscapes similar to the harmonic keys of the chakras.

“The human body is 60 percent water, which is an excellent conductive medium for sound and vibration,” says Dr. Mitchell L. Gaynor, M.D., a proponent of including crystal singing bowls in his clinical work as a cancer specialist. “Studies using X-ray crystallography demonstrated that when water freezes, its crystalline structure is influenced by sounds in the environment. Harmonious sounds yield crystals which are beautiful hexagons, whereas disruptive sounds containing disharmony yield crystals which have irregular shapes. Our bodies are influenced by the harmonies in our environment and our lives.”

Healthy systems create a natural resonant frequency in harmony with the rest of the body. When the vibration of a part of the body is out of harmony, disease is present, and a different sound pattern is established in the affected part of the body. Projecting sound into the diseased area corrects harmonic patterns.

“Sound is a swift and direct pathway for restoring vibratory resonance and allowing optimum health,” says Tryshe Dhevney, a bowl master and recording artist with Sounds True. “When we are feeling healthy or a state of wellbeing, each cell of the body is vibrating in its natural resonance.”

“The body is held together by sound, and the presence of health or disease indicates the tune the body is vibrating. According to ayurveda practitioner Dr. Deepak Chopra, “Primordial sound is the mysterious link that holds the universe together.”

Crystal singing bowls provide a primordial vibratory link in the 21st century through the collaboration of two powerful states of consciousness: mineral and human. Our bodies, too, are crystalline in structure. IBM researcher Marcel Vogel found that not only is quartz a powerful transducer of energy, it stores, amplifies, shifts and changes the dense vibration of physical form to a higher frequency at a subatomic level.

The Crystal Tones Alchemy singing bowls are made from the highest grade quartz crystal and are infused with rare earth gemstones and precious metals such as 24 karat gold, silver and platinum, enhancing the healing quality of the sound. The best singing bowls are specially manufactured to create rich vibratory frequencies that can be tuned to 1/100 of a Hertz by adding a variety of minerals and metals to the quartz at temperatures of more than 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The addition of metals or gemstones to the crystal bowls adds dimensions to the sound. Consider how a classical composer might use the softer sound of a violin or cello to evoke feelings of nostalgia, or may employ the more metallic sound of brass instruments to give more energy to the music. The alchemy elements subtly alter the sound for a similar range of effects. Partner the sounds of crystal singing bowls with your healing.

The 2014 Globex International Gem and Mineral Show is host to two Crystal Tones singing bowl locations, the Crystal Tones Grand Temple and Showroom Tent at Days Inn on I-10 and Congress (exit 258) and River Park. On display will be a dazzling array of gemstone and mineral-infused crystal singing bowls to enjoy through February 15.

Dale Bruder is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

For more information, call 520-440-7820 or visit SoundShifting.com.