Singing Bowl Meditation: What the Research Says About Stress, Relaxation and Well-Being
Sound-Healing

Singing Bowl Meditation: What the Research Says About Stress, Relaxation and Well-Being

Published Jun 16, 2026 2 min read Updated Jun 22, 2026

Discover what research says about singing bowl meditation for stress, relaxation, mood and well-being — and why experience still matters.

Sound Meditation – Singing Bowls Key Studies

Himalayan singing bowls are part of an ancient practice, but in the modern age, many of us also appreciate evidence that helps us understand and rationalise how we feel.

For those who would like a little research alongside the experience, here are some snippets from contemporary studies.

1. Singing Bowls and the Relaxation Response

Study: Goldsby, Goldsby, McWalters & Mills (2014)

  • In a randomised crossover study, 51 participants experienced greater relaxation after a Himalayan singing bowl session compared with a silence condition.
  • The researchers observed changes in physiological measures, including heart rate and blood pressure, alongside improvements in mood and relaxation.
  • The study suggests that singing bowls may enhance the relaxation response, producing short-term physiological effects.

2. Sound Meditation, Mood and Emotional Well-Being

Study: Goldsby, Goldsby, McWalters & Mills (2017)

  • In an observational study, 62 participants attended a Tibetan singing bowl meditation session and reported significant reductions in tension, anxiety, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood, alongside increased feelings of spiritual well-being.
  • Effects were especially notable among participants who were new to singing bowl meditation.
  • Some limitations have been noted: there was no control group, making it difficult to determine whether the benefits came specifically from the bowls, the meditation setting, expectancy effects, or simply resting quietly.
  • The study provides evidence for improved subjective mood immediately after a sound meditation session.

3. What the Wider Research Says About Singing Bowls

Study: Therapeutic Effects of Singing Bowls: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies (2025)

  • This systematic review included 19 clinical studies involving singing bowls and related sound-based interventions.
  • The review found promising evidence for reduced anxiety, reduced depressive symptoms, improved sleep quality, and enhanced relaxation.
  • Some studies also reported improvements in cognition, stress, and autonomic nervous system measures.
  • Overall, the evidence is promising for stress reduction and mental well-being, although further high-quality research is still needed.

Research in this area is continuing to develop. But sometimes, the best evidence is the experience itself.

So, who needs evidence when you can experience the good vibes for yourself?