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Yes You Can Hum Your Way to Happiness! Here's how . . .

10/20/2017

Humming creates an immediate healing effect on your whole body. It's one of the fastest, most effective de-stressors you can use. And it’s free and portable! Humming slows down your breathing rate, which automatically slows your heart rate and calms your brain waves. The moment you begin to hum, you are giving yourself a sonic massage, inside and out, and your brain starts releasing those happy endorphins. When you hum while playing crystal bowls, the effect is magnified ten times over.

How does humming work? Sound moves through the fluid parts of your body 4.5 times faster than through the air, and 12 times faster through your bones (which is why ultrasound imaging works.) Humming vibrates every cell, right down to your DNA. It stimulates production of nitric oxide, which helps maintain cellular health. It strengthens your immune system, improves circulation and digestion, clears your mind, and reduces stress. There is no downside!

In one study, exposure to 50–150 Hz provided relief for 80% of those suffering chronic and acute pain. Other studies show that humming improves hearing and reduces nasal congestion. Humming at 25–150 Hz has been known to speed healing of bone, tendons, ligaments and muscles. 25–50 Hz increases bone density. 100 Hz helps decrease dyspnea and shortness of breath.

So I was curious to see if I can hum in those frequencies. I fired up my frequency measurement app (iStroboSoft) and checked out my humming. At my lowest growl, I hit 130 HZ. Hmmmm. Maybe you guys can do this? The fridge fan was at about 40 HZ though, so maybe there is some benefit to  those annoying sounds in our homes?

Humming for happiness--It's as easy as 1-2-3
1.Smile, then breathe in and out through your nose, with your lips closed. As you release your breath, keep your lips closed and gently allow a soft hum to float out. Use a tone that is natural for you, one where you easily feel the vibration in your heart center. Hum softly. Louder is not better.

2.  Continue for a few minutes, without straining, until you feel the relaxation response—slower breathing, slower heart rate, calmer thoughts.

3. For maximum happiness and health, hum for at least 20 minutes a day.

Do you feel “humming challenged”? Here’s another option. Cuddle with a cat that loves to purr. Research shows that cats purr at healing sound frequencies of 25–150 Hz. They purr when giving birth, when frightened, and when severely injured. Their bones heal more rapidly after fractures than dogs (who don’t purr, of course). So if you don’t want to hum, you can try some “purr therapy”.

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What is the Most Powerful Sound Therapy Instrument?

10/18/2017

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The Most Powerful Sound Therapy Instrument Is . . .
Well you've probably guessed by now. It's your voice! But I didn't always believe that. What made me change my mind? I took a 6-month course from Jonathan Goldman, founder of the International Sound Healer’s Association. Jonathan firmly believes that vocal toning is the most effective healing method. I secretly harboured the thought that crystal singing bowls were the most effective, but decided to give toning a go. You can do both, so why not?

So, for six months I followed the daily assignments, toning various vowel sounds such as Ah, Eee, Oh, Mmm, per the instructions. And as required, I kept a log of my experiences, answering questions such as, “Where do I feel the sound in my body? How did the sound affect my emotions and my energy? What happens when I sing louder or softer? What happens when I focus my thoughts on a particular chakra? Which tones and sounds feel particularly delicious to me? Does that vary from day to day?” It was a fabulous exploration! I became aware of all the subtle nuances of vocal tones and my unique reactions. I learned to overtone and I created my personal chakra toning sequence. This simple practice shifted all aspects of my being—physical, emotional, mental, and energetic.

So, after that course, I conceded that voice is the number one sound therapy instrument. Why?

It’s the oldest, most natural form of sound therapy. Everyone who breathes can make these vowel sounds.
It’s the only instrument that has human consciousness and intention embedded in it. That’s what gives it such healing power.
Our voice vibrates every organ in our body from the inside out, bringing it into harmony and vibrational alignment.
It’s a natural way to release pain (Think, “OW!”).
It’s free and completely portable!

If you want to try toning, here are a couple of tips. Louder is not necessarily better. When you tone softer, you will often hear the subtle overtones more clearly. Sing at a pitch that is comfortable and natural for you. Don’t strain. Just breathe in and let a sound float out on the out-breath. Enjoy! Mmmmm. Delicious.

"The effect produced by singing depends upon the depth of feeling of the singer . . . The singer’s heart, so to speak, accompanies the song.” The Mysticism of Sound, Inayat Khan, p. 65

"Let us not try to understand music with our mind. Let us not even try to feel it with our heart. Let us simply and spontaneously allow the music-bird to fly in our heart-sky. The Source of Music, Sri Chinmoy, p. 90

You don't need to be a "singer" or performer to do any of this. Trust me! If you can breathe, you can do it! —Kaasay

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Bliss!

10/16/2017

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What if you could create a blissful healing state for yourself and others anytime you wanted to?

The first time I heard the celestial tones of the Alchemy™ crystal singing bowls in 2010, I was transported to a place of indescribable joy and peace. They brought tears to my eyes, and I felt truly ‘home at last.’ The bowls seem to activate some ancient, sacred remembering. The word I hear most often when people describe their experience with the bowls is "blissful".

The singing bowls become like a comforting friend who is always with you, supporting your hopes and dreams. One of my greatest joys is seeing the look of wonder and happiness on people’s faces when they first hear them.

These extraordinary bowls are beautiful, transformative, healing musical instruments. They are a gateway to healing on all levels — emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual.

When you come to my 3-day training, you'll learn sound healing techniques that transform cellular structure, shift brain states, reduce stress, and reconnect you with your true essence — and of course, you'll find BLISS!

Kaasay's ability to create a sacred space that stirs deep levels of consciousness is remarkable! She transported us to the blissful realms of the spirit with her masterful use of crystal singing bowls. Sacred voice imparts wisdom on levels which bypass the mind and go straight to the heart!  —GB

What a blissful day this has been, spent being pampered in the peaceful haven of the Sound Sanctuary! Nancy shares her vast knowledge and experience in sound healing with her customary warmth, compassion and insight. Her excellent workshop provides a loving, safe space to experience the sublime, other-worldly sounds of the exquisite Alchemy crystal bowls.  —JDV

I was transported to blissful realms by your exquisite bowls. You are a master!  — KK, professional opera singer/instructor

Why not treat yourself to 3 days of bliss, and take a deep dive into learning about sound healing? I offer 3-day trainings in sound therapy twice a year, suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Read more about it and let me know if you have questions!

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Sound Therapy or Sound Healing? What's the Difference?

10/14/2017

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In 2010, I was gifted with an Alchemy™ Aqua Aura Gold bowl, which launched me on a life-changing voyage with sound. From the beginning I wondered, “What is the difference between sound healers and sound therapists? And which am I?” You may be wondering too. So, here’s my current thinking.This is just my opinion, of course. I’d love to hear yours.

Keep in mind that these terms are somewhat arbitrary, because there is much fluidity in this newly emerging field. It’s rapidly expanding, informed by rediscovery of ancient knowledge and also by new knowledge gleaned from wide-ranging sciences including quantum physics, neuroscience, energy psychology, and brain biology.

The term sound therapist has come into use relatively recently. Therapistgenerally implies some sort of medical intervention, which is why governments often regulate the term.Sound therapists that I am aware of have typically studied a related field in depth. They may be professionals in music therapy, nursing, acoustics, chiropractic, quantum physics, neuroscience, energy psychology, brain biology, massage therapy, or yoga therapy, for example. The British Academy of Sound Therapy teaches a broad range of specific techniques in a systematic, in-depth way. Founder Lyz Cooper has done some ground-breaking research that demonstrates a correlation between sound therapy and improved health.

Sound healers seem to emphasize a more organic, intuitive, holistic approach. I’ve observed that those who use the term healer, such as The International Sound Healer’s Association, draw more heavily from mystical and spiritual knowledge, coming from Indigenous cultures, as well as yogic traditions, Kabbalah, and mystics of every spiritual tradition. When applied by skilled practitioners, it is highly effective as well.

In an additional category are people whom I would call sound artists, skilled musicians whose music is utterly transformative.

So, which am I? I am trained in Reiki (energy healing), music, and clinical psychology. I bring intuitive, artistic, and scientific mind-sets to my sound therapy work. I'm actually all three — a sound therapist, a sound healer, and a sound artist.

But after thinking it over, I’ve decided to call myself a sound therapist. Here’s why:

As a psychotherapist, with an MA in counselling psychology, the scope of my practice is much broader than Reiki and music. Because of my psychology training and experience, I can safely go deeper with sound therapy clients when indicated. Sound sometimes unlocks strong emotions or trauma. I know many other techniques that can help with whatever arises.

I also have training in professional ethics. Ethical guidelines protect clients. They include confidentiality, boundaries, informed consent, and staying within the scope of my training. I belong to a professional association, carry liability insurance, and follow standards about privacy and record keeping. Because of this, some insurance companies cover my services, including sound therapy.

Whether you consider yourself a sound therapist, sound healer, or sound artist, you are on the leading edge in an emerging field that is contributing greatly to people’s wellbeing. I hope these reflections help as you explore your own role in this exciting field.

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How Does Sound Healing Work?

10/4/2017

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How does sound healing work? And how are Alchemy™ Crystal Singing Bowls so well suited to sound healing? Let me count the ways!

They can sing!
Try singing “ahhh” or “ooooh”. Those vowel sounds are replicated in the “singing” of crystal singing bowls. That’s one of the qualities that makes singing bowls uniquely suited for sound healing and meditation; the shape of the bowls gives them sound characteristics that are similar to the human voice — and we all know how soothing the human voice can be. Think: calming lullaby or trance-inducing chant. Like the bowls, our bodies are crystalline in structure. When we work with crystals, we may experience profound healing effects in our organs, tissues, and cells, as well as on our circulatory, endocrine, and metabolic systems.

They’ve got natural beats
Primal cultures have known for centuries that repetitive rhythmic sound can be used for healing. Drumming and chanting are used the world over by monks, shamans, and yogis to induce states of relaxation, deep meditation, or even high productivity and creativity.

The word “binaural” means “having or relating to two ears." Binaural beats are sounds that are slightly different from each other, and when they enter both ears, they entrain the brain into altered states. Modern synthesized music is now being created for this purpose, but crystal singing bowls have an advantage: the binaural beats of singing bowls are acoustic, natural, and more complex. And, when two or more bowls are singing at once, the process of entrainment can occur naturally.

They produce harmonics
The unique sound produced by crystal singing bowls comes from the way they produce not one sound at a time, but a rainbow of sound. They form a base note along with several harmonics, like a chord on a piano, or more accurately, like Mongolian overtone singing or Inuit throat singing. And, when the harmonics are close enough to each other in pitch, they produce a vibrato that is similar to the effect of binaural beats.

They’ve got alchemy
Alchemy™ crystal singing bowls have gemstones or metal fused to the pure quartz, adding their own subtle resonance to the sound of the crystals. This expands the range of effects the bowls can produce, similar to the way a composer might choose the brass section of an orchestra for one mood of a piece, and the string section to evoke a different feeling.

A skilled practitioner can work with all these elements of Alchemy™crystal singing bowls, using biofeedback to adjust her playing, and produce a range of healing effects tailored to the listener, giving a holistic, integrated experience rooted in ancient traditions of sound healing.

In harmony, Kaasay

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4 Tips to Avoid Breaking Your Crystal Singing Bowls

9/24/2017

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People often ask me if Alchemy crystal singing bowls are fragile. The answer is no. They are made with a patented 4,000-degree fusion process that makes them molecularly strong and sturdy. With reasonable care, you will never have to suffer the agony of a broken crystal bowl. I've learned the hard way a couple of times, though!

To save you that heartbreak, here are my recommendations:

1. Use a quality carrying case when transporting them. To pack the bowls in the case, put each bowl in a plastic bag, cover the rim, and tuck the ends of the plastic bag into the center of the bowl. Then wrap the bowl with bubble wrap or foam sheets. Though these materials are not ecologically preferred, they ensure the safety of your investment. I’ve known people whose bowls broke when they used blankets and homemade bags.

2. When handling the bowls, be mindful and fully focus on what you are doing. No multitasking! For example, after a concert, people always want to talk with me. So, first I talk with them. Then, when it’s time to pack, I say “I need to concentrate on packing now, so I can’t talk anymore.” I also avoid packing and unpacking bowls when I am tired.

3. The most delicate parts of the bowl are the rim and the bottom. Don’t strike the rim directly and harshly. Don’t put anything inside the bowl, such as crystals or even the mallets. Be especially careful not to drop anything into the bowl.

4. Remove jewelry and pendants when playing the bowls to avoid accidental bangs and breakage. If your bowl breaks, it can sometimes be repaired at a nominal charge. Send me a photo for assessment. If it can’t be repaired, I'll offer a sympathy discount of 30% on purchase of a new bowl.

We call repaired bowls “rebirthed” or “morphed” bowls. They return to life with a fuller resonance and deeper wisdom. People always comment on how amazing my morphs sound! Here's a Ruby Morph, currently in stock. It's a 9" true tone F sharp, an outstanding stone of nobility with a powerful vibration that generates spiritual wisdom, health, transformation and wealth.

Some people purchase only morph bowls because they are a great metaphor for how we humans sometimes feel—broken and then, when healed, we are wiser and more beautiful for the experience. The Japanese call this aesthetic Wabi-sabi—acceptance of transience and imperfection.

I don't repair bowls here. If your Crystal Tones™ Alchemy bowl breaks, contact Crystal Tones 1 (800) 358-9492‬. They will ask for a photo and assess if it can be repaired. They will quote you a repair cost, or, If it cannot be repaired, they will give you a 33% sympathy discount to purchase a replacement. Note: They only repair their brand.

Here’s to a lifetime of blessed journeying with your bowl mates!

Kaasay

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3 Easy Ways to Cleanse and Clear Crystal Singing Bowls

9/22/2017

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Proper care of your crystal singing bowls will keep them singing beautifully for a lifetime! Here’s how:

First of all, let’s review a few things about crystals. . . Crystal Tones™ singing bowls are made from 99.992% pure quartz crystal. Crystals are very sensitive and precise gemstones that accumulate a charge from the person using them. Crystals act as amplifiers of the bio-energetic fields surrounding the body. They amplify that charge and transmit it through the crystal to a designated purpose or destination via breath and intent.

The crystals function as bio-energetic templates, transducers and transmitters. They can amplify, store, focus, transfer and transmute energy. Crystal is the ultimate vehicle of communication and thus it is used in all sorts of communication devices such as computers, radios, and microphones. Our bodies are crystalline in structure, so they resonate deeply with the bowls.

1. Positive Thoughts
Believe it or not, the most important way to keep your bowls safe is by holding positive thoughts about their well-being, e.g. — “You are lovely and safe”. However, if you are like me, you also want something a bit more concrete. So here are two additional tips.

2. Physical Cleaning
I haven’t found it necessary to physically clean my bowls very often. Maybe they naturally repel dust? If you do need to clean them, use a soft cloth and some purified water. Gently wipe the bowls inside and out. If necessary, use a soft brush with mild dish soap or a salt water solution (no more than 2%). Don’t use anything with harsh chemicals or abrasives. Let them air dry.

3. Energetic Clearing
Marcel Vogel says, “When you first acquire any crystal it needs to be cleared of any influences that might be harmful or limiting to you. Over years of research, two basic methods have been found to be effective in clearing a crystal. The first is to use a de-magnetizer. These are usually available from Radio Shack®. The field generated by this instrument will strip a crystal completely. A preferable method is to use your own breath and consciousness.”

Bowls collect a charge and energy signature from you and those you play them with. When you have used your bowls for a healing session with an individual or a group, it is a good idea to do a “sonic smudge” to clear the programming that it has absorbed. Here’s how:

“To release or clear the energies in a crystal . . . slowly breathe in with the thought to clear the crystal of any harmful or limiting influences. When the breath is fully inhaled, hold for one or two seconds and then forcefully exhale the breath in a short burst or pulse. The process of pulsing is somewhat like sneezing or a single round of the yogic breath of fire.

Then, draw in the breath with the intent of filling the crystal with all the Love in your Heart and pulse the breath. The pulsing action of the breath transfers the energy into the crystal and a fragment of consciousness occupies the lattice space within the crystal. The basic carrier wave and cohering factor of your consciousness is Love.” (Retrieved August 22, 2017 from Marcel Vogel website)

Once cleared, you can reprogram your bowls with chanting, toning, guided meditations, and prayerful thoughts.

Sunlight and moonlight are also said to refresh your bowls and clear them of negative and excess energy. Periodically place the bowls where they can be bathed in direct sunlight or moonlight. Below is a photo of some of my Alchemy™ crystal bowls having a sunbath. Their iridescent radiance totally refreshed me too!

Next time I'll give you 4 tips to avoid breaking your bowls.

Here’s to a lifetime of blessed journeying with your bowl mates! —Kaasay

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Can you be certified in Sound Therapy?

9/18/2017

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I am often asked if my training program provides certification in sound therapy. Sound therapy is a new and rapidly evolving field, so there is no standardized body of knowledge or skill-set, as in acupuncture or massage therapy (which require 1,200 hours or more for completion). Thus, there is no certification in sound therapy yet. It is an unregulated field.

Various trainers and institutions offer certificates of completion, indicating completion of a certain number of hours on a certain topic. Those that say they are offering certification are not using that term in the same way. They offer training of various lengths of time, with a wide variety of content. They have decided what material is relevant, and how to teach it. They are certifying that you have completed their training.

When choosing where to study sound therapy, explore the experience and credentials of the teachers. Each teacher brings a variety of expertise to their training. It may include music therapy, voice, psychoacoustics, meditation, energy medicine, crystal healing, mental health, brain biology, body-mind psychology, spirituality, or substance abuse treatment, for example. Each trainer also draws on their personal experiences of receiving sound healing. Look for someone you “resonate” with; someone who models what you want to learn.

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A remarkable healing experience in the pyramids

6/19/2017

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John’s early work was typical of many acousticians—helping adjust noise and sound in various environments. In 1997, however, his life took an unusual turn because of an extraordinary experience he had in the Great Pyramid King’s Chamber. He had become interested in studying the acoustics of the pyramids, and got funding to pay for some experiments. Shortly before flying to Egypt, he sustained a back injury that put him into extreme pain. Nevertheless, he was determined to carry through with his project. He describes how someone had to carry all his equipment for him, and how he literally crawled into the tomb on his hands and knees. They stretched a membrane across the sarcophagus, and placed a sound system under it. The membrane had sand on it, and they were hoping to replicate a Hans Jenny type experiment, by which the sound would create patterns in the sand. When John’s sound system was turned on under the sarcophagus, the membrane above it revealed Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Egyptian guard, who up until then had been quite indifferent, got very excited seeing these ancient symbols being revealed. Meanwhile, within 20 minutes, John’s back pain left and never returned. At the end of the experiments, he walked out upright, carrying all his heavy equipment. When asked, “How does sound heal?” John said, “To move cells from G1 (ill) to G2 (well), they need rest, nutrition or sound.” Egyptian pyramid experiments

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How is sound made visible?

6/19/2017

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How do scientists make sound visible? They use a CymaScope, a precision-engineered lab instrument that is the equivalent of a microscope for seeing vibration.
Recently I was delighted to hear the inventor of the CymaScope, John Stuart Reid, on Healing Sounds Radio. John is an acoustic-physics researcher who has studied sound for 40 years. John says, “The CymaScope has applications in almost every branch of science because vibration underpins all matter. The ability to see such vibrations permits a depth of study previously unavailable to scientists, engineers and researchers. Readers will have seen our list of research topics covering subject areas from Astrophysics to Zoology. Just as great advances in medical science have come about as the result of the microscope, and huge strides have been made in understanding the Universe with the telescope, the CymaScope instrument holds enormous potential to reveal the hidden realm of sound and vibration.” www.cymascope.com

And now there’s an app for that! You can watch, in real time, the patterns created by sounds around you. You can also sing into your smart phone, see the beautiful mandalas you create and save them as a video. Music Made Visible app

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Site copyright 2012--2021 Nancy A. Watters. We never share your personal information with others. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended for the mitigation, cure, or treatment of medical conditions. Luminous Tones and Nancy Watters do not provide medical advice or treatment. The information here is for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances or medical conditions. Always consult your physician or medical team for medical advice.

Yes You Can Hum Your Way to Happiness! Here's how . . .

What is the Most Powerful Sound Therapy Instrument?

Bliss!

Sound Therapy or Sound Healing? What's the Difference?

How Does Sound Healing Work?

4 Tips to Avoid Breaking Your Crystal Singing Bowls

3 Easy Ways to Cleanse and Clear Crystal Singing Bowls

Can you be certified in Sound Therapy?

A remarkable healing experience in the pyramids

How is sound made visible?

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