The Effect of Tibetan Singing Bowls on Stress Reduction: A Heart Rate Variability Study.
Sara A. Nasrat, Feryal A Alskafi, Dalya Y Ahmad, Raghad O Alameri, Haya A Albadawna, Asmaa J Aldosari, Ali M Alkhanbouli, Meirah S Alkindi, Shamma S Alzaabi, Herbert F Jelinek
Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference July 2025 DOI: 10.1109/embc58623.2025.11253160 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Participants aged 20-22 |
| Intervention | Tibetan Singing Bowl music meditation |
| Duration | 10-minute relaxation period followed by 30-minute meditation |
| Measures | SDNN, NN50 |
| Key findings | Heart rate variability improved during Tibetan Singing Bowl meditation, with significant increases in SDNN (p = 0.02344) and NN50, which the authors interpret as enhanced parasympathetic activity and relaxation. They propose the practice as a noninvasive, low-cost intervention for stress reduction and autonomic balance. |
Abstract
Music therapy, especially Tibetan Singing Bowls (TSB) rooted in ancient practices, holds promise for enhancing mental well-being and autonomic regulation through their unique acoustic properties and therapeutic vibrations. Previous research indicated that TSB could influence physiological responses, including heart rate variability (HRV), a significant indicator of autonomic nervous system activity (ANS) and stress. This study aimed to study the impact of TSB on HRV. The Polar Ignite Series 1 wristwatch continuously measured Heart Rate (HR). Eight participants, aged 20-22, were recorded throughout a 10-minute relaxation period followed by a 30-minute TSB music meditation. Data was analyzed with the HRV Matlab toolbox. Results revealed a significant improvement in overall HRV and autonomic function (SDNN p = 0.02344). NN50 also increased significantly (p < 0.05), which suggests enhanced parasympathetic activity and relaxation response. These results highlight the potential of TSB music as a therapeutic intervention to improve stress generally and HRV in particular.Clinical Relevance- This study demonstrates the efficacy of Tibetan Singing Bowl music meditation in enhancing autonomic balance, evidenced by significant increases in SDNN and NN50. As a noninvasive, low-cost intervention, TSB therapy can be readily integrated into clinical stress-reduction programs, anxiety management strategies, and cardiac rehabilitation protocols to boost parasympathetic tone and improve heart rate variability, ultimately supporting patient resilience and cardiovascular health.