The Effect of Tibetan Singing Bowls on Stress Reduction: A Heart Rate Variability Study

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.