A foot bath can be relaxing and refreshing, especially when the experience is enhanced with gentle sound and vibration. Peter Hess singing bowl sounds spread particularly well in water, and the effects feel great on the feet and legs.

Materials 

• Peter Hess therapy bowl – we recommend a Pelvic or Universal bowl for this technique, but you can try any bowl and see what you like best
• Soft- or medium-density Felt mallet to tap the singing bowl
• Tub or basin large enough to fit both of your feet, plus room to float the singing bowl on the water
• Chair to sit upright yet relaxed
• Towel
• Optional favorite essential oil that is safe for your skin – just a few drops will do
• Optional light blanket or scarf
• Optional heated socks

Relaxing Foot Bath 

• Prepare your materials ahead of time so you can relax completely during your session.
• Fill your tub or basin with warm water.
• Get comfortable in the chair in front of the basin and ease your feet into the nice warm water.
• Take a few breaths to center yourself before you begin your session.
• Now gently float the singing bowl on the surface of the water
• Gently tap the side of the singing bowl with the felt mallet (if it's mostly submerged you can tap it from the inside edge)
• Notice how the sound vibrations spread around the singing bowl and reach your body.
• If it is comfortable for you, close your eyes. Feel how the sounds enter your body through this gentle massage. Take some time to explore and enjoy the feeling.
• Sound the bowl slowly and rhythmically, for as long as is comfortable for you.
• When you feel you've had enough, remove the singing bowl from the water. 
• Take a few moments of quiet time before you remove your feet from the basin, just enjoying the peaceful feeling and stillness.
• When you are ready, open your eyes and stretch gently.
• Take your feet out of the water and dry them off. 
• Following the exercise, it can be very pleasant to put your feet into cozy preheated socks.
• Rinse your singing bowl with clear water and dry thoroughly.
• Repeat as desired!

(this technique has been adapted from the Peter Hess Institute)

Along with Introductory Events and Virtual Lessons, here are some tips to familiarize yourself with the tones and feeling of your therapy bowl:

• Check the condition before you place it on your body. You should expect surface imperfections and hammer marks in handmade bowls, but not cracks. You may also see a greenish or dark patina (discoloration), which is a normal effect of handling and age; but if the metal is actually corroding, consider cleaning your bowl before you start this exercise.
• Admire the beauty and shape – is the metal recently polished or does it show a patina? Is it rounded or more flat? Does it have a thick or thin rim? How do you think these factors might affect the sounds you're about to hear and feel?
• To get the longest and strongest vibrations,  ensure the sound bowl edges are free of obstructions. For example, place the bowl on your flat, open palm and make sure your fingers are not curving up and gripping the sides.
• Tap all around the sides of your bowl with a fingertip, knuckle, or fist to explore its sounds. What happens when you tap higher on the edge? Lower? From the outside? On the inside?
• If you have a soft mallet, do the same tapping exploration. What changed? Which methods do you prefer today?
• Apply the sound directly and indirectly to different areas of your body... How does it feel? Take your time here... Are there areas where you want to receive less sound? More sound? Try various mallet types, body placements, and striking techniques to find what you like. If there are places the bowl does not ring out properly, check first that the sides are free from obstructions before you make adjustments to your technique.
• Tip #1:  It's nice to apply direct vibrations just to healthy and pain-free areas and skip over any points of discomfort.
• Tip #2:  For best results on the body and for general relaxation, strike from the outside, gently and near the rim with a soft mallet. How softly you can strike and still feel the effects?

Enjoy your exploration!

Want to learn more? Relax with Sound offers hands-on training in sound methods for individuals and professionals. Click Here for current event schedule. Visit us in Maryland, or request classes in your area – we are part of a worldwide network of trainers.

Comment below and let us know how you use your therapy bowls...