The Tarble Arts Center will be hosting a series of crystal bowl sound baths starting this Monday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Tarble’s commonspace. 

Those interested in attending this event must register for it online beforehand.

Participants are asked to arrive between 5 to 5:15 p.m. to get settled. After that, the doors will be locked and the sound bath will begin at around 5:30 p.m., lasting approximately 45 minutes. 

The Tarble will be providing a limited number of meditation cushions and chairs, which will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Though the Tarble will be providing the cushions and chairs, those interested in attending the event can also take their own yoga mat or cushion to sit on. 

Because the Tarble maintains a temperature-controlled environment, they advised participants to “bring a sweater or wrap for warmth.”

The crystal bowl sound baths have been scheduled to coincide with the cycles of the moon. 

According to the Tarble Arts Center webpage regarding the event, the crystal bowl sound bath supports “stillness, gratitude, and reflection.”

The crystal bowl sound bath will be led by Tyna Loafman, a recreational therapist who has been practicing holistic health practices for years. 

According to the webpage, Loafman most recently “has been engaged in the training, knowledge, and practice of the Usui Shiki Ryoho method of Reiki; TRE® (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercise), as developed by Dr. David Berceli; and the meditative and healing properties of crystal singing bowls.” 

During the sound bath, Loafman will use crystal bowls to create overlapping vibrations and sound waves. 

The webpage states that crystal bowl sound baths are used to “support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals as they deal with past and present stress and traumas.”

Research in the subject of sound baths is limited, but some studies have shown that a sound bath may improve your mood, release tension in your body and help with mental health issues or physical pain.  

A 2016 study of 62 adults asked their feelings before and after a sound bath session. According to the study, tension, anxiety and negative feelings decreased significantly after the therapy. 

The study concluded that “Tibetan singing bowl meditation may be a feasible low-cost low technology intervention for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression, and increasing spiritual well-being. This meditation type may be especially useful in decreasing tension in individuals who have not previously practiced this form of meditation.”

A different study was taken in 2018 that had 60 participants. The study had 30 of them listen to Tibetan singing bowls through headphones before getting surgery and gave the other 30 headphones with no music. 

The study found that heart rate and other vitals indicate that anxiety improved in those who listened to the Tibetan singing bowls prior to getting surgery. 

Because heart disease, diabetes, addiction, mental health issues and other health issues have been linked to stress and tension, some researchers think that this type of meditation shows promise in alleviating the stress that could lead to these health issues. 

For those unable to attend the crystal bowl sound bath happening Monday, the Tarble will be hosting six more sound bath sessions throughout the school year. 

The next crystal bowl sound baths will be on the following dates:

• October 20, 2021
• November 19, 2021
• January 17, 2022
• February 16, 2022
• March 18, 2022
• April 1, 2022 

According to the website, “no prior experience is necessary, and all are welcome.” 

Kyara Morales-Rodriguez can be reached at 581-2812 or at knmoralesrodriguez@eiu.edu.