Bowl Profiles – Universal bowl

Posted by PHAA On August 7, 2018 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

Peter Hess® Therapy quality singing bowls

The “jewel” or as one of our friends once said a “Rolls-Royce” among the singing bowls! The unique Peter Hess therapy singing bowl with all its vibration and sound characteristics has been specially developed for the Sound Massage therapy.

In effect the Peter Hess Institute developed bowls with frequency spectra and vibration characteristics required for the corresponding body areas.

In terms of the sound, the singing bowl must be harmonious and without any frequency jumps or background noises and without inappropriate side tones, such as, for example, a high challenging tone. The sound spectrum must sound very rich in overtones and react flexibly. These are some of the important features of the Peter Hess® Therapy Bowls.

The basis for the construction and production are the old knowledge about the production and the material composition of good and suitable for the sound massage, traditional singing bowls.

The optimal realisation of the parameters important for the sound massage and therapy work is the success of an intensive work with singing bowls and the sound massage and the implementation in the development work and production since 1984

Universal or joint bowl

This is the pride and joy of the Peter Hess® Therapy Bowls range. This bowl is suitable for early work (beginner) with sound and for all body areas. But it can also be the centre of a harmonious bowl set used for the intense professional work. This is why we recommend this bowl for the beginners, as no matter where the sound work will take you (using the bowls at home for your family and friends or in professional work setting), the Universal bowl will always be your faithful companion.

The joint bowl, also called universal bowl, weighs about 900 – 1000 grams and is thin-walled. It has a wide range of sounds and can thus be used for the whole body – particularly wonderful for the foot and hand reflex zones. It is characterised by an intense vibration. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for use on joints.

The secret of versatility of this singing bowl is the use of different mallets and the striking technique.

This singing bowl, when played with different mallets, can change the sound character.

That means that with small hard mallets this singing bowl becomes very dominant in its overtone chain (it resolutely clears up all bright tones).

For thicker soft mallets this bowl sounds much deeper and the strong dominant low frequencies are audible and noticeable.

So this bowl has its place in its application all over the body, with the different striking techniques. Hence the name: “universal bowl”.

Peter Hess® Therapy singing bowls are marked with this 
golden seal. Please make sure when purchasing that this seal is present.

Sound massage as a door opener for addicts

Posted by PHAA On August 3, 2018 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

When the inner and outer world is in danger of becoming unbalanced, we are trying hard to hold and protect our reality. Where therapists often can not get through, the Peter Hess Sound Massage proves to be an effective and supportive companion, touching on a non-verbal level and entering into dialogue with healing parts.

by Ulrich Krause

Singing bowls affect us in different ways. People can be influenced on a physical, mental, emotional and behavioural levels. The work with singing bowls belongs to the field of biophysical re-orientation therapy and is based on the idea that living beings are ultimately vibratory systems. Every human being has their own vibrational patterns – at the cellular level, via tissue associations as well as organ related. These vibration patterns communicate with each other and influence each other.

In principle, the Peter Hess sound methods are based on the resources and efficiency. Resistances of the client are accepted insofar as no attempt is made to break them. In the sound therapy work, it is important to help the client find out what she/he needs so that she/he can dissolve the resistance. The principle of this wholeness method is the strengthening of self-healing powers. Physical and emotional blockages can be resolved with the soothing sounds and vibrations of the singing bowl.

Strengthening experiences

The Austrian Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine Bärbel Fichtl reports in the book “Sound Methods in Therapeutic Practice” about a study, in which some 400 sound massages were performed for inpatient in renowned alcohol and drug detoxification and treatment centres in Vienna and Lower Austria. This study concludes that the sound massage can produce various positive results. With regard to “resistances” she writes about the psychodynamic influence of the sound massages, that the often existing, suspicious attitude of addicted persons to external influence in the case of the sound massage is negligible. “98 percent of the patients were able to use the treatment without devaluing or withdrawing from it, as is often the case with other methods offered. The application of the sounds was consistently experienced as pleasant … with feedback like “I felt cared for and protected”. Since this is a non-verbal process, the person performing the sound / sound treatment takes a back seat. Negative transmission phenomena therefore take less place. The patients were able to experience strengthening and positive feelings on the physical as well as on the relationship level. “

Conscious interpersonal resonance

Gabriele Ehnis the therapist familiar with the effect of the sound educational settings within therapeutic environment of inpatient child and youth welfare service, reports in similar fashion.

She writes: “For me as a therapist, the sounds of the singing bowls and the sound-educational settings offer an opportunity to expand my work, which positively influences it in many ways. With the sounds of the singing bowls, I have a valuable door opener to enter into dialogical contact on a nonverbal level. Especially in the first phase of building relationships, I observe that less “resistance” arises among the young and that they can accept an offer faster and easier. This means that relationships and empathy can be built more quickly and easily. Perhaps the sounds create a vibrational field in which the interpersonal resonance is easier to achieve.

Similar to hypnotherapy, I address the sounds to an unconscious level. The sounds enable dialogic action – beyond dialogue in the sense of a conversation. The singing bowls also allow me to “touch” – on all levels. Physically, I do not even have to go into direct physical contact. “

The combination of targeted affirmations with the Peter Hess sound methods brings to bear various of the already mentioned aspects. It is essential, among other things, that the sounds touch on a subconscious level. Our lives are largely controlled by unconscious mechanisms that sometimes prevent us from achieving desired goals. Such recurring (often well-known) obstacles are reflected, for example, in established convictions and beliefs. In a concept developed by Peter Hess, the sounds act as a supporting force, which makes it possible to look at something from a superordinate perspective. Powerful rituals help letting go so that there is room for newness, as well as developing helpful affirmations that can initiate sustainable change. So we become (again) active designers of our own lives!

Ulrich Krause is a research assistant at the Peter Hess Institute

Contact via ulrich.krause @ peter-hess-institut.de    www.peter-hess-institut.de

Find workshops and introductory courses in Australia  www.peter-hess-academy.com.au

Sound creates well-being

Posted by PHAA On February 26, 2018 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

Interview with Peter Hess by Dominik Flinkert published 23/2/18 Syker Kurier

Peter Hess invented the singing bowl massage in 1984. In this interview, the 76-year-old talks about the institute, research projects and a new book.

That sounds good: Peter Hess shows a singing bowl which vibrations can also help stroke patients. (Janina Rahn)

Mr. Hess, you have developed the sound massage with singing bowls. How did you come to this?

Peter Hess: The origin of the Sound Massage dates back to 1984, that is over 30 years. It was a difficult time for me then. At that time, I was looking for an alternative healing method because there were serious illnesses in the family. I tried different things.

Then friend of mine, professor dr. Niels Gutschow, who does research in Nepal said, “Peter, come to Nepal with all your equipment – you’ll have fascinating experiences.” I was a vocational school teacher at that time, so I took time off and spent a year in Nepal to gain experience. That was wonderful, that was also the origin of the method. But the method is not an Eastern method, it is tailored to the needs of people in the Western world. The exciting thing I discovered was: as I gained experience there and got to know rituals – I realised that all that I can learn there, I could also find here in the West. For example, one still finds rituals in the Catholic Church. There, the effect of sound is also very important.

What sets the singing bowl massage apart from the physiotherapist’s massage?

There’s a huge difference. The physiotherapist has special techniques to work on the body. This can be severe and can also be painful. The sound massage is a much gentler method. Also, we support the area to promote good health and not to get rid of problems. We work through sound vibrations – vibrations that go beyond the body, muscles, nerves and bones. And we use specific vibrations for this area. But the key thing is that we move attention away from the problem. When I go to the physiotherapist I am in the problem and I am problem focussed. That is not good because I know the problem, and the thought solidifies the problem. We work in the surroundings, and it is gentle and pleasant. I always say: enjoy sound, forget the pain. And there we have great success with pain therapy.

In 2013, your institute introduced the extra-occupational study course “Bachelor of Science, Complementary Methods, specialisation Sound-Resonance-Method” with the Steinbeis-Hochschule Berlin (1). How is this accepted?

Yes, first of all: the fact that it was adopted is already extraordinary in our society.

People always come to me and say, you have to believe it (that the sound works). But we use the sound massages, for example, on sick horses, on sport horses. And that works. The horses do not believe, they are neither Catholic nor Protestant nor Buddhist.

Now I have to go back a bit.

Of course, in 1984 I started with self-help groups. That was partly set in the esoteric community. But very quickly we got interest from physiotherapists. So more and more we have expanded the system through specialist staff – through experience and reflection.

In the meantime we had many Congresses (2) and scientific reports: How does the sound affect the cells or the brain? This consistent documentation, this consistent work has led to our presence in many, many areas today: healthcare, clinics and psychiatry. We have great success, for example, with stroke patients, who often can move their hands after treatment.

Then the traditional science has become aware of us and has said, there must be something behind it. That was the gateway to setting up a degree course and settling the Sound-Resonance Therapy and Methods there at Steinbeis.

This programme of study is especially good. Students come from specific disciplines such as nursing, therapy or education. This idea, where they want to go, accompanies them throughout their studies. After that, the focus and the work align themselves. There is also a whole range of content that goes hand in hand with medicine and psychotherapy.

Yes, and how popular is it? Not hugely, we now have about 15 students, but it is accepted.

But not everyone wants to do a university study. We have wonderful training programs in sound therapy that are for therapists, but also for others, to participate. “Sound Massage / Sound Expert”, “Sound Massage to support healing processes” and “Sound Education”, that’s the other area. “Working with children in school” and “Coaching” field.

At the Peter Hess Institute you offer many further education courses and seminars. Will more courses be added this year?

Oh, I have to think about that first. The Institute offers many courses and all these have been developed from practice. We always say: from practice to practice. This is how ideas develop into seminars for the therapy area.

I have just spoken again with a physiotherapist who has been using our method for some time and offers lymphatic drainage. She then developed a seminar “sound to support the lymphatic flow”.

We have a total of over 80 technical workshops and seminars, we carry out some 700 seminars a year in Germany, and we have over 20 foreign academies – mostly in Europe, but also in Brazil or Australia.

Several research projects have been carried out on behalf of your institute. What is currently being worked on?

We recently had an exciting project at our Congress: the project of the voice hearing. These are people who hear voices. They meet with incomprehension and are often abused and belittled. And they end up as psychiatric patients. Psychiatry usually responds by psychotropic drugs.

It is a very interesting research project with a Psychologist and a Sound Massage Practitioner. They have formed groups to come away with sound from these voices – with great success. Consequently we will now investigate this under a larger number of areas, which we will support.

What is happening? People feel threatened, insulted, made small. What does the sound do? Sound creates well-being. When I feel good, I am strong. And now I’m ready to listen and I’m ready to take on more and more. In the course of time, as I assume, I am becoming stronger and stronger and more and more in order. It’s about returning to basic trust. Basic trust is the deep trust in us that unfortunately is not maintained in our society anymore. We come into the world with primeval trust, and then we get confused by being nursed into kindergarten and school to become functional.

The trust in ourselves is lost. As I get more and more into my basic trust, the problems go away. And the exciting thing is: the voices change, become friendlier or go away completely. This is one project.

The other project is with Professor dr. Thilo Hinterberger, Chair of Applied Awareness Sciences at the University of Regensburg. There is also an article on this in our new journal (Sound Massage Therapy – Journal of the European Association of Sound Massage Therapy, editor’s note). It is about the consciousness research, that is, how we perceive ourselves and the environment differently through the sound. That’s a very important thing. We feel the way we perceive ourselves and how we perceive the environment. Sometimes we lose sight of our subjectivity. It is about looking at things from other sides. Then it looks very different. Other words, I’m in my problem, but through the sound I distance myself from the problem and look from above on me, so to speak. And when I look at something from above, the altered perspective gives me another picture, a different consciousness, and I can handle it in a different way than if I clung to the problem.

The topics of wellness and relaxation are very popular with many Germans. Accordingly, the sale of items in your stores should have developed well.

That can not be said. We have changed. Earlier we used to be more focused on the population, on the problems. We will do that again, now we offer training. But people who want to do something good for themselves do not necessarily come to the training. But there are enough that do come. In fact several thousand people a year. Now this has shifted to areas such as medical and healing professions. Hence the sales do not necessarily have to be better than before. But it’s okay, it’s wonderful. We have the best sound materials in the world, quite clearly. They have been developed over the years.

You have published many books in your own publishing house. Are you currently writing another book?

We always have a lot on our plate. But a new hit, which is now being reissued, is called “Singing bowls – my practical companion”. That means: What can I do for myself in everyday life?

With small exercises – and there are studies on how effective those are, by the professorial couple Hella and Luis Erler – my life changes positively. I live much more aware life, I know what I do, I get ideas and implement them too. That’s wonderful, otherwise we do not even spend a few minutes in everyday life. Listening to singing bowls, or singing bowls on the palm of my hand, and even if I have problems – such as knee, joint problems or abdominal discomfort – I can do something for myself, for my family, children or partner. This is a wonderful book, a guide, with many practical examples (3).

1. Private university in Berlin; 2.Annual Conference of the European Sound Massage Asscociation in Germany; 3. Soon available in English

Meditation event – Mindful Women

Posted by PHAA On June 30, 2017 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

Here, Bette Rankin, who provided the sound meditation at the event is reflecting on her first event.

When Emma Stirling called me just after Christmas last year, and said she had come to one of our first Sound Baths at Qi Crystals in 2016, I cast my mind back and could remember her and partner Anthony attending. She went on to say that she loved the Sound Bath so much, she wanted to know if Resonate Sound Massage would offer a Sound Bath to a large group of women for a mass meditation event on 16 February 2017.

I immediately accepted the invitation, feeling excited to be possibly part of a series of events in Melbourne called Mindful Women, held at the National Gallery of Victoria (a venue that I hold close to my heart as I have loved art from a small child). I had to ask the obvious question- was Graham going to be able to play with me? The answer was anticipated by me before I asked it: Its for women-only. I had to go it alone.

Emma said she imagined me being on stage with my instruments before anyone enters the auditorium, and to play the singing bowls and gong for about 15 minutes while people enter and find their seat. She added that she would like me to also close the event with some sound also.

Well the date came upon us rather quickly. It was finally here! I had picked the outfit, re-packed the bowls into road cases, memorised the running sheet. Graham and I headed into town on one of Melbourne’s warm summer nights, the city buzzing with summer festivals and White Night preparations. We set up, did sound check and then the nerves calmed. I was ready.

Given the signal, off I went. I started with the bowls, but after a while, I decided to hit the large fen gong. There was immediate SILENCE! I could hardly believe it! I played on for another 20 minutes or so. Then I joined the audience to partake in the meditations.

I returned to the stage to close the event, and felt so much gratitude for being there, and hoped that people enjoyed the night. As soon as I had finished, a number of women rushed to the stage and demanded to talk with me. Some were interested in certain instruments, others wanted to know more about Sound Massage (as I know exactly how to weave it into any conversation!) Another woman with a note pad invited me to go on her radio show. ABC radio, my beloved station.

It was over, and time to load out.

And here is Bette’s second adventure at the Mindful Women meditation:

The Mindful Women mass meditations were created by Emma Stirling last summer. The first one was held at the National Gallery of Victoria in February. It was a great night. So great that Emma decided to have a second one in April. There were three of us offering different types of meditations. Guided, visualisation and sound. About 225 women attended. It was quite amazing to see so many women gathering together for the sake of meditation.

In April the second Mindful Women was held. This time the venue was Federation Square, in the Deakin Edge theatre. If you haven’t been to this venue before, it is open, bright and spectacularly designed. The back ‘wall’ is made of glass, so the audience can see the Yarra river that runs behind the theatre. The night was clear and warm, and the vibe was positive. The lighting was purple and pink and there was enough room at the front of the chairs for people to bring their yoga mats if they wanted to lie down.

It was the same line up as the first one, and I started. The theme was ‘Connection’ so I started with talking about the benefits of mass meditation, followed by what a Sound Bath is. I then did a toning exercise with the women using the Shruti Box, toning ‘AH’ and spreading love and compassion to any women that they know, including themselves, that might be isolated. We did this for 5 minutes. Although I was on the stage, I could hear the sound of hundreds of women toning, it was magical!

Then I finished with a 15 minute Sound Bath. I had my Peter Hess singing bowls, the large fen gong, smaller singing bowls, crystal bowls, the monochord and some Koshi chimes.

I absolutely loved being able to offer sound in this way to many women who have never experienced it before. It was the perfect start to a wonderful night of meditation.

A third Mindful Women has been booked for July 27, and there are tickets still available. The theme is ‘Gratitude & Abundance’. Bookings are online on the Mindful Women Facebook page.

Bette Rankin

Resonate Sound Massage

to contact Bette or Graham email to info@resonatesoundmassage.com.au

Peter and Emily Hess in Australia

Posted by PHAA On June 28, 2017 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

We are very excited to report that Peter Hess – European Nestor of Sound Healing and founder of the method named after him as well as his wife Emily visited Australia early this year. They were able to meet with Australian sound enthusiasts in Melbourne and Perth and here is a photo report from their visit….

Emily Hess trying her Sound Yoga moves on the local fauna

Sydney Opera House – waiting for La Traviata

Photo opportunity – meeting with Peter and Emily

Spot of sightseeing in Melbourne with Graham and Bette Rankin

Finally in Perth with Ute Coleman- Indian Ocean vista

Looks like Peter and Emily had a good time, so lets hope they will be willing to make this journey again in the near future. Watch this space…..

Melbourne Gong Puja

Posted by PHAA On June 28, 2017 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

In the evening, 19th day of May 2017, the sound proofed hall in Balaclava St, Caulfield witnessed twenty people gathering for an unforgettable, transformational sound experience. The Peter Hess Academy Practitioners – Bette and Graham, Alex, Janusz, Ute, Anita and Corrine assembled their gongs, singing bowls and other instruments and provided ALL NIGHT sound bath as our audience slept comfortably.

The night commenced at 9:30pm when the door opened for the sound aficionados to come in and settle for the night. Then after brief introductions, the sound bath commenced, gongs and sound bowls were played in a calming and peaceful manner by one or two players at the time. Crisp yet soothing sound of the monocord announced the end of the session and Koshi chimes gently welcomed people into a new day. The nigh session concluded with sharing followed by sounding of the OM and all was over so quickly by 7am.

Here is what some of our audience have to say about this rare experience:

Thank you for the experience it was amazing and I would love information for future Gong Puja events.
After the session I was uplifted, energised and excited about the future. Although I did come down from that high! Lol
This sickness I have had for weeks now, all began to come off my chest. I put myself to bed for a few days, drinking loads of water. I could finally feel that my body was releasing all the toxins (I felt like shit) I knew I was getting better though. 
Now I feel amazing, up early every day, I haven't missed a day of work and I still have energy left after each day.
Best $100 I ever spent.
Thank you so much
Love
Jade

Dear Graham and Bette… and magnificent Gong Puja crew!
I was talking with someone today about my experience last Friday night and felt such joy in recounting the event. I will sign up again without doubt! just as I signed when I first saw your advertisement. I just knew it was something that I needed to attend.
I was amazed at my responses during the session. I had great surround sound where I was situated! But for all the distractions I was immersed in the experience. There was such a sense of love that came from all of you and deep respect for each of us participants.
I have continued to enjoy these thoughts and feelings this week. I think that I am still re calibrating; so much more relaxed and accepting
Thank you so much for offering this experience….I know it takes a lot of organisation to get something like this together and appreciate your efforts ….. more please!

Summing-up, it was an overall great experience for all participants, and hopefully we will be fortunate enough to experience many more.

If you are interested in having this experience, watch this space or contact Bette and Graham directly at info@resonatesoundmassage.com.au

Rio Olympics 2016 – Peter Hess Academy Brasil

Posted by PHAA On September 13, 2016 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

Peter Hess Academy – Brazil – Our participation in the Rio Olympics 2016

Hello dear Readers!

It is with great satisfaction we would like to inform you, that Peter Hess Academy Brazil had the privilege of being present at the Rio 2016 Olympics, bringing Relaxation with Singing Bowls and Gongs to athletes from all over the world. Regina Santos of the Peter Hess Academy Brazil as well as practitioners Daniel Mas and Daniel Willmer collaborated in this effort, bringing all our dedication, love and affection.

It was a great gift and a great opportunity to participate in such an enormous event,which included all countries, not only Brazil, and thus be able to promote the Peter Hess method all over the world!

During 12 days in a stunning setting and a wonderful, comfortable and cozy ambience we offered 20 minute Sound Meditation Sessions with Singing Bowls, Gongs and other instruments, that lead to a meditative state, to 260 people (230 of these were top international athletes and/or coaches of various nationalities). All, that had the opportunity of participating, loved the experience. We did not have many places to offer for each session, and more people wanted to participate then we could accommodate. We were overbooked each and everyday. It was a total success, exceeding all our and everyone involved expectations!

Peter Hess Academy Brazil, in the Olympics

For most participants, with the exception of four, it was a totally new experience, and it was very gratifying to see at the end of each session how they were all “captivated”, “glued’ to the futons, their expressions, posture and attitude so absolutely different from when they had arrived. All of them loved it and did not want to awake, some took so long to just get up… We were able to feel the strength of the extreme stress involved in always demanding the maximum performance, to overcome your limitations each time, and pressure they are experiencing to reach their goals: the demand, tension, hours of training, expectancy, illusion… A break was something all said they needed, they had to empty the mind, relax deeply, rebalance their emotions, harmonise. As a result when leaving they told us they were feeling lighter and at peace, but also re-energised. That was our target: besides improving attention, focus, and concentration, reinforcing the self-confidence necessary in such an important moment of their lives.

The majority of people arrived, saying they had to try out Sound Meditation because all of those who had participated spoke wonders about it but at the same time were not able to explain it. The sessions however were so good and they had felt so well after that they indicated them to other athletes.

A few knew about this kind of work back in their own countries, such as Holland, Austria, Hungary, Germany and those who did not know it, when discovering they could find it in their home of adopted countries, said they were going to look it up, since they were wanting to experience this other times. We were not able to openly advertise the Peter Hess Sound Massage, but we always created an opportunity to do so. It was a private project, sponsored by an international enterprise and due to contract reasons, we were not allowed to do any marketing during the event period.

Peter Hess Academy Brazil, Olympics 2016

We treated some very well known athletes, some medal winners also, two of which had participated in Meditations before their matches. These came back to thank us and to let us know, they believed our work had helped in their results, and wanted to repeat the Meditation.

Phrases we heard continually:

– Awesome! Fantastic!
– Amazing experience!
– Best experience of my life!
– Never tried anything similar!
– Very relaxing…
– Loved it!
– Do I have to get up?
– I don’t want to wake up…
– Can I stay here all day or forever?
– You have to come home with me and stay in my room! – I need this every day!
– You had to be at the Olympic Village!
– etc….

Things we most remember:

An enormous Ukrainian athlete who relaxed, fell asleep, and deeply snored;
Numerous athletes who did not awake listening to the highest treble sounds;
An American who had stared very suspiciously at us when entering the room and was given welcoming sounds for her back health aura, the same athlete smiling and exhilarated when leaving;
The big and strong American athletes who had arrived with all their might and energy and how afterwards they were so relaxed they took so long to leave the futons;
The Nigerians who left with no words, shook our hands very gratefully, with this incredulous look of what they had just experienced. Recommended Sound Meditation to other two colleagues, who spent all their 10 minutes session time filming in amazement, (coach was in a hurrying to leave, but they did not want to miss the SM experience);
Many expressions of gratitude from athletes for receiving so many good vibrations;
The appreciation and affectionate expressions of the Brazilian shooting medalist (Silver medal) and his wife. After winning the medal when they returned for a new session they let us know they had researched benefits of Peter Hess’ Sound Massage,(they were enchanted and want to purchase bowls!);

The wonderful expressions of Portuguese and Brazilians feeling they had received an unexpected gift;
Resisting the relaxation of one of the IOC representatives, being in the end overcome by the bowls and awaking very impressed;
Another IOC member who came to us with his family, but was not able to participate and was so interested in being introduced to this kind of work and who made many questions;
An American who had just arrived from a long air trip and was unable to relax;
A sponsor representative relaxing so deeply and snoring, taking more than five minutes to come back to life;
A Brazilian who came to the session after loosing his competition and the chance of a medal, and was unable to relax. After the Sound Meditation he told us he kept reviewing the images of his defeat and had been able to understand his mistakes;
The Dutch rowing coxswain, golden medalist, who came to thank us after his conquest, bringing his team to have a session;
The three people from NBC Channel, very curious and suspicious when entering the room, and at the end, very interested, asking a lot of questions;
The indirect benefits in people (who came to our Sound Meditation room) lives;
The gratitude of people involved in the project, all confirming that Sound Meditation made all the difference in the project’s conception, contributing immensely to the success reached. All three of us – practitioners, were given the same prizes as the gold medalists.

With this experience we learned and grew both personally and professionally and we are sure that it can be a very important path to benefit (with individual appointments included) this special audience who live under constant stress, in such a need of relaxation. From the positive results of this experience, we foresee the possibility of seeking the Brazilian Olympic Committee and offer a work project of PH Sound Massage. We believe this to be a real possibility for each and every PH Academy. Why not give it a try?

It has been a unique and awesome experience, which has enriched us and we are loving to share it with all of you!

Regina Santos, Daniel Mas and Daniel Willmer Peter Hess Academy Brasil
Site: www.academiapeterhess.com.br
E-mail: contato@academiapeterhess.com.br

Sound massage as a tool for stress reduction

Posted by PHAA On August 18, 2016 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

How do we know that the sound massage is such a wonderful tool for relaxation?

After 20 years of the sound massage practice in the framework designed by Peter Hess and his associates, countless anecdotal reports surfaced of the benefits of this treatment especially in combating stress. In 2009 the European Association for the Sound Massage in cooperation with Dr Tanja Grötz conducted a research on whether (and how) our stress coping strategies (SMS) and the body image (BI) change under the influence of the sound massage. The researchers tested a group of around 200 people as well as the small control group which has not received the sound massage.

The testing tools included standardised questionnaires on stress management strategies and body image. (Janke & Erdmann, Clement & Leo). The sound massage was given in an intensive training seminar environment, where people were subjected to the treatment every day for a week. Both groups were tested before the “intervention”, directly after the sound massage week as well as 10 weeks after.

The results confirmed the positive influence of the sound massage on the stress management strategies. The graph below shows mean values of stress management strategies in three time points, before the intervention (MZP1), directly after the intensive week(MZP2) and 10 weeks after (MZP3). The first group shows increase in positive stress management strategies, and second – decrease in negative SMS. Most surprising for the researchers was even further improvement in the values after 10 weeks after the “intervention”.

In other words, the subjects found overall, that their stress coping strategies improved after the sound massage week, and some kept improving (especially the negative ones) even after 10 weeks from the treatments.

The results of the body image survey are shown in the graph below. Again, the sound massage weeks has made an improvement on the body image values both positive (increase) and negative (decrease). There was no significant change in positive body image after 10 weeks, however the negative BI has certainly kept improving (reducing).

This was a first empirical long term study of the effects of sound massage according to Peter Hess method and it brought a confirmation to numerous anecdotal reports. It also brought more questions to be further studied, for example what is the origin of further improvement in stress management techniques and body image 3 months after the treatments.

“In times of increased stress-related diseases, the influence of stress management measures and body image through the Peter Hess basic-Sound Massage is promising not only in the context of health prevention, but also for many areas of learning, problem-solving or creativity.”


Literature:
1. Peter Hess Basic-Sound Massage as a method of coping with stress and effects on body image; An empirical longitudinal study of the European Association Sound Massage Therapy in cooperation with the Peter Hess Institute's Dr. Tanja Grotz, August 2009 (Peter Hess-Klangmethoden im Kontext von Vorschung und Wissenschaft, 2010)

© Peter Hess Academy Australia

Tips for cleaning singing bowls

Posted by PHAA On February 18, 2016 April 3, 2019 Filed under Blog

We always have people ask us how to clean their singing bowls? Should they clean the bowls? Is the cleaning process going to destroy or interfere in sound quality?

The bowls are made from the precious metal alloys and given time and handling they will tarnish. The patina could be quite charming, if you are into it. Some people buy the bowls as “ancient” and cherish the “sacred patina” believing those bowls come from the spiritual environment and the patina gives additional quality to the sound of those bowls. Others buy the bowls as tools of their trade where the look of the bowls, shiny or not, is not that important. If you are using your bowls in the hospital, or the care centre, you will need to clean and desinfect them frequently. Keep reading →

Sound for deaf-blind people and people with hearing disability

Posted by PHAA On February 11, 2016 April 3, 2019 Filed under Article

Report of a five-day project.

by Jasmin Worseg

The Sound and Sound Massage was available for the first time at a Rehabilitation Week, held in April 2010 by the “Hearing-impaired, Deaf-blind, Blind and Visually Impaired Association NRW e.V.” in Bad Meinberg (Germany). For five days spa guests could experience the effects of sound.

During the project not only participants experienced their first contact, also our team consisting of three qualified professionals with different backgrounds and field of activity, had previously had no experience with deaf-blind people. So the project was a challenge for all involved.

Background of the participants

Conditions of the participants were varied, ranging from mild visually or hearing impaired to complete loss of one or both senses. Usher syndrome was the cause of a severe restriction or complete loss of hearing and eyesight in approximately every second case. This is a genetically inherited defect which shows itself in childhood. Progression and severity vary widely: as an exemplary case of the disease does not exist.So far, no causal treatment of Usher syndrome is possible. In certain cases, a hearing implant contribute to improving the situation. Also additional therapeutic services are important.

In case of the loss of both senses the person concerned is either strongly cut off from his or her environment, or the contact with the environment is much more difficult, resulting frequently in social withdrawal and depression. Equally important psychological effects are the mourning for loss or fears of the future. Sufferers are dependent on constant care and family members in turn often become overloaded. Dependency, under or over-exposure are therefore everyday common problems of deaf-blind people.

Structure and Objectives

It was important to us to deliver a targeted proposition , even if it was a first contact with the Sound for the spa centre guests.

Earlier on, a thorough discussion with the organisers of spa week took place and the following key objectives were formulated:

Improvement of self-perception
Improvement of body image. When the two senses are missing, it is important that physical resources are used to the best advantage. It requires, as a first step, a conscious perception of individual physical areas, as well as of the body in its entirety. During the project we confirmed, that this body perception is difficult for many sufferers.
Solving or reducing physical tensions ,is a first step in order to contribute to improved body awareness, which in turn can also contribute to the resolution of mental tension.
Improving perception of internal limits. Conscious perception of one’s own body with its needs and tensions can help to perceive the emotional needs and limitations.
Strengthening the group contacts. The group participants should be reinforced in their sense of belonging in order to promote communication and interpersonal skills of the people concerned and to counteract social withdrawal.

Design and implementation of group sessions.

More than two-thirds of the spa guests had registered to participate in the sound project, enabling the organisers to form three solid heterogeneous groups, each with 6 to 8 participants. The participants had the possibility to alternate between group sessions and the individual sound massage. It was central to the “improvement of self-awareness”.

Each spa guest was accompanied by an individual translator. Deaf-blind communicate mainly via the Lorm (deaf-blind manual) alphabet: words are alphabetised through characters in the palms. Communication presented a common problem during the sound week. Due to the varied medical conditions, the different translations (Lorm signs, sign language and cochlear implants) took a lot of time to complete.

Taking into account the above objectives, it was important to design structure and individual elements equivalent to those offered for hearing and sighted people. In accordance with the objectives the Sound was offered, both in groups and individually (sound massage). The theme of “Compatibility with the outside” was the focus of the three group sessions. Those contained solid elements, from the first tentative touching of the bowls up to the independent gong play. Although created by us, they were nevertheless met with strong resonance from the spa guests. They had a possibility to share their experiences with the group at the beginning and end of every session. To start with, in the group sessions curiosity and fun predominated, against our expectations of skepticism or initial shyness. Even timid participants who indicated early concerns, very quickly and confidently could connect with the singing bowls. Especially the XXL bowl found enthusiasm: by bending over the water-filled, sound activated bowl the participants could tactilely perceive the water and sound.

In addition, the Gong became very popular: it was struck on the reverse side by a team member, with the participants seated individually before the gong. Sound vibrations have been thereby intensely perceived and enjoyed. Also their own Gong play performances were very respectful despite hearing deficits. The instrument, as a means of expression, without hesitation was used among the participants faster and with less fear, compared to many hearing people. The Gong players made careful contact with the instrument, and allowed themselves a longer monologue. “The Gong is talking to me,” reported one spa guest.

For one the last highlights of the group sessions, participants formed a circle and sound activated their respective favourite bowls. In that time, the Gong was activated in the middle. What originated solely as the tactile perception of the Sound, ended up as almost exactly uniform concert.

Insights into the Peter Hess-sound massage: Gustav’s case *

Gustav, a middle-aged man was accompanied to the sound group by his mother. She designated her son as a “problem child”: Gustav was very introverted, shy and skeptical towards other people.

“He will come back, when you have what reaches” shared his mother with us at the beginning of the first group session. Initially Gustav took a really cautious attitude, but soon let himself be taken by the Sound. Especially the turns with the XXL-bowl gave him much joy. Gustav not only came to the second group session, but even reported at the sound massage.

Over the week, Gustav showed himself as a bright man who seemed less passive and took initiative more frequently. His attention span and focus were markedly increased. The posture had changed. The stand was sure and head and body straightened. The eyes had opened and appeared clearer. At the end the week, Gustav thanked us profusely several times. His mother said: “My son has arrived somewhere, although I do not know where, but he has arrived somewhere.”

Further observations and results

The feedback from the participants was consistently positive and broadly agreed with this of hearing people. The intense stimulus absorbed through skin allows for deaf-blind people a very special and intense experience of sound. During the final feedback, in addition to the”really great experience”, achieving deep relaxation, a better and deeper sleep, increased balance, drive and creativity, physical relaxation and reduction of all types of pain as well as improved body awareness (individual parts as well the body in a holistic sense), were generally experienced. Also most of the companions perceived the program participants as “relaxed”, “cheerful”, or simply “changed”.

The group dynamics changed during the week noticeably, communication between meetings increased markedly. Already after the first sound contacts, the project was the main talking point for the resort guests; during mealtimes e.g. they exchanged intensively on their individual and collective musical experiences. The feeling of a stronger group cohesion has been described by many participants during the final feedback.

For us, the sound week was an unforgettable experience. We had learned a lot and were impressed by the sound sensations that had taken place this week.

Summary and Outlook

In total, the program “Sounds for people with a hearing or visual impairment “is definitely regarded as successful; earlier formulated objectives have been met and the project was very well received among all participants! Several participants asked about possibilities to obtain the sound massage in private framework, and were interested in the repetition of the project.

From occupational therapy perspective, the use of sound for people with hearing and visual impairment provides promising opportunities. The spa week yielded much information that could be built upon the therapeutic context. With the implementation of this project in Bad Meinberg we have aroused interest in the sound in participants and other contributors. We hope to accomplish more of both practical and theoretical work to contribute to the potential therapeutic use of sound for people with hearing and visual disabilities.

Project initiator: Birgitt Wiesendt is the Peter Hess-Sound Educator, Reiki instructor (western Method & Jikiden Reiki by Tadao Yamaguchi and Frank Arjava Petter), training in the silent Qi Gong and Chinese medical gymnastics. Teaches Peter Hess-sound massage I to IV, specialist seminars in Aroma Qi-gong I and II learning with Sound as well as expressive communication.

Contact; Phone: 02331-1279233 • Email: birgitt.Wiesendt@gmx.de

Project Assistant: Almut Stühmeier is Peter Hess-sound massage practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist, intensive care nurse, podiatrist. Many years of experience in intensive care and foot care. Focus: Working with autistic people, hospice, and people with multiple disabilities.

Contact; Mobile: 0174-1764007 • Email: almut.stuehmeier@gmx.de

Project Documentation: Jasmin Worseg B. A., is trained in Peter Hess-sound massage I-IV. She has traveled to India and Nepal and studied music therapy in the Netherlands. Currently studying part-time for her Master’s degree in Music Therapy in Frankfurt / a.M.

Contact; Phone: 06421-1867145 • Mobile: 0157-73524993 Email: jasminworseg@hotmail.com

PHAA Author