Handpan vs Singing Bowls: Therapist Comparison

Discover the key differences between handpans and singing bowls from a therapist's perspective. Explore their healing effects, sound qualities, and best uses in therapy sessions.

When it comes to sound therapy, two instruments often steal the show—handpans and singing bowls. Both are beloved in holistic and therapeutic circles, known for their calming vibrations and meditative tones. But as a therapist, how do you choose between them?

Whether you're looking to deepen your healing practice or just curious about the difference, this blog breaks down everything you need to know. Let's dive into their origins, sounds, therapeutic uses, and which might be the better fit for your sessions.

What Is a Handpan?

Origin: The handpan is a relatively new invention. Inspired by the Trinidad steel drum, it was created in Switzerland in the early 2000s.

Sound Profile: Think dreamy, flowing melodies with a mix of high and mid-tones. It’s deeply resonant but doesn’t produce low-frequency vibrations like a gong or deep singing bowl.

How It’s Used: Played on the lap or a stand using fingertips and palms. Ideal for solo meditations, music therapy, sound journeys, or even as an accompaniment to yoga or breathwork.

In Therapy: Its rhythmic yet gentle tone helps with emotional release and grounding. It's especially useful for clients who respond to melody and musicality.   432hz is recommended. why?  Please refer to our previous articles: 432hz or 440hz? Handpan, Sound Bowls

What Are Singing Bowls?

Singing bowls—sometimes called Tibetan or Himalayan bowls—are ancient instruments with deep roots in Eastern spiritual practices.

Origin: Traditional singing bowls date back to at least 560 B.C. and have been widely used in Tibet, Nepal, India, and Bhutan for spiritual rituals and healing.

Sound Profile: The sound is pure and continuous. When struck or rubbed with a mallet, singing bowls emit a vibrational hum that envelops the body. Some are tuned to specific chakras or frequencies.

How They’re Used: Placed on or around the body, or simply played nearby. The tones are often used in meditation, chakra alignment, and even physical healing.

In Therapy: Singing bowls are a go-to for deep relaxation, nervous system regulation, and releasing energetic blockages. The vibration is physically felt, making it great for somatic healing.

Key Differences Between Handpans and Singing Bowls

Now let’s stack them side-by-side so you can clearly see where each one shines.

1. Vibration & Resonance

• Handpan: Offers layered, harmonious tones with gentle resonance. More musical than vibrational.

• Singing Bowl: Focuses on deep, steady vibrations that can be felt in the body—perfect for energetic and physical healing.

2. Playing Style

• Handpan: Requires coordination and rhythm. Played with hands to produce melodies.

• Singing Bowl: Simpler technique. Played with a mallet using striking or circular rubbing.

3. Therapeutic Goals

• Handpan: Great for emotional expression, creativity, and calming mental chatter.

• Singing Bowl: Best for body healing, chakra balancing, trauma release, and deep meditation.

4. Portability & Setup

• Handpan: Lightweight and portable but needs careful handling.

• Singing Bowl: Can be heavy if large but easy to use in a variety of settings—even directly on the body.

Which One Is Better for Therapy?

Well, it really depends on your client and session goals.

Choose a Handpan if your goal is:

• Encouraging creative flow and emotional processing

• Guiding active meditations or breathwork

• Creating a live music component during therapy

Choose Singing Bowls if your goal is:

• Deep relaxation and nervous system regulation

• Targeting specific energy centers (chakras)

• Helping clients with trauma, stress, or insomnia

Many therapists find value in using both, alternating based on the client’s needs or blending them during longer sound healing sessions.

Therapist’s Tip: Combining the Two

Want to level up your sessions? Try beginning with a singing bowl to settle your client’s energy and close with a handpan for a melodic lift. This combination helps clients move from deep stillness into integration with a gentle musical wake-up.

Also, using different frequencies from both instruments can create a full-spectrum experience. Just make sure to tune your instruments properly, especially when working with clients sensitive to sound.

Pros and Cons

Handpan Pros:

• Melodic and beautiful

• Portable and visually captivating

• Great for creative therapy

Handpan Cons:

• Expensive and rare

• Requires skill and practice

• Not as vibrationally deep as singing bowls

Singing Bowl Pros:

• Deep, vibrational healing

• Easy to learn and use

• Can be used directly on the body

Singing Bowl Cons:

• Some are quite heavy

• Tones can be too intense for some sensitive clients

• Less musical flexibility

Can I use both handpans and singing bowls in the same therapy session?
Absolutely! Many therapists blend both for a more dynamic healing experience.

Which is better for group sessions?
Handpans are great for group movement or sound baths, while singing bowls work wonders in guided meditations or stillness-based sessions.

What’s the best beginner instrument for a therapist?
Singing bowls are easier to start with, but if you're musically inclined, a handpan can be a wonderful investment.

Final Thoughts

So, handpan vs singing bowls—what’s the final verdict?

If you're looking to add melody, musicality, and emotional depth, the handpan could be your star performer. But if deep, physical, vibrational healing is the goal, then the singing bowl is hard to beat.

In the end, both are powerful tools. The magic happens when they’re used with intention, intuition, and care. Try each one, experiment in sessions, and see how your clients respond.

Remember, it's not about choosing the “better” instrument—it’s about discovering which sound resonates with your healing purpose.