What are Handpans?

Handpans are a relatively new class of musical instruments characterized by their unique shape and captivating sound. Crafted from steel, handpans typically have a convex top side with several indented tone fields and a bottom opening for resonance. These tone fields are carefully sculpted to produce specific notes when struck with the hands or mallets. The ethereal and harmonious tones produced by handpans have captured the hearts of musicians and wellness enthusiasts alike.

How Can Handpans Help You?

Handpans offer a range of potential benefits for both musical expression and holistic well-being:

• Relaxation and Stress Relief: The calming, resonant tones of handpans can induce a profound sense of relaxation, helping to dissolve stress and anxiety. The act of both playing and listening to handpans promotes a meditative state.
• Enhanced Mindfulness: Focusing on the vibrations and melodies produced by handpans fosters a sense of presence and mindfulness. This can be a valuable tool in meditation practice or for simply finding a moment of tranquility.
• Emotional Expression: Handpans provide a creative outlet for emotional expression, whether through improvisation or composition. Exploring the various soundscapes of a handpan can be an emotionally cathartic and fulfilling experience.
• Musical Accessibility: The intuitive design of handpans makes them accessible to people of varying musical backgrounds, fostering a sense of enjoyment and playfulness with sound.

What are Handpans Good For?

Handpans offer versatility in their uses within a holistic wellness approach:

• Meditation and Sound Healing: Handpans’ calming vibrations feature prominently in meditation practices and sound healing therapies.
• Music Therapy: Music therapists may incorporate handpans to address stress management, emotional regulation, and self-expression.
• Personal Creativity: Handpans provide an accessible tool for creative musical exploration, promoting a sense of play and personal expression.
• Ambient Soundscapes: The soothing tones of handpans create a peaceful and meditative atmosphere for relaxation or yoga practices.

Benefits of Handpans

Engaging with handpans offers a multitude of advantages:

• Stress Reduction: Handpans facilitate deep relaxation, helping to combat the negative impacts of stress on both body and mind. The calming sonic qualities of handpans promote the release of tension, lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promoting the production of endorphins (feel-good chemicals). This physiological shift can lead to a decrease in anxiety, improved sleep quality, and a strengthened immune system.
• Improved Mood: The act of playing or listening to handpans can boost mood and promote feelings of peace and contentment. The harmonious and resonant tones resonate with the body’s natural frequencies, creating a sense of emotional balance and well-being. Studies have shown that listening to music can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, contributing to an overall positive emotional state.
• Connection with Sound: Handpans offer a unique and direct way to interact with the power of sound and vibration. The act of playing a handpan is an immersive experience, engaging the senses of touch and hearing in a way that can be deeply grounding and present-moment focused. This mindful connection with sound can be a powerful tool for stress reduction, self-discovery, and emotional expression.
• Creativity and Exploration: Handpans foster a sense of musical freedom, encouraging exploration and creativity. The intuitive design of handpans allows for experimentation without the constraints of complex musical notation. This freedom allows players to explore a wide range of sounds and melodies, fostering a sense of self-expression and creative discovery.
• Accessibility: The intuitive nature of handpans makes them accessible to people with varying levels of musical experience. Unlike some traditional instruments, handpans do not require extensive training to produce beautiful and engaging sounds. This accessibility allows people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the therapeutic and creative benefits of playing a handpan.

What to Expect from Handpans with a Practitioner

Here’s what you might expect from a session involving handpans with a practitioner:

• Sound Healing Sessions: Sound therapists may use handpans alongside other instruments to create deeply immersive sonic experiences for relaxation.
• Guided Meditation: Practitioners may incorporate the calming sounds of handpans into guided meditation sessions.
• Music Therapy: A music therapist might use handpans as a tool for emotional expression, self-discovery, and stress management.

How to Use Handpans by Yourself

Here’s a basic guide for exploring handpans on your own:

1. Finding a Comfortable Position: Sit comfortably with your handpan in your lap or on a stand.
2. Exploring Basic Techniques: Gently strike the tone fields with your fingertips or use soft mallets.
3. Intuitive Play: Allow yourself to play freely, without concern for structure or “correct” playing. Focus on the sensations of playing and the sounds you create.
4. Seeking Guidance: Online resources and instructional videos can provide guidance on further techniques and playing styles.

Similar Modalities to Handpans

Other sound-based modalities share similarities with the use of handpans:

• Singing Bowls: Singing bowls produce soothing vibrations when played with a mallet, fostering relaxation and meditative states.
• Gongs: Gongs create long-lasting, resonant vibrations, often used in sound healing and meditation for their powerful sonic properties.
• Drums: Frame drums or other hand percussion instruments can be used for rhythmic exploration and meditative purposes.

Final Thoughts

Handpans offer a unique and captivating gateway into the world of sound and its therapeutic qualities. Whether playing or simply listening, the resonant tones of handpans can promote relaxation, support meditation, and foster a deep sense of peace and well-being. As a tool in holistic wellness, handpans offer accessibility, versatility, and the opportunity to rediscover the power of music and sound.

Scientific References

• Goldsby, T. L., Goldsby, M. E., McWalters, M., & Mills, P. J. (2017). Effects of singing bowl sound meditation on mood, tension, and well-being: an observational study. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(3), 401-406. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216668109 (This study explores the effects of singing bowls, which shares similarities with handpan therapy on mood and well-being.)
• Johnson, J. (2008). The use of music within the Allen cognitive level screen. Music Therapy Perspectives, 26(1), 7-15.  (While not handpan specific, this paper explores music’s use as a tool within therapeutic assessments.)
• Juslin, P. N., & Västfjäll, D. (2008). Emotional responses to music: The need to consider underlying mechanisms. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 31(5), 559-575. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X08005293 (A foundational study on the mechanisms behind how music evokes emotional responses, which can be extrapolated for understanding the power of handpans.)

Recommended Reading

• Eschen, J. T. (2004). Sonifications, vibrata & the principles of perception by the blind. Paper presented at the 10th Meeting of the International Conference on Auditory Display, Sydney Australia. Available from:  (While not about handpans, this resource delves into sound and its perception, providing insights relevant to sound healing.)
• Kaenampornpan, P. (2016). Hands-on sound experiences: A study promoting creative musical engagement through haptic feedback handpans (Doctoral Dissertation). University of California, Santa Barbara.
• Schneider, R. (2020). The handbook of the emergent handpan art form. United Kingdom: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.