The story of Panaraya
It began with a chance conversation on a quiet evening between us, a handpan enthusiast and an EMDR therapist . We talked about inner restlessness, about regulation—and about how powerful bilateral stimulation can be in supporting emotional processes. Then came the aha moment: The natural left-right-left pattern in handpan playing could enable precisely this form of stimulation in a simple and accessible way.
Bilateral stimulation —that is, the alternating stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain with right- and left-directed stimuli—is a well-researched principle in psychotraumatology. Studies show that such rhythmically alternating stimuli can help calm the nervous system and facilitate the processing of stressful content.
Polyvagal theory also offers some explanations: Predictable rhythms, prolonged exhalation, and gentle body awareness send so-called "safety signals" to the autonomic nervous system—which facilitates access to a state of inner calm and emotional stability. This is precisely where playing the handpan comes in: It combines rhythm, physicality, and sound into an experience that can be both stabilizing and expressive.
From this insight, Panaraya was born – and with it Pan Balance, our online-supported sound journeys for bilateral sound patterns. Our goal was to create a trauma-sensitive self-practice that provides people with emotional distress – such as diffuse anxieties, inner restlessness, separation pain, or grief – with a tool for self-regulation.
The challenge of our approach: High-quality handpans are expensive. If an instrument can support such settings, it shouldn't be held back by price. So we listened, tested, and compared until we found a manufacturer that builds superbly crafted instruments at a fair price. The result: sound quality close to the level of leading handpans – at a fraction of the usual cost. By the way: Pan Balance works with any D-Kurd handpan; it doesn't have to be one of ours.
Today, Panaraya represents precisely this connection: handpans with a clear sound – and a guide that guides you step by step through the practice of bilateral rhythm. For self-efficacy, regulation, and the healing sound of the handpan.
Important : Severe or acute traumatic effects require professional care and cannot be treated alone at home. We view Pan Balance more as secondary support or aftercare for traumatic experiences or for issues such as diffuse anxieties, rumination, separation pain, or grief. Self-practice strengthens your sense of self-efficacy: passive listening becomes active action. With each sound journey, you realize "I can do something myself" – and gradually strengthen your ability to act and your inner strength.
The advantages of Pan Balance
Parasympathetic activation
In contrast to purely visual stimulation, the handpan method induces a profound physiological response. The harmonic overtones and rhythmic sound waves promote the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. This process leads to a measurable reduction in heart rate variability and a lowering of blood pressure, enabling faster and more sustained neurobiological stress reduction.
Deactivation of the amygdala
While visual methods primarily target the cognitive load on working memory for top-down control of the amygdala, the auditory stimulation of the handpan acts more directly on the limbic system. The harmonious sounds, which are evaluated as positive and safe, create a limbic resonance that reduces amygdala hyperactivity. Instead of merely distracting, a competitive, calming state is established, which is particularly beneficial in states of hyperarousal.
Memory reconsolidation
The success of memory reconsolidation depends on the emotional valence of the information available during retrieval. The eye method provides a neutral, safe context. The handpan, on the other hand, adds a positive emotional component to the process. This enables robust reconsolidation, in which the traumatic memory is not only contextualized as "past" but also reconnected with a demonstrably calming sensory experience.
Therapeutic applications
The Pan Balance Method gently supports holistic healing processes. The intuitively playable form of the handpan makes it a valuable companion even without prior musical knowledge.
Note: The handpan is not a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. In cases of serious mental or physical conditions, a qualified professional should always be consulted. However, Pan Balance can provide valuable support as an accompanying, holistic approach.
Fears
When anxiety or panic occurs, the body goes into a state of alert (the so-called fight-or-flight mode). The Pan Balance method uses gentle, alternating stimuli that stimulate both sides of the body and brain. This bilateral stimulation gradually signals safety to the brain and mimics a processing process similar to that found in REM sleep. This allows anxiety-provoking memories or triggers to be processed gently afterwards. Many report that the intense fear noticeably subsides, giving way to a feeling of calmer serenity as the body returns from the alarm response to a state of relaxation.
Consequences of trauma
The Pan Balance Method can also be helpful for mild post-traumatic stress disorders or distressing memories. Unprocessed experiences often remain "stuck" and lead to inner tension, sudden excitement, or emotional overreactions for a long time. Bilateral stimulation—alternating stimuli on the left and right—supports the brain in subsequently processing such memories and integrating them into normal memory. The gentle sound rhythm and the resulting self-regulation allow pent-up emotions to gradually discharge without causing one to feel overwhelmed again. Over time, the memories lose their emotional intensity, leading to greater inner stability and security in everyday life.
Inner restlessness and nervousness
Persistent inner restlessness, nervousness, or a "racter's wheel" of thoughts can be very stressful. The Pan Balance method can provide support here, as gentle, alternating impulses calm the overactive nervous system. The rhythmic stimulus gently redirects attention back and forth, which can interrupt ruminative thoughts. Often, after a few minutes, a noticeable inner calm sets in – one feels more grounded and relaxed, as if body and mind are finding a calmer harmony.
Emotional overload
When feelings get out of hand and you feel overwhelmed by your own emotions, the Pan Balance Method offers a gentle way to stabilize yourself. Through alternating sensory stimuli, the nervous system finds its balance again – similar to a steady rhythm that has a calming effect on an agitated child. The constant bilateral impulse acts like an anchor: It reminds the body that there is no immediate danger, thus promoting the natural calming response. In this way, the emotional tide can slowly subside. You feel more in control of your situation again; intense feelings are noticeably subdued and become easier to manage. The method thus helps you find your way out of the emotional chaos and regain a sense of calm and self-regulation.
Tension and stress
Chronic stress and inner tension often manifest themselves both mentally and physically – through brooding, irritability, or tense muscles. The Pan Balance Method addresses this by offering a pathway to release this tension. The gently pulsating, alternating impulses have a soothing and relaxing effect on the arousal state of the entire nervous system. Many people feel pent-up tension gradually dissipate during the exercise – sometimes through deeper breathing, yawning, or a pleasant flow through the body. A feeling of deep relaxation can arise, comparable to letting go after physical exercise. As the body moves out of its constant state of tension, regeneration and recovery become more easily possible.
More on the topic: Pan Balance for stress and tension
Sleep problems
Thoughts that endlessly circle and a body that cannot find rest – many people are familiar with these problems when falling asleep or staying asleep. The Pan Balance method can build a calming bridge to sleep in the evening. The steady alternation from left to right signals to the brain that everything is OK. The mind can process the events of the day and calm down, similar to REM sleep. Body and brain gradually switch from active mode to rest mode, which can make falling asleep easier. Some approaches even use bilateral music to specifically promote certain relaxing brain waves – thus gently supporting the transition to restful sleep. It is important that the method is used mindfully and without pressure, so that body and mind can naturally slip into relaxation.
Depression and lack of motivation
During periods of mild depression, exhaustion, or listlessness, the Pan Balance Method can gently awaken new energy. Gentle stimulation of both hemispheres of the brain promotes emotional balance and positive sensations. By literally "getting the brain going," even entrenched negative moods can be released. Users report that their mood can noticeably brighten during the exercise—they feel more alive and mentally refreshed. While the method is not a substitute for professional treatment for severe depression, it can serve as a mindful self-help tool to experience a spark of inner confidence and lightness in dark moments.
Grief and loss
When words aren't enough, a gentle rhythm can carry you. Pan Balance is our trauma-sensitive self-practice with the handpan: Gentle, alternating left-right pulses create a safe inner framework in which memories, pain, and love find space alongside each other. The steady sound is calming, the bilateral stimulation strengthens self-regulation, and allows you to breathe again, step by step—without repressing anything.
Things to know about Pan Balance
What is the Pan Balance Method – and why can it help gently regulate inner restlessness, anxiety, or emotional tension? Here you'll find background information, scientific principles, and practical tips.
Our handpans
Happy customers make us happy
It fills us with joy when we hear how our instruments enrich our customers' lives. Your journey to greater balance and healing inspires us daily—and for that, we are grateful. Share your experiences with us, too. ❤️
The handpan with 9 tone fields
The 9-tone handpan in D-Kurd tuning is particularly popular with beginners and experienced players alike. It comprises 8 tonal fields centered around the central ding note (D3) and is tuned in the following scale:
D3 – A3 – Bb3 – C4 – D4 – E4 – F4 – G4 – A4 tuned.
This sequence of notes forms a harmonious D minor scale that has a warm, calming, and emotional effect—intuitive to play and ideal for relaxation, meditation, and sound healing.
Models: Obsidian Black , Solaris
The handpan with 10 tones
The 10-tone handpan in D-Kurd tuning expands the popular D minor scale by an additional pitch field—for even more creative possibilities. In addition to the central ding note (D3), it features nine pitch fields in the ring, typically tuned to:
D3 – A3 – Bb3 – C4 – D4 – E4 – F4 – G4 – A4 – C5
The additional field (usually C5) gives the handpan an extended tonal range and opens up new melodic possibilities.
The world of the handpan
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the handpan. In our blog, you'll find everything you need to know about the healing power of this unique instrument.