Sound Healing is one of the newest integrations into yoga offerings in San Diego. There are tons of opportunities to try sound healing and many local practitioners! We wanted to offer a one-on-one conversation with a local healer, Amy Freeman, to better understand what sound healing is and what it can offer. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and how to practice with Amy.
SDYN: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into sound healing.
AMY: I’ve been a student of yoga since taking a Philosophy of Yoga course in college 27 years ago! After leaving the corporate world in 2001, I moved to Virginia to study and do my Yoga Teacher Training with Swami Satchidananda at his ashram – Yogaville – where I was first introduced to the beauty and benefits of sound therapy and chanting.
I have been teaching yoga in San Diego for 20 years. 10 years ago I wanted to add to my yoga offerings and became reiki certified. A few years after that I started offering sound healing with crystal singing bowls during reiki sessions and yoga classes. I have since added many more instruments to my collection of crystal bowls.
In 2020 during the pandemic, I started offering sound healings with my son outdoors, privately in people’s homes, and via zoom. It’s been such a joy to share the benefits of sound healing with so many people. My son is a musician and is a natural on the hand pan drum and bowls.
SDYN: What are some benefits of sound healing? Why do you think sound healing is important?
AMY: There are so many benefits to sound healing. Sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our being. We don’t just hear sound but we feel sound in every cell in our body. Sound baths use instruments like crystal bowls, drums, chimes, gongs and more to create a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience.
Think of how you feel when you play your favorite songs or playlist. How music can touch and affect us at our deepest layer. I believe dis-ease is dis-harmony in the body and a sound healing session can help heal us on many levels. One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it so deeply touches us and can transform us on an emotional and spiritual level. Sound can redress imbalances on every level and can play of positive role in the treatment of many disorders.
I also believe sound healing allows us to deeply relax and tap into the energy of the parasympathetic nervous system- rest, digest and restore. Many of us get stuck or spend too much time in the sympathetic nervous – fight, flight and freeze.
Benefits of Sound Healing
SDYN: Can you provide some insight into why someone may want to consider sound healing? Who should participate in sound healing? Are there any contraindications for sound healing?
AMY: EVERYONE should experience a sound healing! There is evidence that sound healing can reduce the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol lowers we feel more relaxed. Sound therapy can improve mood, sleep, concentration and immunity by bringing the subtle body into alignment and harmony.
Pregnant people can attend a sound healing but the bowls should not be placed on their body.
SDYN: How can someone prepare for their first sound healing?
AMY: Comfort is key during a sound bath. Dress in comfortable clothing, bring a pillow or blanket for extra coziness. Drink extra water before and after a sound bath. Sound and vibration travel better through water. Dreams can sometimes be more vivid after a sound bath so if you like to keep track of those, have a journal handy.
SDYN: Where can people find you and see your upcoming classes?
AMY: On instagram at @amyfreemanyoga I post all my events. I offer monthly sound healing at Pier to Point Yoga & Wellness in Ocean Beach, Yoga Arts in Point Loma and quarterly at Be Yoga and Wellness in Rancho Bernardo. I offer private and corporate sound healings. Reiki can be added on as well. I also collaborate with Dr. McKenzie O’Brien to offer acu-sound events at Pier to Point Yoga & Wellness. Community Acupuncture + Sound Healing = relaxation on top of relaxation, the ultimate experience!