Ashley Tan is an award-winning sound healing practitioner and teacher. She shares sound as a natural therapy and believes that sound and frequency have the power to heal. Ashley has studied Eastern and Western techniques, with a strong background in physics, mathematics, and their connection to musical intervals. Her blend of art and science, ancient wisdom and modern science, has helped her create a transformative healing journey.
As a teacher, Ashley focuses on the effective and scientific use of sound, avoiding myths. She has collaborated with the Capella Group to develop a sound and massage therapy that won the “Best Holistic Wellness Experience” award at the ICON2024 annual spa awards in Singapore.
A short excerpt from Ashley Tan's healing session:
As part of the Senses of Capella 2024 Event Series, Travellive had the opportunity to meet Ashley and listen to her share about her journey on the path of sound healing.
Reporter (PV): Can you share more about yourself and your journey starting with sound healing?
Ashley Tan:Of course! I was a business executive for 25 years. During that time, I decided to take a year off and travel. My original goal was to spend 6 months in India doing a yoga teacher training. However, by chance, I came across a brochure advertising “sound healing” and that’s how I started my journey. I had a strong personal experience with it, and then I started to learn more about sound frequencies and vibrations and how it works.
When I returned home, I worked and researched sound healing. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I decided to quit my job running the business to focus full-time on that therapy.
Ashley Tan, one of the pioneers in bringing sound healing to the international community
PV: What is the origin of sound healing instruments?
Ashley Tan:The history of sound and vibration is evident in many cultures. For example, in ancient Egypt, people used flutes as healing tools. In Australia, the indigenous people used didgeridoos. Meanwhile, in Africa, Shaman drums were often used in rituals. Also, a favorite story of mine is that of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, who discovered that certain musical intervals could induce deep relaxation in the listener.
Singing bowls, a common item in sound healing sessions
PV: According to what we have learned, in sound healing sessions, singing bowls are the most commonly used objects. So how do singing bowls affect the human body?
Ashley Tan:The size and metal proportions of the bowls affect the tone, vibration, and quality of the sound. These sounds can affect the five brainwave frequencies: Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta, and Gamma. Beta waves are associated with alertness and logical thinking, while Alpha waves occur when the brain is at rest, often during meditation. Theta waves enhance creativity, and Delta waves help the body heal during deep sleep. Gamma waves are the frequency of people with exceptional thinking abilities.
In each healing session, not only do our ears hear the sound, but the skin – the body’s largest organ – also absorbs these vibrations. The goal of the healing sessions is to calm the brainwave frequency, helping participants achieve a state of deep relaxation. The sound from the singing bowl brings the brain to 3 healing frequencies: Alpha, Delta, Theta. Thanks to that, when ringing the bowl, there will be a feeling of relaxation, mental comfort, good support in the process of meditation, yoga as well as improving sleep. The singing bowl is also widely used in psychological and physical therapy. For the mind, it helps reduce stress, soothe psychological trauma and improve concentration. Physically, the bowl helps regenerate muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation. Spiritually, the bowl helps balance energy, bring harmony and purify the chakras.
Gong, one of the other instruments used
PV: So can other musical instruments, such as traditional Vietnamese instruments, be used in the sound healing process?
Ashley Tan:Absolutely! However, there is a difference between tuned and untuned instruments. Tuned instruments emit specific frequencies, and instructors need to understand music theory to ensure the sound is harmonious and relaxing, not stressful.
PV: How is sound healing different from relaxation methods like meditation or yoga?
Ashley Tan:Sound healing is a powerful complement to traditional methods such as yoga and meditation. What makes this therapy unique is its ability to directly impact brainwave frequencies and the nervous system. The entire universe, including our bodies, vibrates and produces certain frequencies.
When we are stressed or pressured, our bodies often go into a state of “fight or flight” and sound brings us back to a restorative state. This is something that many people struggle with when relying on meditation alone. Sound has the ability to naturally regulate and activate the healing process, helping the nervous system and brain return to a state of balance. This is something that meditation can sometimes be difficult to achieve right away for those who are new to meditation or have difficulty relaxing.
Ashley's sound therapies are widely used in meditation, yoga and psychotherapy.
PV: What do you want to spread through this healing journey with sound?
Ashley Tan:My ultimate goal is to help people connect with their inner consciousness and stillness. When we connect with our deepest self, we can experience life in a calm way, not overly influenced by emotions or external situations. This stillness allows us to face the upheavals of life without being shaken or stressed. This not only improves mental health but also creates a deep state of balance, helping people live a more fulfilling life and in harmony with their surroundings.
PV: As a sound healer, do you heal yourself?
Ashley Tan:This is a really interesting question! When I lead a healing session, I also go through certain states. For example, during a session, I am often in the Theta state, where my body and mind are deeply relaxed. However, I still have to maintain my Beta state of awareness to be able to guide the participants effectively. This means that I am participating in the healing state with the participants, but still have to maintain control to ensure everything goes smoothly. In addition, in my daily life, I use other techniques to cope with stress. For example, just taking a few deep breaths can help slow down the heart rate, bringing about an immediate sense of calm.
Not only that, I have also had experience working with many patients, including cancer patients. These cases sometimes bring about results beyond expectations when they recover or feel relief after the sound healing sessions. I feel that sound has a really great power to promote healing not only on the spiritual level but also on the physical level.
PV: If someone wants to learn sound healing, where can they learn?
Ashley Tan:I currently offer both in-person and online training via Zoom, making it convenient for remote students. Online classes allow students to access in-depth sound healing knowledge from anywhere in the world. Whether near or far, anyone can join and learn, as long as they have the passion and desire to explore the power of sound to heal the body and soul. My courses not only provide technical knowledge, but also teach how to feel and deeply understand the energy that sound brings.
Thank you so much Ms. Ashley Tan!
