Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandy Gwaltney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sandy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

For over 25 years, my work as a massage therapist focused on the physical body. I immersed myself in diverse therapeutic environments, studying a wide range of modalities—including Trigger Point therapy, myofascial release, chiropractic therapy, lymphatic drainage, kinesio taping, cupping, and prenatal/doula certification. While these methods were powerful in relieving physical discomfort, I could feel that a deeper layer—one beyond muscles and fascia—was left unaddressed. While I loved my work, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I sensed that true healing went beyond the muscles and fascia, reaching into the nervous system and energy field.

In 2012, I returned to Nashville in search of those missing pieces, and my journey led me to the profound healing potential of sound and vibration. I started by obtaining my Reiki Master Certification while deeply immersing myself in somatic mind-body therapy. However, it wasn’t until 2020, during the pandemic, that everything truly shifted. With the world at a standstill, I finally had the space to explore a modality that had been calling to me for years—sound healing.

During this time, I discovered the profound effects of tuning forks and biofield tuning, which deepened my understanding of the nervous system and its connection to sound, frequency, and vibration. The first time I introduced tuning forks into a session, I witnessed something extraordinary—a shift that went beyond physical relaxation. It was as if my client’s entire being recalibrated. That moment changed everything.

Driven by this discovery, my exploration expanded to the gong—an ancient instrument capable of producing a symphony of harmonics that interact directly with the biofield. I was captivated by its ability to induce a deep, restorative state and effortlessly restore balance. This passion led me to obtain my sound healing certification from the Center of Sound in St. Louis, focusing on the therapeutic application of gongs and sonic entrainment.

Through my studies, I witnessed the profound connection between sound, the brain, and the nervous system. The more I learned, the more I realized that sound medicine was the missing link—the key to supporting not just physical well-being, but also emotional and energetic balance. I realized just how profoundly modern life was disrupting our nervous systems. I saw it in my clients—persistent fatigue, anxiety, and an inability to truly relax, even after bodywork. It became clear that physical tension was only part of the issue; the constant stimulation of technology and the relentless pace of life were keeping their systems stuck in a state of imbalance. That’s when Sound Medicine became more than just a practice—it became a necessity. Sound Healing offers a way to reset, gently massaging the nervous system and restoring the body’s natural rhythm.

This journey has shown me that healing goes far beyond the physical. It’s about attuning to the deeper rhythms of the nervous system and energy field. My shift from hands-on bodywork to sound healing wasn’t just a career change—it was an evolution, allowing me to guide others back to their own unique frequency in a world that often pulls us out of tune.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Sandy Gwaltney, Licensed Massage therapist and founder of Synergy Sound Medicine. My journey into sound healing has been shaped by a lifelong connection to music and a deep curiosity about the human body. From a young age, music was my sanctuary—a source of healing and connection—so it feels natural that I now work with sound as a therapeutic tool.

At 19, I discovered massage therapy and immediately knew I had found my life’s purpose. For over 25 years, I explored numerous modalities, helping clients find relief through hands-on bodywork. But over time, I realized that true healing goes beyond the physical—it extends into the nervous system and energy field. This realization set me on a path of exploration, leading me to Reiki, somatic mind-body therapy, and ultimately, sound healing.
I combine my deep understanding of the body with the power of sound to help clients reconnect with their unique frequency. My mission is to create a space where sound becomes a bridge to balance, relaxation, and healing.

At Synergy Sound Medicine, I offer a range of sound-based healing experiences, including 1-on-1 sound healing sessions, couples sound healing, immersive sound bath events, and sound-informed bodywork. I also create transformative experiences for corporate wellness events, healing retreats, and private gatherings. The goal is always the same: to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into balance by working with sound as a tool for deep nervous system restoration.

What sets my work apart is the integration of decades of hands-on bodywork experience with the power of sound medicine. I don’t just facilitate relaxation—I guide my clients through a recalibration of their entire being. Many people today are overstimulated, disconnected from themselves, and running on empty due to the demands of modern life. My work helps restore their unique frequency and return them to a state of deep rest, clarity, and balance.

I’m incredibly proud of the safe, transformative space I’ve created for my clients. Healing is a deeply personal journey, and Synergy Sound Medicine is about honoring that journey—whether someone is seeking relief from stress, emotional release, or a deeper connection to themselves.

More than anything, I want people to know that healing is possible and that sound is a gateway to profound transformation. Whether you’re completely new to sound healing or a seasoned seeker, I invite you to experience the power of sound for yourself.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building a strong referral network within the healing community. Word-of-mouth has been invaluable—not just from satisfied clients, but also from other healers, wellness practitioners, and holistic health professionals who recognize the benefits of sound healing.

I believe in collaboration over competition, and I actively cultivate relationships with massage therapists, acupuncturists, energy workers, yoga instructors, and other wellness professionals. We often cross-refer clients who are seeking deeper healing experiences that combine multiple modalities. This has allowed me to connect with individuals who are already on a path to wellness and are open to exploring sound healing as a complementary practice.

My clients themselves are also an incredible source of referrals. When someone experiences a profound shift during a session, they naturally want to share it with their friends, family, and community. I encourage this by offering incentives like referral discounts and special events designed for those new to sound healing.

Beyond referrals, I’ve also found that participating in wellness events, retreats, and collaborations with healing spaces has expanded my reach. By immersing myself in healing communities, I’ve been able to organically grow my practice while staying true to my mission of guiding people back to their own unique frequency.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was fortunate enough to have a very clear and dramatic pivot early on in my career journey. I originally set out to become a nurse and was pursuing a nursing degree in college. However, there was one major problem—I was deathly afraid of needles. I kept telling myself I’d get over it, but reality hit hard when I had the opportunity to shadow a nurse for a shift.

To put it lightly, it did not go well. I fainted an embarrassing number of times—so much so that it became clear nursing was not my path. As mortifying as it was in the moment, it turned out to be an incredible blessing. That experience forced me to rethink what I truly wanted in a career, and that’s when I discovered massage therapy.

I enrolled in massage therapy school, and from the moment I started, everything clicked. It was the perfect blend of science, hands-on work, and deep healing that I had been searching for. That pivot led me to a 25-year career in bodywork, which eventually evolved into my passion for sound healing. Looking back, I’m so grateful for that humbling experience—it pushed me onto the path I was truly meant to follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.synergysoundmedicine.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synergysoundmedicine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063968740721

Image Credits

Stephen Gwaltney