TRE - What are Tension and Trauma release exercises?
What are Tension and Trauma release exercises?
TRE™ is a revolutionary new method for stress and trauma recovery, developed by Dr. David Berceli. It is based upon a neurological viewpoint that tremoring is the organic way in which a human being ( and animal) recovers from the aftermaths of tension and trauma.
Trauma Release Exercises is a set of six exercises that triggers shaking in the body and this releases accumulated adrenaline and cortisol. The exercises are a simple form of stretching and care is taken to perform the exercises easily not injuring a susceptible part of the body – e.g. weak knee.
It is a fast and effective way to release built up tension and stress.
The body stores every stressful event and until released, it remains with you, locked in the body and negatively affecting your outlook on life and the way you cope with the daily stresses life sends your way.
The client lies down on the floor and a shaking process in the body begins. These are neurogenic muscle tremors and nothing to do with skill or “making them happen”. This shaking originates deep in the core of the body of the psoas muscles.
These tremors usually begin slowly in the legs and with time reverberate outwards along the spine releasing tension from the sacrum to the cranium.
TRE™ is easily learned, immediately effective and self-empowering. It is a body-centered methodology of trauma and stress release. This is practiced under the supervision and guidance of a qualified TRE™ practitioner and may be done during an individual session or as part of a group class.
Why does TRE™ make people feel better?
If through previous experiences, we remain trapped in a body that is: frozen or numb i.e. can’t feel emotions… we are dead to our lives and cannot enjoy the fullness of life. We remain disconnected and lonely, hyper-alert, anxious or angry and we may get caught in a cycle of violence and abuse. The exercises activate a shaking mechanism which causes the muscles to relax. When tension is released anywhere in the body, the brain registers this as a reduction in pain and produces new hormones that promote healing. With TRE™, in a relatively short period of time, one can return to a healthy physical balance and a feeling of being alive and connected again. From this new place of balance, one can start life afresh and be ready to learn new skills, take on new challenges and transform one’s life.
Why is TRE™ different from other methods that release stress or trauma?
TRE™ taps the unconscious part of the brain so one can even watch TV or listen to music and allow the shaking to do all the work. No need to talk about the trauma and retraumatise yourself!
How does TRE™ help stress?
We all experience stress daily, although at times more intensely, as in a traumatic situation. The body responds to stress by contracting the muscles to “get through” the problem. However, we seldom recognize theses contractions until we experience pain, discomfort or illness. By practicing TRE™, we can prevent stress and tension levels causing chronically painful tight muscles and even illness.
Why can periodic TRE™ help reduce workplace conflict and facilitate cooperation?
Conflict is caused by stress and tension whether at work or at home. People who are calm and relaxed do not experience much conflict. However, remaining in a place of calmness and relaxation is difficult because daily life challenges our relaxed state. Periodic TRE™ continually reduces the levels of daily stress and anxiety in the body that give the person access to a more relaxed state of mind. The combination of relaxed body and relaxed mind can lead to reduced conflict in all areas of one’s life.
Because these exercises relax tightly held muscles, buried emotions can surface. The job of the facilitator is to ensure you do not experience overwhelm. Some people report no particular emotional feelings and just experience a physical shaking that leads to reduced stress. Both situations are perfect. Each session is unique. The body simply does what it needs to do. The goal is to allow the process to emerge naturally.
How do I learn TRE™ and what is the cost?
Because the TRE™ process can be intense and sometimes overwhelming, it is best to have private sessions.
TRE™ is done over a six week period with sessions once a week.
The cost for the subsequent 5 sessions is R 450 per session.
Once you have learned the process and you are comfortable with the process you can do TRE™ every day if you like, but try to do TRE at least twice a week. However, even occasional use of TRE™ will be beneficial to reducing deeply held muscular tension.