TRE® (Tension Release Exercises) is an innovative series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress and tension. Created by Dr. David Berceli, PhD, TRE® safely activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system. When this muscular shaking/vibrating mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return back to a state of balance. After a traumatic event (or a many smaller stressful events + the stress of daily life), the body often becomes "stuck" in fight/flight or freeze mode. The body squeezes itself, in an effort at self-protection. This squeezing and muscle tension is meant to let go after the stressful event is over, but in our modern chaotic world, it may not. Shaking and tremoring is a natural response of all mammals to discharging tension after the danger has passed. How does TRE® work? The TRE® exercises fatigue the leg musculature, creating a trembling response which begins in the upper thighs and pelvis and often spreads throughout the body. This gentle (and sometime vigorous) shaking is actually your nervous system's way of discharging long held tension or unconscious muscle contraction in order to restore the body to wholeness. TRE® can be learned in a group class or in a private session. The guidance of a trained facilitator will help you learn the essential self-regulation skills necessary for a safe and effective home TRE® practice.
Some of the potential benefits you may expect from a regular TRE® practice:
Improvement of sciatica or other "nerve-like" symptoms.
Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms
Release of deep chronic tension and increase of overall energy
Increased sense of flexibility
TRE® can be learned in group or private classes, and is meant to then be done as a self-care practice. **Private sessions rather than group work is recommended for your first session(s) if you are dealing with an active medical issue such as chronic pain, neurological disease, PTSD or moderate to severe depression/anxiety. Not recommended for first time use during pregnancy.