TRE-Trauma or Tension Release Exercise
What Is TRE® and How Can It Help You
TRE® stands for Trauma or Tension Release Exercise, yet does not much resemble a workout like you might imagine doing in a gym. Currently positioned as one of the world’s most popular and effective integrative methods for recovering from the effects of tension, stress and trauma, TRE® offers total transformation for mind, body and spirit.
Developed by international trauma expert Dr. David Bercelli – he spent years working in high conflict areas overseas and noticed a universal pattern between everybody – one of shaking, trembling or tremoring—and that it seemed to be helping people process and release the overwhelming experiences they all shared at that time. The principles of this practice are rooted in neuroscience/IPNB, attachment and polyvagal theory, biology and bioenergetics.
Essentially, TRE® is a set of 7 simple stretching and mild fatiguing exercises which helps the body relax and activate an involuntary tremor mechanism much like animals do to regulate stress (you may have noticed a dog shaking during a thunderstorm). This practice allows stress and tension to pass through muscle and fascia tissues instead of becoming trapped within. This helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and appropriate survival responses. Ongoing research is delivering feedback for how TRE® offers cumulative benefits when practiced consistently.
As a purely neuro-physiological process of deep relaxation, TRE® allows people to connect to their subtle energies. TRE® also does not espouse any belief systems — the therapeutic tremors accessed through this intentional practice are purely innate mechanisms of the human design and require only an open attitude and curiosity to explore the body’s natural ability.
Essentially, TRE® supports learning how to intentionally elicit the shaking or tremor response – regulate this response and and allow the sensations to arise and naturally release. This promotes the integration of differentiated parts for feeling grounded, whole, at eased control and peaceful interpersonally (within the self) and interpersonally (in relationships).
What makes TRE unique?
- The therapeutic muscle tremors evoked by the TRE exercise process is a natural, internal, neuro-physiological response of the body to reduce its own stress and restore a sense of well-being.
- TRE is a body based (somatic) process which, when done properly, through a Certified TRE Provider can allow the individual to discharge tension from the body, which often does not require “revisiting the story”. (ie: verbally describing or talking about the traumatic experience)
- TRE is designed to be a self-help tool that once learned, can be used as needed, throughout one’s life, thereby continuously supporting and promoting personal health and wholeness.
- TRE can be taught as either a simple self-help, tension reduction technique in a physical exercise program OR it can be used as an effective complementary practice when integrated with other treatment modalities by those in the healing professions, including the treatment of PTSD and anxiety disorder recovery.
- TRE can be taught in very large groups for communities that have experienced mass trauma.
- TRE promotes cohesiveness and openness between participants and can be a helpful tool for dispute resolution. (ie: interpersonal, corporate and political communication)
- TRE can cross culture and language barriers because it is based on natural physiological responses shared by all human beings.
MORE ON TRE
TRE was developed by Dr. David Berceli who noticed that with any kind of stress, there is some kind of contraction or tension in the body. In an extreme example, he saw that when a bomb goes off, everyone curls up into the fetal position. He also observed that children would be trembling afterwards. Their bodies were literally trying to shake off the stress of the incident. In reaction to stress, the body makes powerful stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Trembling is a natural physiological mechanism to use up these hormones and literally shake them off to return the nervous system to a balanced state. Adults tended not to shake as easily as the children. For social reasons, trembling is often considered odd and a sign of weakness. However, we could actually view the trembling as a sign of health -- it is the body's natural way to return to balance.
With a background in both psychotherapy and therapeutic body-work, Dr. Berceli developed the exercises in TRE to stretch and work certain large muscles in the body in order to activate the body's re-balancing mechanism. Once learned, it is an amazing and natural tool that a person can access throughout the life. By assisting the body in balancing the autonomic nervous system, TRE has the potential to help with digestive issues, sleep disturbances, blood pressure irregularities, fatigue, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and so much more.
Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (or TRE®) is based on the fundamental idea, backed by research, that stress, tension and trauma is both psychological and physical. TRE®’s reflexive muscle vibrations generally feel pleasant and soothing. TRE® is designed to be a self-help tool that, once learned, can be used independently as needed throughout one’s life, thereby continuously supporting and promoting personal health and wellness. After doing TRE®, many people report feelings of peace and well-being. Because of its widespread benefits, TRE® is now taught in 67 countries.
See https://traumaprevention.com/ for current research and more information.
https://trearabia.com/
What is the TRE Summary
TRE® or Trauma & Tension Release Exercises is a somatic body-based practice for anyone who carries mild stress or severe trauma. It overcomes language barriers as it is a process that doesn't require talking about the event, feeling or issue. We do a series of 7 easy stretches, tiring the muscles of the lower body, and building up a little shaking in the legs. We then lie on the floor, and encourage these natural vibrations to move through the body, without trying to control them.
It is recommended for anyone who:
- Feels stressed, anxious or traumatized
- Feels pain, inflammation or tightness in their body
- Is exposed to or has witnessed other people's trauma
- Is living with health, financial, family, housing, addiction concerns
- Is being, or has been exposed to war, violence, suppression or abuse
- Is resident in a country of cultural, religious or generational trauma
- Is working in a difficult or challenging situation that requires conflict resolution
- is working as medical personnel, doctors, nurses, paramedics, ER response, Fire Fighters, psychologists, social workers, counselors
- has been involved in a vehicle or work related accident
- has been involved in a natural disaster
- has been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Reported common Benefits:
❑ Greater sense of inner peace and calm
❑ increased sense of being grounded, centered and present
❑ increased focus, concentration and clearer mind
❑ Deeper and more restful sleep
❑ Increased personal energy for work and home life
❑ Greater resiliency to contend with stressful situations
❑ Enhanced relationships and collaboration
❑ Relief from stress related physical pain
❑ Less worry, stress and anxiety
Useful Videos links
Topic Link
Simple TRE description Animation video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qx63W496Uo&t=14s
Simple TRE description Animation video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Flm8v8IKCg&t=24s
Interview with the TRE Founder Dr.David Berceli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0movErsmdXA
Saudi English Radio hosting Interview with TRE Arabia Founder Mohammed Salah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzV9-UUD_k
TRE Neurogenic Yoga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1bsbMdQeg
TRE® Tension, Stress, Trauma Release A Revolutionary Way To Feel Better
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WReAjA7Nx4M&t=101s
What is TRE? *Trauma Release Exercises* - Full TRE interview with David Berceli Ph.D.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phWWL6XlcDU
TRE and Me: How These Simple Exercises Saved My Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGYA8RCHxiI
TRE: A condensed explanation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQkwLrSxd5w&t=348s
Neurogenic Yoga - A unique approach to yoga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3NIkb3rJpQ
Intrinsic Connectivity Network in the TRE Process
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcsrmwl6mYQ
Soldier Testimony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGu0UhIOTLA
Chanel 7 News Tucson Adam & David
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jap8Z8PXQrk