by Bonnie Pariser, Certified TRE Provider

TRE, which stands for tension and trauma releasing exercises, is a technique is used by thousands of people around the world as an effective tool for releasing chronic traumatic stress, physical tension and emotional trauma. It is quickly becoming a popular way to release the everyday anxiety that evolves from the daily pressures of life.

Developed by Dr. David Bercelli, TRE uses simple exercises to evoke a self-controlled muscular shaking process called neurogenic tremors. This shaking originates deep in the core of the body, starting in the psoas muscles. These gentle tremors reverberate outwards along the spine, releasing tension from the sacrum to the cranium. TRE emerged out of Dr. Berceli’s work with traumatized communities in Africa and the Middle East. His observation and exploration led him to understand that this natural vibrating response appears to be the body’s own built-in system for quieting down the brain and releasing muscular tension as a way of healing itself from chronic stress, tension and trauma. Stress accumulates in the body from immediate or prolonged stressful situations, traumatic life experiences as well as the everyday circumstances of life.

The technique can become a quick and effective method for consistent relaxation. Eventually, these tremors will evoke themselves naturally in a rest position to reduce any stress or tension that has accumulated over the course of the day.

Since this shaking mechanism in the muscles is part of our natural behavior as humans, everyone can benefit from TRE. It increases the resiliency of the body in order to handle stress with grace.  The deep relaxation that arises from the process benefits the whole system. TRE can release trapped emotions caused by work stress, excessive worry, conflict in relationships, physical stress or traumas from accidents. Additionally, TRE has been reported to reduce pain, increase mobility and aid in the healing of past injuries.

TRE is a body-based process which, when done properly with the guidance of a Certified TRE Provider, will allow the individual to discharge tension from the body, without verbally describing or talking about the traumatic experience. It is designed to be a self-help tool that once learned, can be used as needed, throughout one’s life, 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. Other benefits include better sleep, more energy and endurance, reduced bodily pain and healing of old injuries.

Bonnie Pariser, ERYT-500, SYT and Certified TRE Provider, owns Yoga Loka with locations in Somerville and Frenchtown. Somerville location: 19 North Doughty Avenue, Somerville. Frenchtown location: 34 Bridge Street, Frenchtown. For more information, visit Yoga-Loka.com or visit 908-268-7430.