Why do trauma and tension release exercises (TRE)?
The simple answer: because you will be shaking off stress and tension stored in the body due to chronic or acute stress.
The physiological answer: when you have a fright or you are tense and under strain, your body contracts and if the body does not fully release the contraction, the resultant tension remains in the musculature and fascia, causing pain and misalignment. Shaking releases the excess cortisol and adrenaline produced in a stressful or traumatic situation, allowing the autonomic nervous system to return to a normal balanced state and brings about a sense of well being.
What is trauma?
Trauma is a shocking or stressful experience that brings about a state of helplessness. If you can fight or flee from a traumatic situation, the traumatic response is less intense. Chronic stress can bring about similar symptoms as those experienced by people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as anxiety, insomnia, depression and physical aches and pains.
Whether trauma is caused by psychological, physical, interpersonal or emotional factors, it will eventually express itself in the body ......if it has not been not fully released.
TRE consists of a set of 6 easy stretches designed to activate and fatigue the flexor muscles thus inducing neurogenic tremors.
Benefits of TRE:
+ Releases current and past stored tension in the body
+ taps into the body’s own healing system by boosting the immune system
+ helps body cope better with stress
+brings autonomic nervous system back into balance within 12 weeks of regular practice.
Clients report:
+ improved sleep
+ a sense of wellbeing
+ less pain in joints
+ improved chronic headaches
+ improved posture
+ less pain from fibromyalgia
Dr David Berceli (www.traumaprevention.com) brought TRE to RSA and training of facilitators has been ongoing. He worked with traumatised populations all over the world as a clinical social worker and massage therapist. These exercises have resulted from his observations of how bodies respond to stress and trauma.
Even though these exercises are safe and can become a self help tool, it is recommended that you do at least six sessions with a qualified practitioner, who will ensure you do the exercises correctly and can deal with any form of release you may experience.
Dr Aneta Shaw, working at Mayfair, is a Clinical Psychologist and qualified TRE practitioner.
“I love the simplicity of the method, the healing it brings about and the fact that you need not necessarily talk about problems. Sportsmen love it as their flexibility increases. As a psychologist I feel I can offer something very practical and valuable over and above the benefits of traditional therapy.”
