TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises)
Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) are a simple set of exercises that activate the natural reflex of shaking or stretching which releases muscular tension; calming down the nervous system and relaxing the body and mind.
In our modern-day world, we tend to live our lives “on” we’re busy, always thinking and exposed to stress or stressful situations.
Under stress, your body can become stuck in a fight, flight or freeze response. The body including the muscles, nervous system and cardiovascular activate to make you react quickly in response to danger.
This response can remain in the body long after the experience or event has passed. TRE can reset these patterns/systems by engaging neurogenic movements like shaking or stretching to assist with letting go. Shaking “off” stress is a normal health recovery response, animals’ tremor and shake regularly.
Ever seen a gazelle, shiver and tremor its whole body when it escapes from the lion?
How about the dog shake after a barking encounter at a fence?
Once the stressful situation has passed the gazelle releases “shakes off” the excess energy required for the escape that is no longer needed and returns to life, alert but not alarmed.
The ability to discharge excess energy from our bodies is a positive recovery resource easily accessed through learning TRE.
TRE helps to calm the body and mind and is often used as a form of deep relaxation and meditation, especially for those individuals who find traditional methods of relaxation difficult. It engages our vagus nerve to help us feel connected and engaged with those around us, bringing our social engagement system online.
Internationally TRE is being used to treat PTSD in combat veterans, build community cohesion in areas after natural disasters, facilitate teamwork in large corporate companies and support emergency first line responders process challenging experiences. Check out the link below to find out more.
TRE sessions either individually or in groups can teach you how to activate this muscular tremoring/stretching mechanism in a safe and controlled environment, encouraging the body to return back to a state of balance.
Amongst its many benefits TRE can:
Increase resilience and patience
Reduce stress
Release emotions – from mild upset to severe anxiety
Decrease hyper vigilance
Facilitate feelings of safety
Fine tune our social engagement system
Individual and Group session’s available
Group session’s held at The Wellness Hub on Mondays.
