Learning the practice of Tension Release Exercise TRE and Polyvagal Theory has helped me better understand my autonomic nervous system responses and how to support myself when I’m stressed.
TRE teaches humans to tap into their innate shaking mechanism in the body that all mammals have for recovery.
The shaking helps the body release muscle and fascia contractions as well as clearing the cortisol and adrenaline left in the system after experiencing stress.
Integrating shaking with grounding, embodiment and regulation enables us to bring our bodies back into balance.
What does TRE look like?
Here is a video of some different people shaking in a TRE session (3min 16s)
David Berceli, founder of TRE, talks about humans and mammals shaking to release stress (1min16s)
This animation gives the overview of the stress response and how TRE supports (5mins)
This video shows an Impala instinctively shaking after being released from the jaws of a Leopard (1min26s)
Benefits
Below are some of the key benefits of learning TRE. For information on research into TRE click here
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This is the most reported benefit of TRE - release the high tension of held stress through shaking allows the body to rest and recover further with wonderful sleep!
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The motion of the shaking gently releases contracted muscles and fascia. In time as you practice TRE the body expands into fascia twists opening and releasing naturally.
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As we release tension and stress in the body through TRE, we turn down cortisol and adrenaline which in turn reduces and prevents inflammation in the body. Our nervous system comes back into a felt sense of safety and connection.
How to learn TRE
Learning to shake is simple: however, to get the full benefits can take some time and patience.
In a typical TRE session we start by grounding – becoming present our body experience through the senses; embodiment – moving and stretching, continuing to notice body sensations; and finally, lying on the floor, we gently activate and learn to regulate the shaking mechanism.
Working with a TRE Provider will support you to integrate shaking with grounding, embodiment and regulation. The Provider will support your learning process and fine tune the practice to your health needs.
How to book
I offer small group and individual TRE sessions. Please book an initial chat on the booking page to discuss if TRE is good fit for your wellbeing at this time and whether learning in a group or individually works best.
