The method

People who suffer from a stress-induced physical state of alarm and/or panic attacks would like to stop feeling stressed and tense. The body rebels, breaks down or can no longer switch off, it attacks itself (autoimmune diseases) and finds many ways to say STOP.

The point is that when we are overwhelmed and anxious, we have a level of stress in our bodies that cannot be resolved by willpower alone. Therefore, a unique feature of the TRE® method is that we can process stress, anxiety and excessive stress in a supportive way at the deepest level, via the autonomic nervous system.

If we are not feeling well, are restless and tense, feel panic or are ‘simply’ stressed, this affects our entire body. We become a bundle of tense muscles in order to protect our existence.

Physiological changes under severe stress
The TRE® method is based on the understanding that our body responds immediately in acute stress situations. Nowadays we know what effects severe stress has on the psyche. However, we are often unaware of what permanent stress triggers in the body. When stress levels are high, the body reacts primarily instinctively and not with the mind.

Constant stress charges the body with extreme excitement, which is caused by an increase in biochemical messengers in the bloodstream. Stress hormones are released that put the body on alert. The energy level is boosted, the heart rate increases, the muscles tense up – we are on alert. This physiological process can lead to the body being stuck in a high-voltage loop in an everyday life that for many of us means ‘constant alert’.

If the stress response becomes a permanent state, it makes us weary, tired and ill. And it’s not just the demands of our modern work and family life that activate the alarm system. There is evidence that deep-seated emotions such as fear, guilt, grief, hurt and shame also create an inner field of hidden, chronic stress. The undischarged hormonal activation ensures that the body remains continuously in stress mode and causes it to develop a certain pattern of muscle tension. The TRE® method (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) works to discharge this pattern of tension and return it to a state of relaxation in order to bring about spontaneous recovery so the cycle of stress is completed.

In detail. What is TRE®?
TRE® (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) is a form of bodywork initially developed by the American physiotherapist and clinical social worker (PhD) David Berceli for the prevention and improvement of post-traumatic stress syndromes (Berceli 2010). It offers valuable support, particularly for all those who suffer from high levels of stress-related physical and mental tension, by helping to resolve chronic stress reactions and prevent stress processing disorders.
One of the strengths of the TRE® method is that it overcomes possible speech barriers. This is because it is primarily a physical training and therefore a process in which the triggering event, feeling or problem does not necessarily have to be talked about, but can be talked about.
We do a series of 7 exercises that work with the muscles of the lower body and build up a little tremor in the legs. Then, lying on our backs, we encourage these natural vibrations, the trembling, to move through the body without trying to control it. We learn to become mindful of feelings and sensations and it can be a wonderful feeling of physical and emotional release for many.
The method is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

The participants in my coaching sessions should be able to use neurogenic trembling to train mindfulness, find a grounded, calmed state, release muscle tension, calm the nervous system and in this way return themselves to their natural balance, their psycho-somatic homeostasis. Once learned, the TRE® method thus serves as a self-help tool to reduce stress as required, either selectively or regularly, to restore inner balance and possibly counteract burnout in the long term.

How does TRE® work?
TRE® can help you to relieve stress, process experiences better and manage your energy well. Our natural coping mechanisms are not designed to withstand constant stress.
If the ‘fight or flight’ mode kicks in again and again, without any calming phases or the opportunity to actually act out the ‘fight or flight’ reaction, i.e. to get rid of the energy provided, we remain in a persistent state of tension. This tension is experienced physically and mentally, possibly as (diffuse) anxiety, excessive demands, insecurity, exhaustion, restlessness or panic.

Internal restlessness and inhibition are a common condition for people affected by chronic stress and anxiety. Experiencing self-efficacy and gaining a sense of control over your inner state and possibilities in life is an essential part of any recovery process. TRE® is a helpful tool to support this.
At first glance, it seems unusual to allow the body to tremble freely, so to speak. But neurogenic trembling actually helps us to start a comprehensive physical process to get in touch with ourselves and reduce stress at the deepest level.
Neurogenic tremor, so named because it is involuntarily controlled by the nervous system, is inherent in all humans (and mammals). Everyone can access it, no matter how old, fit, tense or controlled they are. It is the body’s most organic and natural way of releasing deep muscle tension and stress patterns, reducing the charge of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol and restoring the body to its original balance, homeostasis.
In the case of complaints with a degree of illness, it is recommended to consult a doctor or psychotherapist.

life is tricky baby, stay in your magic

How can you feel after TRE®?
TRE® can help you achieve a new sense of security, self-confidence, connectedness, relaxation and well-being. You and your body work as a team and support each other from that point onwards.
Emotional level: Possible reduced charge or feelings of fear, doubt, worry, anger, loss of control and insecurity – this also means better sleep for many!
Pain level: Possible relief from migraines/headaches, back pain, knee pain, hip pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, tension in the jaw joint.
In the world of work: The perceptions reported by TRE’ers are a more self-confident demeanor, as well as the feeling of being more expressive, open, clear, determined, confident, capable and trusting.
In the relationship arena: You can feel more loving, more present, less reactive, more generous, more intimate, more communicative, more caring, more secure and more empowered.

‘Patience is power, calm is superpower.’ Krishna Awasthi