TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises) is a series of simple physical exercises designed to activate the body’s natural tremor mechanism to release tension, stress, and trauma.
Developed by Dr. David Berceli, it’s based on the idea that shaking or vibrating muscles helps the body discharge deep physical stress and emotional trauma.
The body stores much of our lived experience: our sensations, feelings, thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, all mental activity creates an energetic residue in the body. While exercise is a well-documented stress reliever, exercise alone will not help the nervous system get back to homeostasis.
TRE activates a deeper tension release.
I’m sharing two videos to explain TRE. Listen to both all the way through before you try it out. When you are ready to try, I suggest listening to the video where the man is being guided because I like his prompts better. They get most people deeper into it.
Please just IGNORE the prompt to distract yourself with TV or something. I do NOT want you distracted; instead, take nice deep, slow belly breaths, and try to notice a sense of release/calm coming over you. Do this for 3-5 minutes, then straighten your legs out and PAUSE.
Notice: once you stop TRE, pause for one minute. Breathe slow, and deep into your belly. Notice how you feel in your body. Then go on with your day!
For more about Trauma, review my recommended readings here.