TRE
TRE™ (Tension, Stress and Trauma Releasing Exercises) is an innovative series of simple exercises which assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma by inducing a gentle muscular shaking response. This natural response generally feels pleasant and soothing, and after doing TRE many people report feelings of peace and wellbeing.
TRE was developed by Dr. David Berceli, Ph.D. while he was working as a trauma therapist in the Middle East and in Africa.
How TRE works
TRE is based on the concept that our body is genetically encoded to contract to protect itself in stressful or traumatic situations. It is also built to release contraction and return to an optimal state of balance and relaxation once the stressful situation is over.
We accumulate tension through repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, small injuries, and more—even from hearing other people’s stories or watching the news.
The body’s natural way of releasing tension and contraction is through tremoring and shaking (a response similar to what we feel when nervous, afraid, or excited), but our conditioning to see shaking as weakness or disease often causes us to unconsciously inhibit this vital healing process. In doing TRE, we reactivate this natural releasing mechanism, often with immediate and profound results.
TRE exercises mildly stretch and fatigue the leg muscles, initiating a trembling response that begins in the legs and often spreads throughout the body. This gentle shaking is the nervous system’s way of discharging long-held tension or unconscious muscle contraction to restore the body to wholeness.
The tremors release tension all over the body and in particular in the psoas muscle, the main muscle of the fight or flight response (aka the “muscle of the soul”).
Because the psoas muscle tightens with stress, trauma, and even prolonged sitting, it’s often tight and can lead to physical and emotional problems. Releasing this tightness is key to a happier, healthier life!
TRE is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness, as the exercises can be modified to accommodate anyone’s needs.
Note
TRE has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the American Medical Association. This technology is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medical advice must only be obtained from a physician or qualified health practitioner.
TRE benefits
Because the muscular shaking mechanism activated by TRE is a natural human response, it can benefit everyone. Even those experiencing a fulfilling life may hold tension in their bodies from the minor stressors of modern living. This natural shaking facilitates deep relaxation, reducing stress, and enhances resilience and general well-being.
Reported benefits include:
- Less worry and anxiety
- Reduced symptoms of PTSD
- More energy and endurance
- Increased joy and optimism
- Improved marital relationships
- Less workplace stress
- Better sleep
- Less conflict
- Reduced muscle and back pain
- Increased flexibility
- Greater emotional resilience
- Decreased symptoms of vicarious trauma
- Healing of old injuries
- Lessened anxiety surrounding serious illness
- Relief from chronic medical conditions
TRE’s developer
TRE was developed by David Berceli, Ph.D., an international expert in trauma intervention and conflict resolution, and the energetic and creative founder and CEO of Trauma Recovery Services. For more than two decades he has provided trauma relief workshops and recovery programs, living and working extensively in Israel, Palestine, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Yemen, Egypt and Lebanon.
A core concept in Dr. Berceli’s work is that trauma recovery offers unique possibilities for individual transformation.
