When we get anxious, our body carries stress in our neck, shoulders, back, and joints. These are the obvious signs and signals our body is giving us. However, if you have been carrying significant anxiety and emotional baggage inside you for years, Trauma Release Exercises (TRE®) could benefit you.
TRE is an innovative program that assists the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma. The exercises safely activate a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating that releases muscular tension, calming down the nervous system. When this muscular shaking/vibrating mechanism is activated in a safe and controlled environment, the body is encouraged to return to a state of balance.
TRE is based on the fundamental idea—backed by research—that stress, tension, and trauma are psychological and physical. TRE’s reflexive muscle vibrations generally feel pleasant and soothing. After doing TRE, many people report feelings of peace and well-being.1
If you are interested in this technique, you can buy a book2 or video3 to help walk you through the process. However, it might be best to first start by attending a workshop4 facilitated by a trained professional to see if this process works for you.
I first experienced TRE at a weekend retreat, and while it was quite strenuous on my body, I felt an enormous amount of stress relief, which convinced me of its merits.