TRE Tension Release Exercises (or Trauma) : Embodied EQ Series 3 | Matthew Shaw Smith | Episode 38
Guest EQ Evolution panel expert and TRE practitioner Matthew Smith
What is TRE?
- Created by Dr David Berceli.
- A body based modality that works directly with the nervous system.
- Activates a natural reflex mechanism of shaking or vibrating (patient literally ‘shakes it off’).
- A form of therapy originally developed for victims of violence in the war torn regions of Africa.
- Through TRE the nervous system is able to release patterns of stress arousal, allowing the nervous system to shift back into the parasympathetic mode of response; the rest and digest aspect of the nervous system which allows for a growth orientated state.
When can it be used?
- TRE Can be used for treating big or small traumas or stresses.
- Any time the nervous system gets aroused and the body isn’t given time or space to regulate back into a relaxed state, traumas can start to accumulate. TRE helps to release/clear these traumas/stresses so that the body can start to self-regulate more efficiently.
Benefits of TRE
- Works on the nervous system which affects the way we perceive the world.
- We are always self-regulating by blocking feelings or distracting ourselves. TRE brings awareness to our self-regulatory mechanism and the way we use it in our daily lives. By creating awareness around our personal patterns, we are able to identify where we aren’t allowing emotions to be released.
- Activates our natural ability to self regulate so that we can enjoy a more symbiotic integration with life, rather than constantly feeling like we are struggling against our emotional bodies because they don’t behave in the way we expect them to.
- Allows us to become more conscious of how our minds are connected to our bodies.
Symptoms of a trauma state
- Heightened startle response
- Distracted state of mind
- ADD is often misdiagnosed in children who are experiencing some form of trauma.
Lessons Matthew has learned from free diving
- Free diving forces one to release where one holds tension in the body so it brings awareness to those areas.
- If one doesn’t release tensions (which become heightened under water), it can be life or death so there is no room for a false ‘fight or flight’ mode to show up.
- The in breath is related to the sympathetic nervous system and the out breath is related to the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Simply paying attention to the inhale and exhale can indicate where and when one holds more tension.
How to incorporate TRE into your life
- Exercises can be learned with the guidance of a practitioner in 4-6 sessions.
- Group sessions also available.
Show special!
Reference this podcast to receive 25% off your first session with Matthew.
Tension / Trauma Release Exercises Resources
Links & Resources
To support the show:
- Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and review really help.
- Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever your listen to podcasts
Download the MP3 Audio File and listen on the go (right click and choose save)