TRE and Me

As someone whose mind tends towards anxiety and whose work is fairly sedentary (with all the accompanying musculoskeletal stresses those conditions imply), I was immediately intrigued when I saw the description of Maria Alfaro’s TRE® class on the IYI-SF website.

TRE® stands for Tension & Trauma Release Exercise. Maria describes TRE® this way, “… an innovative series of exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. These gentle and profound practices facilitate the lengthening and relaxation of the psoas muscle and the release of physical and emotional tension and stress.”

She had me right there, but the description goes on to list some of the benefits of the practice: TRE® can:

• Decrease anxiety
• Release chronic tension
• Discharge emotional and physical trauma
• Improve sleep, mood and digestion
• Decrease aches and pains
• Improve flexibility
• Decrease symptoms of sciatica, fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions

Bingo! I signed up.

During the class, Maria gave us information about TRE® and led us through a practice.

TRE® safely activates 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 back to a state of balance.

TRE® is based on the fundamental idea, backed by recent research, that stress, tension and trauma is both psychological and physical. It emerged out of Dr. David Berceli’s work with large traumatized communities while living in Africa and the Middle East. His observation and exploration led him to understand that this natural shaking/vibrating response appears to be the body’s own built-in system for quieting down the brain and releasing muscular tension as a way of healing itself from chronic stress, tension and trauma.

I could immediately relate as I have experienced my body shaking during times of emotional upset or physical shock, like the time I fell back on my spine and broke my wrist going down some stone steps.

As we started the practice, I was hopeful but a little skeptical that I would be able to feel anything. But to my surprise and delight, after being led through a simple series of exercises, my lower body began to gently shake. The tremors were very comfortable and I enjoyed the subtle, relaxing sensations. Maria creates a safe environment and makes it easy for anyone to practice, regardless of their physical condition or fitness level.

The real breakthrough for me came when I joined Maria’s weekly online sessions for alumni of her introductory course, which she generously offers free for those who can’t pay, or for a small donation (as little as $1). Through regular practice, I have been able to experience tremors throughout my body, ranging from very subtle to moderately strong. During the practice, I enjoy being present with my body’s healing process wherever it goes. It is an intimate time of self-care for me. According to Maria, “TRE®’s reflexive muscle vibrations generally feel pleasant and soothing. After doing TRE®, many people report feelings of peace and well-being.” I could not describe the effects better myself! Now that I am more experienced, I can easily practice on my own, starting the tremors within minutes. I like to practice TRE at the end of my yoga practice as a prelude to Yoga Nidra.

TRE® has helped millions of people globally and is present in over 60 countries through workshops and certification training programs. It is a simple, safe and natural way to release physical and emotional tension and stress. In this age of anxiety, what could be better?

Learn more by joining our upcoming, online TRE® (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) Intro Workshop with Maria Alfaro, Saturday, April 15 at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT