TRE is an innovative modality that consists of a sequence of simple exercises that assist the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma. Created by Dr. David Berceli, the exercises are designed to stretch and mildly fatigue a certain group of leg muscles to induce tremoring/vibrating in the body. This tremor response is a natural innate reflex mechanism that helps us recover from stressful and traumatic events. TRE optimizes the nervous system and returns the body to homeostasis.

In stressful or traumatic events, our body is genetically encoded to contract to protect itself. We are also genetically encoded to release the effects of this contraction by tremoring and shaking, but, as adults, we tend to suppress this natural healing response because shaking has a negative social connotation - we don’t want to look weak, weird, sick, scared, etc. By doing TRE, we are reactivating this natural release mechanism known as neurogenic tremoring.

If the body does not release muscular tension, it can affect mental, emotional, physical, and relational health, even leading to chronic pain. We cannot fully resolve stress and trauma if the body has not released tension and chronic contraction patterns.

TRE focuses on releasing the psoas muscle, which connects the lumbar vertebrae of the lower spine to the pelvis. This powerful muscle holds physical, emotional, and mental stress that we carry in our bodies over the course of our lives.

The psoas is the main muscle involved in the “fight or flight” response of the body. When you're startled, your psoas contracts; when you experience mental or emotional stress, the psoas will respond by tightening.

TRE also induces neurogenic tremors in the autonomic nervous system. These tremors both allow the nervous system to discharge energies related to the defensive response of flight, fight, and freeze; and communicate to the brain that the body is no longer in the dangerous situation that initiated this response.

Our psoas muscle is connected to our diaphragm, which is the major muscle of respiration. When the psoas is tight we are not fully able to extend our diaphragm, we are not able to take a full breath. When we take short and shallow breaths, our body remains in a constant state of sympathetic arousal (fight or flight).

When our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is offline, we are unable to properly digest and absorb our food nutrients and our immune system is not functioning at an optimal level.

Since a tight psoas muscle pulls down the diaphragm, doing TRE will help to relax and extend our diaphragm. Practicing TRE shows our body that we are safe, allowing all functions of the body including digestion and respiration to perform optimally.

Reported benefits of practicing TRE include: less worry and anxiety, reduced symptoms of PTSD, more energy and endurance, improved marital relationships, less workplace stress, better sleep, less relationship conflict, reduced muscle and back pain, increased flexibility, greater emotional resiliency, decreased symptoms of vicarious trauma, healing of old injuries, lessened anxiety surrounding serious illness, and relief from chronic medical conditions. To view the body of research on the benefits of TRE, click here.

Whether you are a parent/spouse who would like more patience with your family, a victim of violence or an accident, a veteran looking to reset your nervous system, an athlete, or a person who experiences chronic stress - TRE can support you in becoming more resilient and feeling more easeful throughout your days.

TRE is designed to be a self-help tool that, once learned, can be used independently as needed throughout one’s life, thereby continuously supporting and promoting personal health and wellness.  

We offer low-cost private or group TRE sessions via Zoom. Many people find that doing TRE over Zoom helps them to go deeper into the process, since they are in the comfort of their own home. You can also schedule a free discovery call to meet Azra and ask questions.

We offer in-person workshops in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you prefer to do TRE in-person with a local practitioner, visit this link to view the list of worldwide providers.