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TRE: is it possible to release the physical and emotional effects of trauma?

Trauma Release Exercises (TRE), a series of exercises aimed at releasing deep-seated tension and trauma through self-induced tremors, are increasingly being studied. While definitive conclusions about their effectiveness are still being researched, there are several scientific theories and preliminary findings that offer plausible explanations for why TRE might work. 

What are the explanations?

Tremors as a Natural Response together with Muscle Contraction and Relaxation Mechanisms. 

Tremors are triggered voluntarily after specific physical exercises that fatigue the muscles, primarily in the legs and core. These tremors resemble involuntary shaking, often seen in animals under extreme stress. Such trembling or shaking in animals is a natural way to “discharge” tension following a survival threat (like being chased). It’s thought that humans might share this innate, natural mechanism to release stress but often suppress it.

By allowing the body to shake in a controlled, non-threatening environment, TRE could mimic this natural release response, potentially helping the nervous system “reset” after trauma.

TRE targets specific muscles, like the psoas, which are deeply involved in the body’s fight-or-flight responses. Trauma and chronic stress can cause these muscles to become overly tense, a condition sometimes called “armoring.” By inducing tremors in these muscles, TRE could help release chronic tension patterns. The controlled exercises in TRE lead to muscle contractions that, when followed by tremors, might encourage relaxation and release of deeply held physical tension.

Polyvagal Theory. According to this theory, the vagus nerve, a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system, plays a central role in managing stress and trauma.TRE’s exercises and induced tremors may help stimulate the vagus nerve, which can lead to relaxation and a state of “safety” in the body. This vagal activation may help shift the body from a “fight-or-flight” mode (sympathetic nervous system dominance) to a “rest-and-digest” state, where the body can relax and process past stressors.

Impact on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cortisol Levels

Some preliminary studies suggest that tremor-based exercises can help reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body, which can lead to a reduction in overall stress. High cortisol levels are associated with chronic stress and trauma-related conditions. TRE might help balance the autonomic nervous system, promoting shifts toward parasympathetic (relaxed) states, thereby potentially reducing overall stress and promoting a sense of calm. This shift could alleviate some physical and psychological symptoms associated with trauma.

Potential Psychological Benefits and Emotional Regulation

Beyond the physiological effects, some of the benefits of TRE may stem from the psychological process of safely revisiting and releasing tension associated with traumatic experiences. By inducing a physical state of release, people might experience an emotional catharsis, a “letting go” that reduces the psychological burden of trauma. Practitioners report that, over time, people often experience emotional resilience and improved mood regulation.

Please proceed with caution, as the approach may not be suitable for all individuals, especially those with severe trauma or psychological conditions, without guidance from a trained therapist. It’s also important to note that TRE is not considered a substitute for traditional therapy or psychiatric treatment.

Here are the links to read more: 

• Berceli D. [Neurogenic tremors: A body-oriented treatment for trauma in large populations]. Trauma und Gewalt. 2010 May; 4 (2):148-156. German. 
• Berceli D, Salmon M, Bonifas R, Ndefo N. Effects of self-induced unclassified tremors on quality of life among non-professional caregivers: A pilot study. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014;3(5):45-48. 
• Schweitzer E, Bradt KM. [Dem Malinowski-Blues entgehen: KÖrperorientierte EntspannungsÜbungen zur Stressbewältigung während der Feldforschung]. Ethnoscripts. 2015; 17(1): 228-242.German 
• Herold, A. Preliminary Results of Several Small Sample Studies In The Ukraine, During TRE on Different Levels. Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy; 2015; 2 (1-2). 
• Harrison EG, Keating JL, Morgan P. et al. Novel Exercises for Restless Legs Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Am Board Fam Med 2018; 31:783–794. 
• Amaral MA, Andrade EAR, Angnes GM, Sardeiro ER, Carvalho LBS, Fonseca VMAC, and Vasconcelos AA. Soluções Inovadoras para a Promoção de Saúde Mental de Adolescentes na Atenção Primária. Revista Adolescência e Saúde 2018; 15(1):66-72 
  Amaral MA, Andrade EAR, Angnes GM, Sardeiro ER, Carvalho LBS, Fonseca VMAC, and Vasconcelos AA. Innovative Solutions for the Promotion of Adolescent Mental Health in Primary Care. Revista Adolescência e Saúde 2018; 15(1):66-72 
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  Amaral MA, Andrade EAR, Angnes GM, Sardeiro ER, Carvalho LBS, Fonseca VMAC, and Vasconcelos AA. Soluciones Innovadoras para la Promoción de Salud Mental de Adolescentes en la Atención Primaria. Revista Adolescência e Saúde 2018; 15(1):66-72 
• Winkler S. Neurogenes Zittern als neuer Baustein in der Traumabehandlung? – Praktische Erfahrungen und theoretische Erläuterungen, Psychotherapeutenjournal 3-2018, S. 244- 250 
• Предварительные результаты нескольких исследований проведенных на небольшой выборке в Украине, во время тренингов TRE (упражнения для снятия стресса и травмы по Д. Берсели)на различных уровнях 
• Heath R. and Beattie J. Case Report of a Former Soldier Using TRE (Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises) For PostTraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Care. Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health, 2019, Vol 27; No.3. 
• Thommessen, Cathrine Scharff & Fougner, Marit. Body awareness in acting – a case study of TRE as a supporting tool for drama students’ personal and professional development. Journal of Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 2020. 
• M. Lynning, C. Svaneb, K.Westergaard, S.O.Bergien, S.R.Gunnersen, L.Skovgaard. Tension and trauma releasing exercises for people with multiple sclerosis – An exploratory pilot study. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2021. 

• Berceli, D., & Holley, L. (2005). Evaluating the effects of stress reduction exercises. Unpublished paper, Arizona State University.
• Beattie, J., & Berceli, D. (2021). Global Case study: The effects of TRE on perceived stress, flourishing and chronic pain self-efficacy. 
• Torres de Almeida, J., & Oberto Rodrigues, G. (2021). Tension Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) regulates the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS), increases Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Improves Psychophysiological Stress in University Students. 
• Oh, J. & Shin, C. S. A Pilot Study on the Anxiety Reduction Effect of Tension, Stress, and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE). Asia-pacific J Convergent Res Interchange 7, 379–388 (2021). 
• Johnson, S. A Body-Based Group Intervention for Teacher Stress and Burnout in High-Risk Schools. Acta Psychopathol 3, (2017).