TRE® - Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises
What is TRE®?
Do you carry tension in your body that never really seems to go away?
Does your body feel stuck in ‘survival mode,’ no matter how much you rest?
Do you feel on edge, anxious, or disconnected — even when life is going well?
What if your body already knew how to let go of stress — and just needs a way to remember?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone — and your body may simply be holding onto more stress than your mind can process.
Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®) is a gentle, body-based method that helps you safely release deep muscular tension and calm your nervous system. By activating your body’s natural shaking or “tremor” response — the same instinct animals use to recover from stress — TRE supports relaxation, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of ease. It’s not about reliving trauma; it’s about allowing your body to remember how to let go.
It’s designed to help the body release deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma by activating a natural neurogenic tremor — gentle, involuntary shaking or vibrating in the muscles.
The idea is that trauma and chronic stress are stored not only in the mind but also in the body (especially in the psoas and other deep core muscles). By releasing physical tension, TRE aims to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of safety and relaxation.
Research and practitioner reports suggest several benefits:
Reduces chronic tension in muscles and fascia
Decreases symptoms of anxiety and PTSD
Improves sleep quality and relaxation
Enhances emotional resilience and mood regulation
Increases body awareness and grounding
Supports recovery from burnout or compassion fatigue
Restores natural balance to the autonomic nervous system (shifting from “fight-flight-freeze” toward calm)
Safety & Considerations
TRE is generally safe for most people, but it’s recommended to learn it first with a certified TRE provider, especially if you have a history of severe trauma, dissociation, or complex PTSD.
The goal isn’t to re-experience trauma, but to let the body release tension gradually and safely.
Once learned, TRE can often be used as a self-care tool.
Ready to release stress – from the inside out?
Interested and want to learn more?
Fill out the form below or email us at connect@theinnerpath.org