TENSION & TRAUMA RELEASING EXERCISES

DR. DAVID BERCELI

COPYRIGHT: © DR. DAVID BERCELI WWW.TRAUMAPREVENTION.COM
 PULSATION

• The human organism naturally pulsates when it is safe.

• When it is confronted by a threat its pulsation reduces.
• The greater the threat the greater the reduction of pulsation.
• If the threat is severe enough the freeze/dissociation response will occur.
• The tremor mechanism helps to re-initiate the inhibited/frozen pulsation.

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 CORE MUSCLES OF CONTRACTION

THIS MUSCLE PATTERN

CREATES THE MASSETER
FLEXION RESPONSE
IN THE BODY THAT STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID
PULLS THE BODY DIAPHRAGM
FORWARD INTO A
FETAL POSITION QUADRATUS LUMBORUM
DURING
TRAUMATIC
EVENTS.
PSOAS & ILIACUS
(ILIOPSOAS)
ADDUCTORS

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 TRIUNE BRAIN

NEOCORTEX
Human Brain
Rational, logic, creative,
belief systems, imagination

LIMBIC SYSTEM
Brain
Emotional
Fight/Flight
Basic Emotions
Fear, Anger, Hate, Hurt, Rage Mammalian

BRAIN STEM
Reptilian Brain
Instinctual
Respiration
Heart Rate
Blood Pressure
The tremors are evoked by brain stem reaction

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 NEUROLOGY OF TRAUMA

THE HIGHWAYS & 5 WAYS WE REGULATE AFFECT

Relationship
2 LANES
MOTOR CORTEX
Movement
4 LANES
Interoception
MPC/OFC 2 LANES
Touch
LIMBIC SYSTEM
Nutrition/meds
TRE/Tremors
5 LANES

Brain Stem

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 OVERVIEW

WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS THE AIM? WHAT IS THE BASIC PREMISE?

TRE is built on the premise that it is completely natural to move towards a fetal
response in relation to stress, anxiety, trauma.

It is likewise just as natural to have the tremor release response after the perceived
threat has subsided.

From an evolutionary standpoint, it is inefficient to have evolved with an instinctual

neuro-physiological defense response without having also evolved with a naturally
activated neuro-physiological deactivation of the defense response.

Tremoring is the natural response of the body to reduce the high aroused state of
the stressful and traumatic experience and reduce the physical contraction pattern.

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 TREMORS

TREMOR
MECHANISM
IN
TRE
COPYRIGHT: © DR. DAVID BERCELI WWW.TRAUMAPREVENTION.COM
 TREMORS EXPLAINED

Tremors as explained in
the studies of:

Psychology
Neurology
Physiology
Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com
 PSYCHOLOGY OF TREMORS

Tremors have been used as diagnostic features

in a variety of DSM-5.

Panic attacks “trembling or shaking”;

Social phobia “tremors”;
Generalized anxiety disorder “trembling or feeling shaky”
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); “trembling”.

The science of psychology has viewed body tremor as

part of the pathological expression of the disorder.

The self-induced therapeutic tremors of TRE are recognized as the neurophysiological attempt of
the human organism to reduce autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity after the threat or
danger has ended.

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 NEUROLOGY OF TREMORS

More than 10 distinct types of tremor,

with varying patterns of onset
and degrees of progression,
have been identified.

Rest tremors, Isometric tremors

Postural tremors Parkinson’s tremors
Kinetic tremors, Cerebellar tremors
Involuntary tremors Simple tremors
Intentional tremors Essential tremors

Generators of Tremor and Anatomical Pathways

Several brain areas play a key-role in tremorgenesis

A comprehensive review of tremor: by: Kevin T. Wyne, MPAS, MSc. VOL.18, NO. 12 DECEMBER 2005 JAAPA. www.jaapa.com

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli

 NEUROLOGY OF TREMORS

CURRENT BIOINFORMATICS, 2009, VOL. 4, NO. 2

COPYRIGHT: © DR. DAVID BERCELI WWW.TRAUMAPREVENTION.COM

 Self-Induced Therapeutic Tremor SITT
THERAPEUTIC TREMOR RELEASE EXERCISE (TRE)

Self-Induced Therapeutic Tremor

TRE: SITT has specific unique qualities:
1. Postural or isometric (static) activation
(The tremors can be activated by holding a posture or by
being passively relaxed.)

2. Augmented at rest
(The tremors are assisted in their continuation
by remaining in a rest position.)

3. Wide distribution/migratory
(The tremors travel throughout the body.
They do not only occur in the muscles that we
have stressed.)
Low frequency =
4. Variable amplitude and frequency big movement (high amplitude)
(Amplitude explains how much the tremors High frequency =
move the organism. smaller movement (low amplitude)
The bigger the movement the lower the frequency

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 THE FUNCTION OF TREMORS

TRE AS THE FREEZE DISCHARGE (SCAER, 2012)

“IF THE ANIMAL...SURVIVES THE FREEZE RESPONSE, THESE SURVIVAL MEMORIES NEED TO BE
STORED AS AN EVENT IN THE PAST, AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE USE BUT NO LONGER
REPRESENTING IMMINENT THREAT” (P.97).

“THIS PROCESS OF SORTING OUT, SAVING, AND DISCARDING MEMORIES IS ACHIEVED BY A VERY
IMPORTANT PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESS CALLED THE FREEZE DISCHARGE” (P. 97).

“...THE PURPOSE OF THE FREEZE DISCHARGE IS TO COMPLETE THE ACT OF ESCAPE IN

PROCEDURAL MEMORY SO THAT THE SENSORYMOTOR ACTIVITY IS REMEMBERED AS A
SURVIVAL TOOL FROM THE PAST-NOT SOMETHING THAT REMAINS IMMINENT AND
UNRESOLVED” (P.99)

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 PTSD AS A CORRUPTION OF MEMORY

Explicit Implicit

Declarative Episodic Emotional Procedural

Most Conscious ———————————————————————————————— - - - - - - - - - - - -Least Conscious

“Warm”, Emotional Tone, “Hot”, Learned Motor Action,

“Cold”, Facts “Hot”, Sensations of
Texture, Nuance Emergency Response-FFF Behaviors ,
surprise, fear, anger Behaviors of Approach and Avoidance,
disgust, sadness, joy, Proprioception, Interoception,
curiosity Nociception, Neuroception

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 PHYSIOLOGY OF TREMORS

1960: Rhythmic Neuromuscular Stimulation (RNS): method (the

technique that today's vibration methodology is based on) dates back to
1960 when Professor. W. Biermann, from the former East German Republic,
described so-called "cyclical vibrations" as being capable of improving
the condition of the joints (by stretching muscles and tendons) relatively
quickly. (Cardinale & Bosco, 2003).

1970: Vibrational therapy: Vibration on human muscles was utilized by

Russian scientist Vladimir Nazarov in the 1970s, on gymnasts in training for
Olympic gold because numerous studies demonstrated that low-amplitude
and low-frequency mechanical stimulation of the neuromuscular
system had positive effects on athletic performance (Issurin &
Tenenbaum, 1999; Cardinale & Bosco, 2003; Torvinen et al., 2002; Bosco et
al., 1999).

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 PHYSIOLOGY OF TREMORS

1990: BIOMECHANICAL STIMULATION [BMS]: Over time vibrational therapy developed as a serious field of
research known as Biomechanical Stimulation ([BMS], Bosco et al., 1999). It was then used in physical therapy and
rehabilitation programs to:
1. correct restricted body mobility,
2. improve range of motion,
3. coordination of musculoskeletal and nervous systems
4. increase the rate of healing injuries
5. increase bone density
6. provide pain relief and
7. heal tendons and muscles
(Bosco, Cardinale, & Tsarpela, 1999; Bosco et el., 2000; Bosco et al., 1999).

2000: WHOLE BODY VIBRATION: Biomechanical stimulation has since evolved into the most recent form of
vibrational therapy known as whole body vibration. Whole body vibration has been recently proposed as an exercise
intervention because of its potential for :
1. increasing force generating capacity in the lower limbs
2. positively altering muscle blood volume
3. increasing muscle strength
(Cardinale & Wakeling, 2005; Kerschn-Schindl et al. 2001; Torvinen, et al., 2002).

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 NEUROLOGY OF TREMORS

CENTRAL PATTERN GENERATORS

NEURAL NETWORKS THAT CAN PRODUCE TREMORS (AND OTHER MOVEMENTS)
WITHOUT BRAIN COORDINATION

REQUIRE A THRESHOLD OF STIMULATION TO INITIATE

SOME HAVE AFFERENTS TO BRAIN STEM & LIMBIC SYSTEM THAT ARE LINKED TO
INTEROCEPTION, PROPRIOCEPTION, AND THREAT-SENSITIVE BRAIN CIRCUITS

THOUGHT TO STIMULATE NEUROPLASTICITY IN SPINAL NEUROLOGY REACHES

HIGHER BRAIN AREAS DISINHIBITING CONTRACTUAL PATTERNS

BY REGULATING INTEROCEPTION, PROPRIOCEPTION, THREAT-SENSING, SPINAL

NEUROLOGY AND CONTRACTUAL PATTERNS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL TO
INCREASE EMOTIONAL REGULATION.

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 Self-induced Therapeutic Tremor SITT
THERAPEUTIC TREMOR RELEASE EXERCISE (TRE)

High frequency = low amplitude

(fast tremors = small movements)

Low frequency = high amplitude

(slow tremors = large movements)

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 PROFESSIONAL CORRELATION
Research Studies

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. | Abstract
Berceli D. Evaluating the effects of stress reduction exercises employing mild tremors: a pilot study
[dissertation]. Phoenix (AZ): Arizona State University; 2009. | Download
Berceli D. [Neurogenic tremors: A body-oriented treatment for trauma in large populations]. Trauma und
Gewalt. 2010 May; 4 (2):148-156. German. |Download
Berceli D, Napoli M. A proposal for a mindfulness-based trauma-prevention program for social work
professionals. Complement Health Pract Rev. 2007 Oct; 11 (3):1-13.
Department of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. Mind
Body Skills for Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System. Published June 2011. | Download
Johnson S. Interventions for stress and burnout of secondary school educators in high-risk schools. In:
Robert M, ed. Abstracts of the 30th International Congress of Psychology; 2012 Jul 22-27; Cape Town,
South Africa. Oxon, UK: Psychology Press; 2012. p. 167. | Download
McCann T. An evaluation of the effects of a training program in trauma release exercises on quality of life
[master’s thesis]. Cape Town, South Africa: University of Cape Town; 2011. |

19
 PROFESSIONAL CORRELATION

DEFENSE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL

HEALTH AND TBI
MIND-BODY SKILLS FOR REGULATING THE AUTONOMIC
NERVOUS SYSTEM
“ROUTINE PHARMACEUTICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS ARE
OFTEN A LAST RESORT FOR HELPING PEOPLE MANAGE STRESS AND
THEIR EMOTIONS” (P1).

“...EVOLVING RESEARCH INDICATES THAT BODY-BASED TECHNIQUES SUCH

AS ASANA YOGA, TRE, AND TCM MAY HELP REGULATE STRESS
HORMONES, RELAX POSTURAL TENSIONS, AND AFFECT PHYSIOLOGICAL
STATES ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC STRESS AND ANXIETY, ULTIMATELY
PROVING HELPFUL FOR RESTORING HOMOEOSTASIS” (P. 22).

20
 PROFESSIONAL CORRELATION

TRE RESEARCH: PILOT STUDY

An interdisciplinary research project was conducted to examine the effects of exercise

induced tremors. Sixty-one students (33 control group, 28 intervention group) volunteered to

participate in this research. After performing the exercise routine six times over a two week

period, the STAI X-1 showed a significant reduction (p< .05) in anxiety-present and an

increase in anxiety-absent in both the subscale and total scores. The Heart Rate Variability

(HRV) data showed changes in the desired direction. These results suggest that these tremors

might have therapeutic values for post-stressor recovery.

21
 PROFESSIONAL CORRELATION

TRE RESEARCH: SHARON JOHNSON

Four separate interventions utilizing psychological insights and practices facilitated in psycho-educational group interventions for stress and
burnout were presented over 10 weeks for 15 hours to 50 educators in four secondary schools by independent qualified facilitators. A control
group of 20 teachers also took part in the study

Preliminary findings suggest that teachers were able to significantly reduce learner
burnout in the trauma release exercise, transactional analysis and three brain
interventions. In coding analysis, trauma release exercises and transpersonal body
techniques led to calm and relaxation, increased body awareness and improved self-
understanding as well as providing self-help tools. Transactional analysis provided
classroom tools and enhanced social connection. There was more cognitive
understanding of stress transactions with transactional analysis; calm and emotional
healing with transpersonal psychology and more centerdness and groundedness
reported by teachers who undertook trauma release exercises.

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 EEG RECORDINGS OF TREMORS

Research contribution made by: Dr. Riccardo Cassiani-Ingoni cassianiingoni@gmail.com

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 POLYVAGAL THEORY

Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Mobilization system for Rest/Digest,Calm
the fight/flight response Social Engagement
Tend/Befriend, Pause/plan

Polyvagal Theory
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Ventral Vagal Dorsal Vagal Parasympathetic

Mobilization system for Parasympathetic Rest/Digest, Tend/ Immobilization
the fight/flight response Befriend, Pause/plan, calm response
Social Engagement

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com

 POLYVAGAL CURVE

(3) Dorsal Vagal PNS Immobility Response

(2) Sympathetic Nervous System
Fight and flight responses

PTSD Cycle – re-traumatization

Self-regulation

(1) Ventral Vagal PNS Social Engagement

Copyright: © Dr. David Berceli www.traumaprevention.com