Physical Release Exercises

Exercises to Release the Impact of Fight-Flight-Freeze

Physical release exercises can bring our brain/body back into balance and help relieve many typical physiological trauma reactions.

Physical movement such as dancing, sports, tai chi, or drumming can be helpful ways to release. Yoga helps some people. But be aware that if they’re still carrying a lot of unreleased fight-flight-freeze energy, less active tools such as yoga and mindfulness can sometimes make people more anxious.

Below are links to some specialized trauma release tools you can explore. You don’t need to be a psychologist to use them and they are helpful for individuals or groups. Locate a certified practitioner or trainer near you, if possible, to guide you. You can also learn the basics online through free manuals or YouTube videos.

Even though they may seem unusual, keep an open mind. Try them on yourself at first and experience the impact on your body.

Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hP2KJ3UgDI

http://www.traumahealing.org/about-se.php

Gary Craig’s Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

http://www.eftuniverse.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AW01rT92Ng

http://www.emofree.com  (contains excellent free tutorials by EFT founder, Gary Craig)

David Bercelli’s Traumatic Release Exercise (TRE)

http://traumaprevention.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i407tCabAFg&list=PLI8p_z95gaLkE13PimW-IJfijb8p9u8A8