Samantha Thammahong is a dedicated TRE Provider, Energy Worker, and Yoga Instructor, committed to guiding individuals towards holistic healing of the mind, body, and consciousness. Through her practice, she helps people enhance their resilience to stress, tension, and trauma, empowering them to take transformative steps towards overall well-being. MysticMag has the pleasure.
Can you explain how Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) work to release stress, tension, and trauma from the body, and what led you to become a TRE Provider and Yoga Instructor?
I was originally in the field of science, where I pursued my Master’s degree. After receiving my degree, I went to Koh Phangan, Thailand for my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training as a gift to myself for completing my project and degree. Alongside teaching for fun, I began to go to a prenatal studio called Haumea in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. This studio introduced me to Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) and I explored how I could continue to regulate my nervous system. After a few months of practice, I began to reduce my prozac medication until I was completely off of anti-anxiety medication.
TRE is a therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Berceli. It’s based on the idea that stress, tension, and trauma are not only psychological but also stored in the brain and body. TRE aims to release this stored tension and trauma through a series of simple exercises that induce a natural shaking or tremor response in the body. TRE starts with a series of simple exercises designed to tire out specific muscle groups, particularly those in the legs and core. This fatigue triggers the body’s natural mechanism to release tension. Once the muscles are fatigued, the individual lies down and allows their body to naturally tremor or shake. These tremors, also known as neurogenic tremors, are an innate and instinctive response of the body to release stress and tension. They originate in the body’s autonomic nervous system, specifically in the psoas muscle, which is deeply connected to our survival responses.
The tremoring induced by TRE helps reset the nervous system. It can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s rest and relaxation response, and deactivate the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response. This shift allows the body to move out of a state of chronic stress and into a state of greater relaxation and balance. As tension and trauma are released from the body, individuals may experience a range of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. These may include reduced muscle tension, increased relaxation, improved sleep, decreased anxiety, and a greater sense of well-being. Over time, regular practice of TRE can support healing from past traumas and promote resilience in the face of future stressors. It’s important to note that while TRE can be a powerful tool for self-regulation and stress relief, it’s not a substitute for professional therapy, especially for individuals dealing with complex trauma or severe mental health conditions. It’s always advisable to practice TRE under the guidance of a certified TRE provider, particularly when starting out, to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How do you integrate TRE, Reiki, Yin-Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, and Sound Bath practices into your holistic approach to health, and what benefits can clients expect from these modalities?
When I work alongside an individual, we create a holistic plan of how they would like to grow and overcome their current obstacles. This may include TRE, intuitive guidance/ coaching, and more restorative practices with sound healing. Each individual is different and it is important to adjust treatment plans accordingly. Integrating these modalities into a holistic approach to health, can offer clients a comprehensive toolkit for promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By addressing the body, mind, and spirit from multiple angles, individuals can experience profound healing, transformation, and a greater sense of balance and vitality in their lives.
In what ways do you believe these practices empower individuals to have greater autonomy over their autonomic nervous system, and how does this relate to overall well-being?
This entire practice is created to empower every person to explore their own inner world and dialogue. Each person is doing this by consistently expanding their capacity of their nervous system through an increase in vagal tone and by finding safety in the body to feel. The nervous system can be viewed as the ‘ego’ keeping the person out of harm’s way, yet when the nervous system is in chronic stress or dysregulation, it cannot accurately decipher what is safe and not safe. This TRE practice allows expansion of the nervous system and confidence in oneself to be in control by understanding the nervous system, past experiences, and willingness to grow and move forward into a vibrant and thriving new life!
What role does mindfulness play in your approach, and how do you guide clients to cultivate a deeper connection between their mind, body, and consciousness?
Mindfulness plays a central role in my holistic approach to health as it serves as a bridge between the mind, body, and consciousness. Here’s how mindfulness is integrated and how I guide clients to cultivate a deeper connection between these aspects of themselves:
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment. I guide clients to cultivate mindfulness by bringing their awareness to their current thoughts, sensations in their bodies, emotions, and surroundings during our sessions. Mindfulness helps clients develop a deeper connection with their bodies, allowing them to become more attuned to physical sensations, movements, and posture. Through practices such as body scans, mindful movement, and breath awareness, clients learn to listen to the wisdom of their bodies and recognize the intimate connection between their physical and mental states. It empowers clients to observe their emotions without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. I guide clients to cultivate emotional awareness and acceptance, allowing them to experience their feelings with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment or suppression. This fosters emotional resilience and self-regulation, enabling clients to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and equanimity. By bringing mindful awareness as a foundation to these practices, clients deepen their experience and enhance their ability to connect with themselves on a holistic level. I encourage clients to cultivate a daily mindfulness practice outside of our sessions to further integrate mindfulness into their lives. This may include meditation, mindful breathing, body scans, or mindful movement exercises. Consistent practice helps clients develop resilience, self-awareness, and a greater sense of presence in their daily lives. I guide clients towards non-dual awareness, the recognition of their essential nature beyond the limitations of the individual self. This involves exploring the nature of consciousness and experiencing moments of unity, interconnectedness, and expansiveness beyond the confines of egoic identity. By guiding clients to cultivate mindfulness and integrate it into their daily lives, I support them in developing a deeper connection between their mind, body, and consciousness. This integrated approach fosters holistic well-being, resilience, and a sense of wholeness that transcends the limitations of the separate self.
How do you customize your treatments to serve the unique needs of your clients?
Customizing treatments to serve the unique needs of each client is essential in providing effective holistic care. I begin by conducting a thorough assessment of each client’s needs, preferences, goals, and health history. This may include discussions about their physical health, emotional well-being, lifestyle factors, past experiences with holistic practices, and any specific concerns or challenges they wish to address. I collaborate with clients to establish clear and achievable goals for their holistic treatment plan. By actively involving clients in the goal-setting process, I ensure that their priorities and aspirations are honored, and they feel empowered and motivated to participate in their healing journey.
Based on the assessment and goal-setting process, I design personalized treatment plans that integrate a combination of modalities and practices suited to the individual needs and preferences of each client. This may include a mix of TRE, yoga, Reiki, mindfulness meditation, sound baths, nutritional guidance, stress management techniques, and other holistic approaches. I prioritize building trust and rapport with clients, creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard, respected, and valued. Open communication and mutual trust form the foundation of our therapeutic relationship, allowing clients to express their needs and preferences openly and honestly. I remain flexible and adaptable in my approach, recognizing that each client’s needs may evolve over time. I regularly check in with clients to assess their progress, preferences, and any changes in their circumstances or health status. I adjust treatment plans accordingly to ensure they remain aligned with the client’s evolving needs and goals.
I address the root causes of imbalance rather than merely treating symptoms, aiming to support clients in achieving holistic health and vitality on all levels. I empower clients by providing them with education, resources, and tools to support their self-care practices outside of our sessions. This may include guidance on mindfulness techniques, yoga sequences, stress management strategies, nutritional recommendations, and self-reflection exercises. By empowering clients to take an active role in their own healing process, I facilitate long-lasting transformation and well-being. This begins by celebrating each and every single win, no matter how small. This shows the client how small changes can impact their lives in a big way. By tailoring treatments to serve the unique needs of each client, I ensure that they receive personalized care that honors their individuality, fosters holistic healing, and supports them in achieving their health and wellness goals.
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