In the last quarter of 2024, I began a journey to learn about Somatic Body Works. Have you ever felt tension in your neck and shoulders, or in your body, that doesn't seem to go away? You brushed it off, or once in a while, you get a massage for relief. It felt good for a while, and then it returned. I thought that it was because of age that this was the norm. You what ... it is NOT !!!

Pain is a way of signalling the body that something is not sitting well and we should attend to it. Pushing it aside may not be beneficial, as we sometimes amplify it even more. So the other option is to investigate it to learn about it and respond to it.

I have since learnt that I have little awareness of my 'body sense' - sometimes unable to localise where the pain resides. Hence, I went to the hospital to get a scan and X-rays, crossing my fingers that I do not have any complications. I am glad with the medical consultation my health is good and I do not have any complications. So why then do I feel pain in some parts of my body - my lower lumbar, tension in my shoulders and neck.

Then I thought my muscle groups were weak, which might be causing these pains due to my poor posture and weak core. Thus, I started a stretching and mild exercise regimen. That helps, but these pains would still be there.

Could it be psychosomatic symptoms? Is exploring somatic bodywork the answer to finding relief? I was invited to a somatic work session—I tried the Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) designed by Dr David Berceli. Through a guided provider, I engage in TRE.

TRE activated a tremor that travelled from my pelvic area and eventually moved along my spine, reaching my shoulders and neck. As I was in this controlled shaking, my muscles and spine began to move, twist and shake in a way that sent a deep release through the tense muscle group. After 30 minutes, I was asked to stop and rest. In a short time, I sense my body feeling warm, especially around those muscles that felt tense. I was surprised by it. The pain points seem duller now, and some areas of tension have melted away during the shaking period. It was a very positive experience for me.

When I got home, I started reading more about this program, and I am now in the midst of training to become a TRE provider.

As part of my practicum, I would need to eventually work with volunteers to experience TRE. I am extending my invitation to you, my reader, to experience TRE for yourself as well. If you are interested, please email me, and we can set up a time for an online meeting if you are not in Singapore. If you are in Singapore, we can meet in person. There will be no charge for now until I receive my certification in March 2026. There is a condition for me to video and interview you pre- and post-TRE as part of my hand-in assignment. Thanks, and hope to hear from you soon.