Developed
in the latter half of the twentieth century by Dr. Milton
Trager (1908-1997), the underlying philosophy behind the TRAGER
Approach rests upon the theory that in order for the body
to become liberated and tension-free, it must first learn
to experience effortless and easy movements. Stemming from
this belief, the TRAGER Approach is a bodywork technique which
involves gentle rocking, cradling, jiggling and lengthening
of the body, which releases deep-rooted physical and psychological
tensions and promotes relaxation, increased flexibility and
alertness.
TRAGER work is based on the premise that discomfort, pain,
and reduced functionality are physical symptoms of accumulated
tension resulting from accidents, weak posture, fear, emotional
blockages, and daily stress.
The TRAGER Approach uses the natural rhythm of the body’s
weight and structure to help rediscover ease, comfort, fluidity
of movement and freedom from restriction. TRAGER work does
not cause pain. The method is invitational, teaching by positive
experience; searching out comfort, affirming existing abilities,
initiating the development of improvements in function and
an increased potential for health and well-being. Results
can be transformative, the benefits long-lasting.
TRAGER is an educational model as well. Part of the session
can include explorations in movement to find what is comfortable,
easy and freeing. Clients are encouraged to utilize these
movements for self care reinforcing the sensory experience
of comfort and ease.
In a TRAGER session, the client rests on a padded table and
the practitioner moves the client’s body in such a way
that the person actually experiences the possibility of being
able to move that freely effortlessly and gracefully on their
own.
Recall is another component of this work. Recall is learning
how to remember the pleasurable sensations and feelings you
had during the tablework, an exercise designed to promote
relaxation. You can use recall when you are out in the world.
Remembering the feelings you experience during a TRAGER session,
allows your nervous system to become quieter. Your body responds
by slowing your breathing and your heart rate ~ and you feel
better!
TRAGER work is effective in a variety of applications, including
musculo-skeletal diseases, back and neck problems, athletic
performance, balance problems, and physical injuries. Practitioners
may refer to themselves as C.T.P. (Certified Trager Practitioner)
once they have completed their professional training.
HEADACHE STUDY ~ What New Research Confirms
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern
California, the Trager Approach reduced headache frequency.
Twenty-nine young adults with migraine or tension headaches
were slotted into one of three groups. One group received
a Trager session once a week for 6 weeks; another saw a doctor
once a week for 6 weeks to discuss symptoms; the third group
did nothing. (All three could use pain medication as needed.)
After 6 weeks, the Trager group reported a 27.5 percent reduction
in headaches, the doctor group noted a 3.7 percent reduction,
and the control group had a 13.5 percent increase. In addition,
people in the Trager group cut their use of pain meds by 44
percent, the doc-visit group's use of meds dropped by 19 percent,
and the no-treatment group's use rose by 25 percent.
TRAGER is fun. There are no right or wrong movements. We seek
to find what works best for you. The work is cumulative, the
more you do and/or receive, the more comfortable you become.
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