Preparing for your first TRE™ session in Singapore

You have booked a session with a certified TRE™ provider. Good. Here is how to get the most from it — before, during and after — whether you are meeting in a studio in the CBD or on Zoom from your living room in Punggol.

The week before

• Tell your provider about your body. Past injuries, surgeries, pregnancy, epilepsy, heart conditions, and any psychiatric diagnosis or medication. Nothing is disqualifying by default, but the exercises will be adapted for you.
• Check in with your doctor if any of the above apply. TRE™ complements medical care; it does not replace it.
• Choose a calm slot. A session followed by a client presentation is not ideal. Late afternoon or evening, with nothing urgent afterwards, is perfect.

The day of the session

• Eat lightly. A heavy meal in the two hours before makes lying down uncomfortable. Have water with you.
• Dress for movement. Loose trousers or leggings, a comfortable top, bare feet or socks. Singapore studios are air-conditioned; bring a light layer for the resting phase.
• Go easy on caffeine. A strong kopi right before can make the nervous system jumpier than it needs to be.
• Arrive ten minutes early — or, online, have your mat, cushion and camera set up and tested.

Online? Set up your space

Use a laptop or tablet rather than a phone, placed at floor level about two metres away so your provider can see your whole body from the side. Close the door, silence notifications and let housemates know you need 90 undisturbed minutes. A yoga mat on carpet, a cushion for your head and a blanket are all you need.

During the session

Your provider will guide you through the seven exercises and then invite the tremor while you lie down. The most useful mindset is curiosity. There is no right way to shake, no amount that is "enough", and no prize for intensity. Some people tremor strongly in a first session; others feel only a faint vibration or warmth. Both are the nervous system doing exactly what it should.

Less is more. A short, gentle first tremor that leaves you calm is a better start than a long one that leaves you wired.

You will learn three ways to stop: straighten your legs, roll onto your side, or stand up. Use them freely. Practising stopping is part of the skill.

After the session

• Rest for a while. Sit, drink water, take a slow walk rather than rushing to the MRT.
• Expect a little tiredness — or unusual alertness. Both settle within a few hours. Many people sleep deeply that night.
• Notice, don't analyse. Emotions or memories can surface in the following day or two. Let them pass; your provider is there if you want to talk.
• Don't self-practise yet. Wait until your provider confirms you are ready — usually after three or four sessions — then start with 15 minutes, two or three times a week.

Ready? Find a certified provider, or join an introductory group session to learn alongside others.