Your body holds stress in ways your mind doesn't always understand. Stress release bodywork helps release this tension physically.
Stress is not just something you experience in your head. Your body holds tension in your muscles, fascia, and tissues – often without you realizing it. Months or even years of stress can accumulate as chronic tension, pain, or discomfort. Stress release bodywork offers a way to physically release this stored tension. At Zenn in the City in Rotterdam, we combine various somatic techniques for profound release.
How Stress Stores in Your Body
When you experience stress, your body prepares for action. Muscles tense, your breathing becomes shallow, and stress hormones are released. In an ideal situation, a discharge follows after the stress – your body shakes off the tension and returns to rest.
But in our modern lives, this often doesn't happen. We suppress our physical reactions, we "hold it together," we carry on. The tension remains. Over time, this pattern becomes chronic: hardened muscles, blocked breathing, a nervous system that's constantly on alert.
Common places where stress accumulates:
- Neck and shoulders (the "responsibility")
- Jaw (suppressed anger or expression)
- Middle back (emotional burden)
- Lower back and hips (stability and safety)
- Belly (anxiety and worry)
What is Stress Release Bodywork?
Stress release bodywork is a collection of somatic (body-oriented) techniques that help release stored tension. Unlike massage, which works with muscles, bodywork focuses on the nervous system and the deeper patterns of holding.
At Zenn in the City, we integrate different approaches:
Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
Developed by Dr. David Berceli, these are exercises that activate the body's natural tremor mechanism. This neurogenic tremoring helps shake off tension at a deep level.
Somatic movement
Gentle, conscious movements that invite the body to let go. Not stretching or strength, but subtle moving with attention.
Breathwork
Targeted breathing to mobilize and release held tension. Breath is a powerful tool to access deep tension patterns.
Supportive touch
Where appropriate, we may work with gentle, non-invasive touch to help the body relax and release.
The Science Behind Somatic Release
Our nervous system is designed to discharge stress through physical action – fighting, fleeing, or trembling and shaking afterward. Animals in the wild do this automatically after a threatening situation. But as humans, we have learned to suppress this natural discharge response.
Stress release bodywork reactivates this natural ability. When we allow the body to tremble, shake, or move, years of stored tension can be released. This is not a cognitive process – you don't need to understand why the tension is there to let it go.
The result is often:
- Immediate feeling of relief and lightness
- Reduced chronic pain
- Deeper breathing
- Better sleep
- More emotional space
- Increased body awareness
A Stress Release Session at Zenn in the City
Our sessions are always tailored to where you are. We start with a conversation about your experience with stress and tension, and what you hope to achieve.
Grounding and orientation
We begin by establishing safety and presence. This is essential for the nervous system to be able to let go.
Becoming aware of tension
Through body scan and movement, you become aware of where tension is located. This is not analytical, but feeling.
Activation and release
Through specific exercises, breathwork, or movement, we invite the body to release. This can manifest as trembling, movement, emotion, or deep relaxation.
Integration
After the release, there is time to calm down and integrate the experience. We discuss what you experienced and how you can support this in your daily life.
What Can You Expect During a Session?
Stress release can evoke different experiences:
Physical
- Trembling or shaking (neurogenic tremoring)
- Heat or cold
- Spontaneous movements
- Deep sighing breath
- Feelings of lightness or heaviness
Emotional
- Relief or liberation
- Emotional release (tears, laughter)
- Feelings arising without clear cause
- Deep rest or peace
All experiences are welcome and normal. Your body knows what it needs.
Who is Stress Release Bodywork For?
This practice is particularly valuable for:
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Physical tension that doesn't respond to massage
- People who "live in their heads"
- After traumatic or overwhelming experiences
- Emotions that are stuck or hard to feel
- Sleep problems due to tension
Stress Release as Part of Self-Care
What you learn in a session, you can take with you as a self-care practice. TRE exercises can be done at home, and we teach you how to safely and effectively work with your own tension.
Zenn in the City | Stress Release Bodywork Rotterdam
Waterloostraat 176A & 190A, 3062 TX Rotterdam-Kralingen
Tel: 010 413 1038