Page 471 - Total War on PTSD

explorations performed by Trager Practitioners, who move the body while maintaining the body’s comfort, Trager Mentastics help the nervous system drop anticipatory contraction patterns that can exacerbate painful conditions. Once anxiety over possible discomfort is relieved, the body mind can make a truer assessment of what is happening.
Much like the success of autogenic training in biofeedback, Mentastics mindful movement utilizing self-inquiry can elicit new and more comfortable shifts in the musculature. Self-inquiries such as “What would feel lighter or freer, more fluid here?” or the visualization of something that embodies these qualities, can invite the body to follow the mind. This process is much like how a dancer or actor will take on the characteristics of the role they’re playing and, by getting in to character, they initiate change in their carriage, deportment and gestures, even tone of voice. Our bodies are designed to get good at what we practice, even when we practice in our thoughts. All of us have been able to call on a memory and bring forth a physiological response with a recalling of the feeling. Perhaps too often we reflect on negative experiences rather than recalling and re-living positive, relaxing or soothing ones with the enjoyable feelings that accompanied them. We can go there too, but only through practice. By recalling
the Trager session where lightness and fluidity are experienced, one can begin to elicit similar muscular changes and comfort. For those suffering from trauma, this may present some challenges, but the Mentastics process is gentle and patient. When practiced properly, Mentastics does not re-traumatize the body mind but rather provides a safe movement experience.
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