Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System (BBTRS)
What is BBTRS?
The Method of Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System® (BBTRS) is a new approach to body-oriented therapy. It consists of thoroughly chosen specific breathing patterns, conscious movement and dance, specialized techniques of touch and bodywork as well as exercises releasing tension from inside of the body, gentle emotional release techniques, exercises in self-awareness and meditation practices. Their thoughtful combination into an integrated flow allows the release of long-held trauma from the body and mind.
The Method of Biodynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release© was developed by Given Tonkov after over 20 years of exploration, learning and experience with clients individually and in groups. The goal of the BBTRS is to break through multilayer body armour, and by doing so also release the body, mind and nervous system on a mental, emotional and physiological level.
Scientists have determined how the body reacts to trauma; it stimulates a response of “fight, flight, or freeze” in our bodies. Tension from reactions to trauma can be left behind for days, years, or decades—and even day-to-day stress can wreak havoc on our quality of life, our health, and our relationships. BBTRS’s therapeutic tools work to gently release what trauma has left behind. From this loving and therapeutic perspective, even past traumatic experiences have the potential to assist in deep and healthy transformations. And future experiences become more layered, subtle, and integrated.
The results of the BBTRS can be a transformation of deeply-seated developmental, religious and social patterns. The Method allows one to experience the full spectrum of sensations and emotions available to a human being and at the same time developing their capacity to support and embrace a free flow of life energy.
The BBTRS consists of 6 main elements
1. Breathing
1. Breathing
1. Breathing
BBTRS® uses deep, connected breathing to “charge” the nervous system and provide access to the physical aspects of the trauma-release process. The full series of sessions allows tension to dissipate through movement, thus rebalancing your mind and body from head to toe.
2. Movement
1. Breathing
1. Breathing
BBTRS® uses movement in a multitude of ways including creative exercises that activate specific stuck areas of the body that hold tension. Other movements included are undulating spinal release, whole body shaking, fascial release, dancing, active meditation and tremors.
3. Emotions
1. Breathing
3. Emotions
Emotion is held along with body tension, and both come to the surface during somatic work. However, BBTRS® is structured to avoid reactivating people, and therefore steers away from overstimulation. Our balanced approach honors what is coming out emotionally, and then connects that experience to the body—allowing people to release and integrate trauma, rather than simply relive it or become overwhelmed.
4. Touch
6. Meditation
3. Emotions
Conscious touch, bodywork, and soft-tissue manipulation allows a practitioner to assist a person in releasing trauma. It is applied with sensitivity to increase awareness and support energy flow. In BBTRS®, understanding how and when to use conscious touch is central to all trainings.
5. Sound
6. Meditation
6. Meditation
The therapeutic use of sound is a proven way to aid in calming out nervous system/relaxing the body. BBTRS® uses sound through music and voice or toning.
6. Meditation
6. Meditation
6. Meditation
Meditation is used at the beginning and the end of BBTRS®. It’s used to support resonance in the practitioner and integration for the client. It’s also the resting state the mind and body often return to after BBTRS® sessions. Different approaches are used within BBTRS workshops and trainings, from active meditations, to sitting silently; all allowing our body to reach a state of rest.
Is BBTRS right for you?
BBTRS can be helpful in reducing symptoms of:
- Attention deficit disorder
- Apnea
- Anxiety
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Difficulty focusing
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Physical/emotional pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Stress
- Stress-related medical illnesses
- Trauma
- Insomnia
BBTRS supports:
- Physical alignment
- Aliveness
- Body awareness
- Inner balance
- Connection to others
- Creativity
- Spiritual connection
- Emotional integration
- Health & well-being
- Meditation
- Mental clarity
- Self-awareness
- Relaxation
Things to take into consideration:
Common sense should always prevail in determining what modalities you participate in, but we’ve identified a few conditions that are not good matches to the intensity that can come with BBTRS. Those in the following groups should abstain from BBTRS entirely:
- People under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol.
- Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, as the release associated with deep breathwork should be avoided.
- Those who suffer from asthma, unless it is very mild. (Mild asthma is sometimes improved with BBTRS®; please consult a physician.
- Severe heart disease, epilepsy, or a history of seizures.
- Mental illness, especially schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and any condition that includes psychosis.
- Severe diabetes, although some people with very mild diabetes, and who are proactive with diet and medication, might tolderate BBTRS®. (Please consult a physician.)
- Acute physical injuries can be exacerbated by some of the autonomic movements in BBTRS®. (Please consult with a physician, physical therapist, or certified BBTRS® facilitator to determine if your level of healing is sufficient to begin BBTRS®).