Steph Combe, of Core Strength Pilates, became aware of "Tre" - Tension and Trauma Release Exercises - through her research into the connection between stress and muscular tension in the body.
The process was developed by international trauma and natural disasters recovery specialist Dr David Berceli.
Dr Berceli had taught Tre around the world for the past 15 years to survivors of wars in Sudan, Iraq and Israel and following natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes in China, a Thailand tsunami and the recent floods in Queensland.
Ms Combe developed a personal interest in Tre after discovering Dr Berceli had worked with the United States military, helping soldiers who had served in Iraq. Ms Combe is married to an Iraq war veteran.
She began training as a Tre instructor in Australia just before the February 22 Christchurch earthquake and now hoped to teach the techniques to Cantabrians living in the Lakes District, to help relieve their tension.
"Berceli has taught Tre to thousands of people who have experienced natural disasters all over the world.
"The process is simple to learn and can be taught to a large number of people very quickly.
"We all know people affected by the earthquake. Many are not sleeping well and are very much on edge still.
"Tre has such potential to help our friends in Christchurch and many others ..."
Tre New Zealand was established last month and a series of one- and three-day workshops have been planned this month in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, presented by Tre Australia director and physiotherapist Richmond Heath.
Mr Heath is the only Tre instructor certified to take the workshops in Australia and New Zealand.
The Queenstown workshop will be held from May 28 to 30, at the St John rooms in Frankton. Registrations close on May 21.
Ms Combe said a donation to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal would be made from proceeds of the workshops.
• For more information, or to register, visit www.traumarelease.co.nz; email info@traumarelease.co.nz or contact Ms Combe on (03) 443-5878.
