What is the Trager® Approach?
The TRAGER® Approach uses gentle rhythmic movement to pleasurably connect you to your body and stimulate deep relaxation, improved physical mobility, and mental calm. As a result you let go of physical and mental blocks, release unneeded tension, move more easily and effectively, and feel better. This educational process, developed by Milton Trager, M.D., reaches below your conscious awareness to the levels that operate your body for you.

How does it work?
Life is movement. When you are hurt, sick, or stop movement for other reasons, the neural circuits that operate your body become less effective, through loss of practice. Too much, too little, or unbalanced muscle tension can result. Gentle rhythmic movement of your comfortably supported body gives your functional mind sensory information about where your body parts are and how they feel and move. Muscle tensions are automatically adjusted and your mind is calmed as endorphins (natural brain neuropeptides, as in runner's high) specific to a pleasurable body state are secreted. You move with more ease and efficiency because of your improved body-mind connection.

What are the Benefits?

• Flexibility, ease of movement
• Mental calm
• Relaxed energy and vitality
• Releasing chronic job stress
• Expanding limits after being hurt
• Learning to accept beneficial touch
• Trusting your body in athletics
• Pleasurable awareness of self

What happens in a TRAGER® Session?
A single session usually lasts from about one hour to one hour and a half. No oils or lotions are used. As you lie comfortably supported on a cushioned table, a TRAGER Practitioner moves you, while listening (feeling) to find your most comfortable rhythm and range. Each body part is moved and connected. Clients do not undress fully, but may wear brief clothing to improve access if that is comfortable for them. Soft clothing is preferred.
Most TRAGER sessions also include some MENTASTICS® a system of effortless self-generated movements. You listen to your body as you swing, lengthen, vibrate, shift, etc., using simple questions to focus on ease, comfort, and awareness. You can use MENTASTICS on your own to create for yourself lightness, freedom, and flexibility.

How much is needed?
A single session can feel wonderful. Releasing significant holding patterns can be enhanced by a series of sessions and your own MENTASTICS practice. The positive effects are cumulative.

NOTE: The TRAGER Approach does not involve treating or diagnosing any disease, nor is it a substitute for medical attention. The TRAGER Approach uses the feeling of comfortable, rhythmic movement to educate your functional mind to release unneeded tension and balance needed muscle tone. When there is any indication of physical or mental disease, we recommend that a physician be consulted before you receive TRAGER sessions.

For more information
The United States Trager® Association
24800 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 205
Beachwood, Ohio 44122, U.S.A.
www.trager-us.org

Trager, Mentastics, and the Dancing Cloud logo are registered service marks of Trager International

Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine
658 Kenilworth Drive, Suite 206, Towson Maryland 21204
(410)828-3585