Deep Hip Opening Method™
Healing doesn’t come from force, but from softness.
Discover the science of Deep Hip Opening method, a somatic practice by Laura Rodenas that uses neurogenic tremoring to release trauma, reduce stress, and restore nervous system balance. Explore its roots in Polyvagal Theory, neuroplasticity, and TRE research for holistic healing.
In a world where chronic stress and unresolved trauma shape the bodies of millions of women & men, Laura Ródenas Deep Hip Opening Method™ emerges as a precise somatic approach rooted in instinct, yoga science and neuroscience.
Developed by Laura Ródenas (MSc Sustainable Architecture & Psychology of the spaces / Yoga Therapist & Somatic Teacher), this method works directly with the pelvis, the center where survival patterns, emotional memory and hormonal rhythms intersect.
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The body already knows how to reset.
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Imagine a gazelle escaping a predator. It doesn’t analyze what happened. It shakes. The tremor discharges the survival response and restores equilibrium. This reflex exists in all mammals. It is not dramatic. It is biological.
In humans, that reflex is often suppressed.
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Deep Hip Opening™ activates this innate tremor response through intentional hip positioning, psoas engagement, breath pressure, and controlled muscular fatigue. The shaking is not forced. It emerges when the nervous system feels safe enough to release.
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This mechanism aligns with Polyvagal Theory, which explains how the body shifts between defense and safety.
It reflects principles of Neuroplasticity, because repeated experiences of embodied safety rewire response patterns.
And it parallels the tremor research behind Trauma Release Exercises, while centering physiology and pelvic intelligence.
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This is not performance.
This is not emotional drama.
This is the completion of a biological stress cycle.
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Over billions of years, the nervous system evolved tremoring as a survival tool. Today, we can consciously access it to soften chronic bracing, restore pelvic circulation, and shift the body out of silent survival mode.
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Deep Hip Opening™ is hygiene for the nervous system.
Evolutionary Roots: Why Shaking Is Nature's Reset Button
From an evolutionary standpoint, neurogenic therapeutic tremoring, the scientific term for involuntary shaking (coined by Dr. David Berceli) serves as a survival tool. Animals in the wild instinctively tremble after a stressful encounter to discharge stress, adrenaline, cortisol, trauma and more from building up preventing long-term health issues. This process restores the body to homeostasis, a state of internal balance where healing thrives. Animals in nature typically never go far out of this state of homeostasis as they use this mechanism to bounce right back into balance after a stressful or traumatic experience.
This article from Healthline knows what we're talking about.
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Modern life keeps many of us in chronic sympathetic activation, constantly prioritizing survival over digestion, repair and hormonal balance. The Deep Hip Opening Method™ reawakens an innate tremor reflex, a biological mechanism designed to discharge stress and restore regulation. By practicing it consistently, we don’t “clear blockages”; we complete stress cycles, regulate the nervous system, and build real resilience from the pelvis outward.
Decoding the Autonomic Nervous System:
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Dynamics
​At the heart of The Deep Hip Opening Method™ lies the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, digestion, immunity, this therapeutic tremoring mechanism, and more. The ANS operates through two primary branches: the sympathetic, which mobilizes for fight, flight, freeze, or fawn during stressful situations, and the parasympathetic, which promotes rest, digest, and recovery.
When danger looms, the sympathetic mode ramps up: blood flows to muscles for escape, digestion halts, and adrenaline surges. This is a very important adaptation in the short-term for getting out of danger but very harmful when it is prolonged and we get stuck there, which is so common in our culture today, leading to issues like chronic anxiety, digestive disorders, insomnia, mental health issues and much more. The parasympathetic mode, conversely, optimizes the healing functions of our body by slowing down the heart, deepening the breathing, allowing efficient digestion, and fostering a calm, centered and clear body and mind.
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The Deep Hip Oening Method™ facilitates the shift from sympathetic dominance to parasympathetic restoration. Through tremoring, it releases aches, pains, muscular tensions, anxiety, blocked emotions, trauma and more signaling safety to the brain and downregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to reduce excess stress hormones. This not only clears blockages in neural pathways but also enhances communication between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nerves, including key ones like the vagus and trigeminal nerves.
Polyvagal Theory: Climbing the Ladder to Safety and Connection
Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory offers a profound framework for understanding how The Deep Hip Opening Method supports emotional regulation and healing. This theory describes how the vagus nerve—the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system—regulates our physiological states through three hierarchical pathways:
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Ventral Vagal State: A sense of openness, safety, and social connection.
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Sympathetic State: The fight-or-flight response, mobilizing us to face perceived threats.
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Dorsal Vagal State: A shutdown or freeze response, often linked to dissociation or numbness.
When people experience chronic stress or trauma, their nervous system can become trapped in the lower (sympathetic or dorsal vagal) states. This can manifest as anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, emotional disconnection, mental health issues, and so much more—hindering both our health and relationships.
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The Deep Hip Opening Method™ facilitates a natural process of “climbing the vagal ladder,” moving us out of sympathetic states and into parasympathetic states. Through spontaneous, neurogenic tremoring, it gently discharges stored tension and reawakens the body’s innate rhythm of regulation. This process activates, soothes, and tones the vagus nerve, helping shift the system from defensive or frozen states toward ventral vagal safety and connection.
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The vagus nerve, sometimes called the wandering nerve, extends from the brainstem through the heart, lungs, and digestive tract—linking brain and body in continuous dialogue. By toning this nerve through The Deep Hip Opening Method™, practitioners often experience enhanced emotional resilience, improved organ function, and a deeper sense of inner peace.
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Ultimately, The Deep Hip Opening Method™ offers a somatic inside-out pathway to restore balance in the autonomic nervous system from within—supporting physical health, physiological harmony, emotional wellbeing, and mental health.
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Here are some key references supporting PVT in The Deep Hip Opening Method™:
[1. PVT article by Porges, 2. TRE & PVT, 3. Somatic Experiencing and PVT].
Brain Waves and Neuroplasticity: Rewiring for Flow States and Healing
The Deep Hip Opening Method™ also impacts brain wave patterns, shifting from fast, chaotic beta waves (associated with stress) to slower alpha and theta states (linked to relaxation, creativity, great sleep, and meditation). This transition supports neurogenesis—the growth of new neural connections—and neuroplasticity, rewiring pathways disrupted by trauma. It also supports our ability for accurate and more responsive neurception.
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Technical brain wave ranges include:
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Gamma (30-100 Hz): Insight and synchronization.
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Beta (12-30 Hz): Alertness, but high levels signal anxiety.
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Alpha (8-12 Hz): Relaxed focus.
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Theta (4-8 Hz): Meditation and visualization.
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Delta (0.5-4 Hz): Deep restoration.
The Deep Hip Opening Method™ very effectively induces slower brainwave states clearing stuck patterns, enhancing brain-body coordination, relaxing the overstressed and logical thinking mind, and improving overall well-being. In Yogic terms, The Deep Hip Opening Method™ induces states of meditation spontaneously similar to how the neurogenic therapeutic tremors themselves are spontaneous.
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In everyday terms, slower waves foster peace, while fast waves foster stress. That is unless the fast waves become harmonious, where "flow states" for peak performance arise, which The Deep Hip Opening Method is great at inducing.
The Subconscious Mind: Processing Timeless Trauma
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The subconscious mind (connected to our ANS) typically operates beyond conscious awareness, seamlessly managing vital functions like breathing and heartbeat.
Unlike the conscious mind, which processes experiences linearly within the constraints of time, the subconscious mind exists in a sort of timeless realm where trauma remains as vivid and intense as the day they occurred, even if the conscious mind has largely forgotten or not. These unresolved traumas can profoundly influence our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, manifesting as chronic anxiety, tension, or unexplained reactive behaviors even if the logical mind thinks that the event happened so long ago that it must not be affecting it anymore. Time doesn't heal all wounds. Sometimes these wounds get frozen into the deepest parts of our subconscious that they become numb to us and we forget about them, but they are most likely still having a significant impact on our life.
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The Deep Hip Opening Method™ connects into these subconscious parts of us through our innate tremor mechanism. Similar to how we can bridge our conscious and subconscious minds through our breath by changing our breath, which is normally autonomous, we can consciously and intelligently explore our instinctive tremor mechanism to bridge the conscious and subconscious minds. This bridge into the subconscious layers of the mind and nervous system allows us to tap into and release those frozen-numb-suppressed emotions and traumas without necessarily needing to talk about it, offering a safe and effective way to process trauma that may elude generally allude conscious awareness. Talk therapy may be complimentary here though we fill like Deep Hip Opening Method is the massive missing piece of the puzzle for complete and holistic healing.
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Much like learning to drive, the practice of The Deep Hip Opening Method™ quite quickly transforms from a 'practice' into an evermore instinctive and intuitive process as it is when we are born and in animals in nature. The body awakens and remembers its profound ability to self-regulate with its tremor mechanism, diminishing the hold of past trauma and fostering resilience as it moves into homeostasis. The nervous system releases deeply held stress, creating a foundation for lasting physical, emotional, and mental resilience, sensitivity, and balance as it releases trauma trapped in the timelessness of the subconscious.
Hormonal Harmony and Long-Term Benefits
The Deep Hip Opening Method™ promotes hormonal balance by upregulating "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin, known for fostering connection and calm, and serotonin, which enhances mood and emotional well-being. Concurrently, it reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which are often elevated due to unresolved trauma or chronic stress.
This regulation stabilizes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, mitigating the effects of prolonged stress, including adrenal fatigue, immune dysfunction, and emotional instability. By fostering a healthier hormonal profile, The Deep Hip Opening Method™ supports sustained emotional clarity, mental focus, and physical vitality, creating a foundation for long-term well-being across all levels of health.
Evidence from Related Modalities: Insights from TRE and Beyond
Scientific research on somatic tremor therapies, particularly Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) developed by Dr. David Berceli, supports The Deep Hip Opening Method's™ principles. TRE uses a targeted sequence to evoke neurogenic tremors, discharging chronic tension. Key studies include:
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A 2014 pilot with 21 caregivers showed 10 weeks of self-induced tremors improved quality of life, including life enjoyment (P < .05) and emotional resilience, with 91.3% adherence.
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A 2023 study on at-risk boys with complex trauma found TRE reduced symptoms and enhanced coping.
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A controlled trial with veterans showed TRE lowered PTSD symptoms via parasympathetic activation.
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Research on multiple sclerosis patients reported reduced stress and trauma symptoms post-TRE.
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And more!
You can find the research from TRE on therapeutic tremoring right here.
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These findings affirm tremor-based therapies' benefits for PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain, aligning with The Deep Hip Opening Methos's™ focus and our thousands of anecdotal testimonies some of which are here on our reviews page.
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Related somatic modalities like Somatic Experiencing also reduce PTSD through body-centered release. Some key books:
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Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma (1997) by Dr. Peter Levine – Details somatic trauma discharge.
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The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (2014) by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk – Examines trauma's physiological impacts.
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Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE): A Revolutionary New Method for Stress/Trauma Recovery (2005) by Dr. David Berceli – Outlines TRE's mechanics.
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Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers (1994) by Dr. Robert Sapolsky – Explains stress's evolutionary biology.
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Bioenergetics: The Revolutionary Therapy That Uses the Language of the Body to Heal the Problems of the Mind (1975) by Dr. Alexander Lowen – Emphasizes body-mind integration.
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Key Takeaways!
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Evolutionary Mechanism: The Deep Hip Openings Method™ leverages the body's innate neurogenic tremoring to release stress and trauma, a survival tool observed in animals.
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Autonomic Balance: It shifts the nervous system from sympathetic (fight/flight) to parasympathetic (rest/digest), promoting healing and homeostasis.
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Polyvagal Support: By stimulating the vagus nerve, fosters emotional regulation and social connection, aligning with Polyvagal Theory.
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Neuroplasticity: Tremoring supports new neural pathways, enhancing brain-body coordination and reducing trauma's lingering effects.
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Scientific Backing: Studies on TRE and related somatic therapies validate benefits like reduced PTSD, anxiety, and improved resilience, supporting The Deep Hip Opening Method's™ approach.​
FAQ
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What is neurogenic therapeutic tremoring?
It’s the body’s natural spontaneous shaking mechanism, evolved to discharge stress and trauma, restoring balance to the nervous system.
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How does The Deep Hip Opening Method™ differ from TRE or Somatic Experiencing?
The Deep Hip Opening Method™ goes straight to the root, the pelvis, where survival and emotion often live. Instead of full-body tremor sequences or talk-based processing, it uses precise hip activation and breath to unlock stored tension safely. It’s direct, embodied and designed to restore safety from the center of your body outward.
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Is The Deep Hip Opening Method™ scientifically supported?
Yes, related research on TRE shows benefits for PTSD, anxiety, and stress reduction, trauma and more.
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Can anyone practice this method?
Yes, it’s an innate mechanism suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have specific conditions.
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How many years of research hold this method?
For over 10 years, Laura Ródenas has been researching and developing it, a path that began after a life changing traffic accident, when her own body became the laboratory and the teacher.
How to Begin your Journey?
3 month Online Private Mentorship
I created something special for you, a 3 months somatic and hip opening mentorship designed to support you step by step in releasing tension, reconnecting with your body and softening the emotional layers stored in the hips.
The Deep Hip Opening Method Teacher Training Certification |
Embodied Wisdom & Nervous System Intelligence
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Become Certified and Skilled in the Art & Science of Facilitating Therapeutic & Trauma informed Yoga
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Learn how to release store trauma, awaken your life force, and guide others with grounded confidence, rooted in a trauma-informed approach, therapeutic tremoring, yogic wisdom and embodied knowledge.
We offer 1:1 personalised Deep Hip Opening Teacher Training containers.
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Our next group Deep Hip Opening Method Teacher Training is starting in September, 2026.
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Contact Laura on WhatsApp, socials or email (found below)
