Introduction to Shaking Medicine
Shaking Medicine is a somatic healing practice that harnesses therapeutic tremoring, one of nature’s oldest mechanisms for restoring balance.
Evolved in animals over millennia, this natural healing mechanism allows mammals, including humans, to reset their nervous system, release trauma, and promote vibrant health.
Shaking Medicine, founded by Dr. Keith Motes (PhD in Quantum Physics, Yogi & Qi Gong Teacher and Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist), blends ancient wisdom with modern insights to offer a unique path to healing, ongoing well-being and vibrant living!
What Is Shaking Medicine?
Shaking Medicine is a somatic practice that uses instinctive therapeutic tremors to reset the nervous system.
This ancient mechanism, evolved in animals for shaking off stress and trauma, has been part of human healing for millennia. It acts as an “anti-virus” for the nervous system, fostering organic self-healing, homeostasis, and vibrant health.
By relaxing the logical mind and surrendering control, the body’s innate intelligence guides movements—think of it as a “system defrag” for your nervous system.
Key Benefits:
- Releases trauma and stress: Shaking helps discharge pent-up energy from past experiences.
- Restores balance: Promotes nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.
- Enhances vitality: Boosts energy and fosters a sense of well-being.
- See our benefits blog post for a comprehensive list.
Why It Matters: Unlike traditional talk therapy, Shaking Medicine works directly with the body to heal the body and the mind. It's approach uses therapeutic tremoring tapping into nature's healing power. It is accessible and extremely useful for complete beginners and advanced practitioners alike.
The Origins of Shaking Medicine
Therapeutic tremoring is deeply rooted in nature. Animals instinctively shake to release stress after danger—a deer trembling after escaping a predator, for example. Humans share this natural healing mechanism, though cultural suppression has diminished its use. Shaking Medicine, as a somatic modality, was born through the transformative experience of Dr. Keith Motes.
Dr. Keith Motes’ Journey
In a profound moment of deep meditation, Dr. Keith Motes, a physicist and Yogi at the time, experienced spontaneous therapeutic tremoring unexpectedly.
His body began trembling, pandiculating, and making spontaneous sounds, releasing childhood trauma he hadn’t consciously recognized was even there before.
This “rebirthing” experience inspired him to start this unique somatic modality now known as Shaking Medicine that blends science, spirituality, and ancient wisdom.
Dr. Motes’ Credentials:
- PhD in Quantum Physics, providing a scientific lens. Check out his Publications.
- Extensive training in Yoga, Qi Gong, Zenthai Shiatsu, and Somatics, grounding Shaking Medicine in holistic traditions.
- Deep personal embodiment, experience, and transformations with trauma release through shaking, adding authenticity and relatability, so that he is a living example of this work.
- Keith has taught this modality to 10,000+ people and has trained around 100 Shaking Medicine Teachers.
Ancient Roots and Cultural Influences
Shaking Medicine draws from a rich tapestry of global traditions, proving its universal relevance as a vibrational healing practice. Key influences include:
- Nature: Our biggest inspiration. Animals’ instinctively tremor to release maintain homeostasis.
- Indigenous Practices: The Kalahari Bushmen, known as the world's oldest uninterrupted shakers for 60,000+ years, use ecstatic shaking in sacred rituals to connect with spirit and heal.
- Taoist Practices: Neidan, Tao Yin, Qi Gong, Zi Fa Gong, and Nei Gong emphasize spontaneous movement for energy flow.
- Indian Traditions: Tantra, Kriya, and Kundalini Yoga incorporate shaking to awaken energy and release blockages.
- Shamanic and Cultural Rituals: American Indian, Australian Aboriginal, Japanese Seiki, and Samurai traditions integrate shaking for spiritual and physical cleansing.
- Biblical References: Shaking is mentioned in spiritual contexts, symbolizing divine release and renewal.
These traditions highlight shaking as a universal language of healing, transcending cultural boundaries.
Modern Resurgence and Pioneers
Cultural and religious suppression over centuries diminished shaking medicine’s prominence, but a modern revival has sparked global interest. Pioneers include:
- Dr. Bradford Keeney: His book, Shaking Medicine: The Healing Power of Ecstatic Movement, inspired the name of this modality. Highly recommended read. Keeney’s shaking modality Sacred Ecstatics emphasizes shaking’s spiritual and transformative power.
- Dr. David Berceli: Developed Trauma Release Exercises (TRE), using tremors to release stress.
- Dr. Peter Levine: Pioneered Somatic Experiencing, focusing on body-based trauma healing.
- Dr. Alexander Lowen: Introduced Bioenergetics, incorporating shaking for emotional release.
- Osho: Created Dynamic Kundalini Meditation, blending shaking with meditation.
- Other Influences: Ratu Bagus (BioEnergy Shaking Meditation), Seitai Katsugen Undo, Neurogenic Yoga, NeuroPhysics, Sufi practices, and Shakers/Quakers rituals.
Why This Matters: Lot's of wisdom helps us make Shaking Medicine as safe and effective as possible. We bridge ancient practices with modern science for a balanced and holistic mindset and approach.
How Shaking Medicine Works
Therapeutic tremoring activates the body’s autonomic nervous system, triggering natural tremors that release stored tension. This process:
- Discharges Stress: Mimics the body’s response to danger, releasing cortisol and adrenaline.
- Regulates the Vagus Nerve: Enhances parasympathetic activity for calm and resilience.
- Promotes Emotional Release: Frees suppressed emotions, aiding trauma release through shaking.
Science-Backed Insight: Studies, like those by Dr. Peter Levine, show that tremoring stimulates the vagus nerve, reducing symptoms of anxiety and PTSD.
Getting Started with Shaking Medicine
Shaking Medicine uses therapeutic tremoring to promote trauma release and nervous system balance. We suggest starting with our Shaking Medicine Beginner’s Course in our Skool Community to learn this somatic healing practice safely.
To prepare your space
- Safe Space: Select a quiet, private area to minimize distractions. Shaking at home or in nature is great if privacy is ensured.
- Comfort: Wear loose clothing and use a soft surface (e.g., yoga mat, carpet).
- Music: Optionally, play soothing music to enhance relaxation.
- Consult: Shaking Medicine is generally safe, but consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns. Read our Precautions Blog for details.
In a Shaking Medicine class
- A Warm-Up: Gentle movements to warm up the body and bring the mind into presence.
- Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system and enhance the tremoring experience.
- Surrender: Guided therapeutic tremoring to let go, release control, and melt tension.
- Intuitive Movement: Develop instinctive and intuitive awareness through embodying your instinctive mechanism of therapeutic tremoring.
- Yin Approach: A gentle, non-forced method allowing natural tremoring and emotional release.
Join the Shaking Medicine Community to start our Beginner’s Course.
Key Takeaways
- Shaking Medicine explores a natural healing mechanism rooted in ancient traditions and modern science.
- Founded by Dr. Keith Motes, Shaking Medicine focuses on therapeutic tremoring rooted in holistic practices and experience.
- Benefits include trauma release, stress relief, nervous system regulation, and much more.
- Global traditions like the Kalahari Bushmen ceremonies, Yogis, Taoists, and the Samurai highlight its universal appeal.
- Modern pioneers like Dr. Bradford Keeney and Dr. David Berceli validate its efficacy.
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