About BSR
Body Stress Release (BSR) is a gentle, complimentary non-therapeutic technique that helps the body release areas of stored tension in the muscles. Every day we are exposed to stress, whether mechanical (such as falls, accidents, poor posture, or repetitive strain), emotional (including worry, grief, or anxiety), or chemical (from pollution, toxins, and even certain foods). When this stress goes beyond what the body can naturally adapt to, it may become “locked” into the physical structure, disrupting normal function.
This stored tension can be the underlying cause of many common discomforts or symptoms, such as back and neck pain, headaches, sciatica, digestive issues, cramps, or even feelings of anxiety and fatigue. Because the nervous system plays a vital role in communication between the brain and body, tension stored along the spine and in the muscles can interfere with these signals, affecting overall health and well-being.
BSR works with the body’s own intelligence to gently encourage the release of these layers of tension, much like peeling back the layers of an onion. Using light but precise movements, the technique identifies where stress has accumulated and guides the body to unlock it, allowing natural healing and recovery to take place. It’s important to note that BSR does not diagnose or treat medical conditions — instead, it supports the body’s ability to restore balance and function at its full potential.
My Journey
My Body Stress Release (BSR) journey began in 2019. I didn’t have a major injury or life-changing event, but I struggled with internal stress and anxiety that began showing up in physical ways; bladder issues, hunched shoulders, and hip pain from standing too long.
What amazed me from the start was how gentle the technique was, yet how quickly my body responded. After each session, I felt unexpectedly tired, which I later understood was part of the body releasing tension and beginning to heal.
Whilst working in a highly pressurised finance role, I continued with BSR, however I would often wait months before booking another appointment, allowing stress to build up again. Over time, this caught up with me, and I suffered lost periods, chronic anxiety, heartburn, night sweats, poor sleep, and painful tension across my upper body. During this time I became increasingly interested in health and the body, yet ironically I wasn’t truly listening to my own.
My turning point wasn’t dramatic, but it was clear. I had developed excruciating wrist pain from overuse on my laptop—bad enough that I needed to wear a wrist support and even struggled to change gears in my car. Almost as an afterthought, I mentioned it to my practitioner, Claire Birbeck, never expecting BSR could help. After a simple test and release, the pain disappeared immediately. I couldn’t believe how quickly my body could let go of tension it had been holding for months.
BSR has brought me relief from heartburn, improved my sleep, eased my anxiety, and left my body feeling lighter and more relaxed. It’s more than just releasing tension, it’s a process that helps the body function as it’s meant to, like a well-oiled machine. Each session has also taught me more about posture, muscles, and the way the nervous system works. For years, I said, “I’d love to train as a BSR practitioner,” but it took almost three years to finally take the leap. Quitting my corporate job was daunting, but training in South Africa through a five-month intensive course and apprenticeship was the best decision I’ve ever made. Not only did I change my career, I changed my entire outlook on life.
Now, working with clients and seeing their bodies respond is the most rewarding part of what I do. Many are surprised at how much freer they feel, sometimes noticing improvements in areas they didn’t even realise were under strain. It still amazes me how such a gentle technique can have such a significant impact.
BSR truly is for everyone. We all experience stress—mechanical, emotional, or chemical—and the body carries it whether we realise it or not. For me, BSR has been life-changing, and I’m grateful every day to share it with others.